Mischa Zverev scores a win over Conor Niland in first round – Eckental Challenger 2011
On November 1, 2011, the 2011 Eckental Challenger featured its first round matches of the men’s singles event. Mischa Zverev (Germany) scored his win over Conor Niland (Ireland). The 27th ranked Zverev won the match
3-6, 6-3, 6-3.
Although the German lost the first set, he had a commanding position throughout the match. He scores nine aces with three double faults and had a 79% first serve success rate.
The 30-year old Irish, on the other, could not maintain a steady run in the match as he scored four aces but conceded 12 double faults, which were perhaps the reason why he could not go past his opponent in terms of games won.
Niland also had a lower first serve winning ratio, as he was not scoring much with his serves. His shots were not able to deceive his opponent either. In the first set, the German saved three out of his five break points while
his Irish opponent was able to save two out of three.
As compared to Zverev, the Irishman had a lower first serve winning percentage in the first set but somehow was able to create a lead when he won the set 6-3. Niland’s lead was only in the first set, as he did not get any room
to score against Zverev as the match progressed.
In the second set, the German saved the only breakpoint he got and won points with his serves. He also conceded only a single double fault in the first set, which showed he was cautious in his shot selection. Niland, ranked 194th in
the world, remained on the back foot for he was not able to make a comeback to win the match or take the second set into a tiebreaker. The German won the second set 6-3.
Zverev was flawless in the second set by not conceding any double faults and saved both of his breakpoints. His Irish opponent, however, had to lose points on four occasions due to double faults. He also saved only fifty-percent
of his breakpoints. Zverev was exceptional with his serves, for he scored an 88% first serve winning ratio as compared to the 60% rate maintained by his opponent.
The German has been having a great run in this tournament. He defeated compatriot Peter Torebko in the second round qualifying stage of the 2011 Eckental Challenger in a well-fought match.
With Zverev winning his match against Niland and sailing into the next round, the spectators would be optimistic with the German for he could bring home the title win.
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