Nicolas Almagro topples Andy Roddick in title-round – Miami Tennis Cup 2012
Spanish star, Nicolas Almagro, stunned the former world number one, Andy Roddick, in straight sets at the Miami Tennis Cup 2012, an ATP (Association of Tennis Professionals) Exhibition event taking place in Miami, South Florida. He notched up a 6-4, 7-5
victory against the local icon to capture the crown on Sunday.
The Spanish number three unleashed his true potential to outshine Roddick, who retired from professional tennis at the US Open this season, for the first time in their third encounter. Almagro lost at these Floridian courts against the American legend two
years ago but stayed focused to carve out this victory. He required a single break of serve in each set, eventually stealing the spotlight at this outdoor hard court exhibition event.
Almagro commented in a courtside interview after capturing the crown:
“I think it was a really good match, and he’s a very good player. I’m really happy with my tennis today. I think I can do better, but it’s the end of the season, and I’m a little bit tired. We tried to do something fun and enjoy the match.”
The 27-year-old made a strong entry at the Crandon Park Tennis Center. He smoothly swiped his entire serves until the ninth game when he drew the first blood. Almagro then plucked his serve once again and clinched the opener with a 6-4 score line. Roddick
committed an unforced error at 30-40 in the ninth game to gift away his serve.
Ranked 11th in the South African Airways ATP World Tour Rankings, Almagro kept momentum sailing in the following set. The Spaniard again bagged his serves until the ninth game when he sought a breakpoint. Regardless of squandering his break opportunity,
Almagro stayed focused and broke Roddick’s serve in the 11th game with a forehand crosscourt. He then slid his serve again and eventually sealed the set by winning seven games to five.
The former world number nine, Almagro lost both matches at the Davis Cup World Group final against Czech Republic. However, Almagro not only bagged the prize money but also gained confidence boost with this triumph.
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