Nicolas Almagro vs Fernando Verdasco – Semi-final Preview: Suisse Open Gstaad 2011
In the highly anticipated all-Spanish affair, world number 10, Nicolas Almagro of Spain will compete against the 20th ranked fellow compatriot, Fernando Verdasco, in the semi-final of Credit Agricole Suisse Open Gstaad
on Saturday.
Seeded at number one in the tournament, Almagro has been in prime form in the running ATP (Association of Tennis Professionals) season and his brilliant run in the tournament has earned him a place in the semi-finals. Although
the Spaniard has dropped one place in world rankings this month, his recent performances depict his excellence in the game.
Almagro is yet to lose a set in the tournament, as he has won both of his initial round matches in straights. He disposed of his fifth seeded fellow countryman, Feliciano Lopez, 6-4, 7-5, in the quarter-final clash to reach the
round of four with ease. On the other hand, Verdasco stood victorious against the unseeded Frenchman, Julian Benneteau, in a three-set thriller 6-4, 5-7, 6-1, in the last match to book a date with Almagro in the semi-final.
Verdasco haven’t faced a seeded in the tournament en route to the semis and it appears as if it might be a tough task for him to take down the top seeded Almagro in the Saturday’s contest. Fourth seeded Verdasco hasn’t won a singles
title in the current year and has a win-loss record of 22-15 while coming to the semi-final of the tournament.
The top seeded Spaniard has been in his best form ever during this ATP season and reached his career best rating of world number nine in May. Almagro has already won three ATP championships titles so far in the year and is certainly
eyeing to increase his title count at Gstaad. He won 40 encounters he took part in this season and suffered defeats in 14 matches so far.
Both men have faced each other earlier this year in the semi-final at Hamburg last week, with Almagro inflicting a humiliating straight sets defeat over Verdasco 6-4, 6-1, but eventually got defeated in the final at the hands of
Gilles Simon. Almagro has won the two encounters with Verdasco and has improved his all-time head-to-head record by 2-3.
Verdasco and Almagro have faced each other five times till now and all the encounter have been on the clay surfaces. Verdasco have been more successful against the top seeded Spaniard but Almagro’s recent form gives him a clear
advantage in the Saturday’s matchup. Verdasco had a tough time in his last matchup against Benneteau and toiled hard to clinch victory in the third set of the match. He needs to play far better than his last matchup and have to come up with something special
to take down the world number 10 in the semi-final.
Apparently, it should not be a trouble for Almagro to dispose of a 20th ranked player on Saturday but Verdasco has registered three consecutive victories over him and might repeat his vintage performance to surprise
everyone. Nevertheless, Almagro is the hot favourite for winning the semi-final and then go on to take the title as well.
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