Nicolas Almagro and David Nalbandian through to Copa Claro quarterfinals
Seeded No. 1 at the Copa Claro Tennis Tournament, Spain's Nicolas Almagro started the year off in the best possible way, clinching his first title of the year at the 2011 Brazil Open played in Costa do Sauipe, Brazil. Things only seem to be getting better for
the Spaniard as he made a place for himself in the quarterfinals of the Copa Claro being played in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
What turned out to be an arduous second round match that lasted over two hours, came to a close as Almagro defeated Argentine Leonardo Mayer, making the home-advantage count. Mayer initiated the match with a 7-6 win in the first set. That however, seemed to
have been all he had to offer as Nicolas took the second set 6-1 and went on to take the deciding third set 6-3 to advance to the following round.
“I knew it would be tough but I’m happy because I did my job. He played incredible in the first set, but in the second I got better, he got a little tired. Gladly I could win the third set after a break at 4-3 and served very well in the end,” said Almagro.
Furthermore, Nicolas will be opposed by wild card entrant Jose Acasuso of Argentina in the quarterfinals of his draw. Acasuso made it through upon defeating Uruguay's Pablo Cuevas 6-7, 7-5 and 6-1 in the second round match played between the two.
In contrast to Mayer's performance, David Nalbandian kept Argentina's hopes alive cruising through to the quarterfinals after having beaten compatriot Juan Pablo Brzezicki in a brief 68 minute match. Brzezicki was thrashed 6-1 and 6-2 to be knocked out of the
tournament.
“I did almost everything perfectly, it was a great match. I didn’t have to run or defend too much. Some matches you can do more things depending on what your rival does, but the idea is to keep up this tennis,” stated Nalbandian.
Additionally, David will be facing No. 6 seed, Spain's Tommy Robredo in the quarterfinals, who made it through upon getting rid of qualifier and compatriot Albert Ramos-Vinolas 6-3 and 7-5 in his second round match.
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