Nicolas Massu edges past Juan Sebastian into 2nd round – L, G & T Tennis Challenger 2011
Wild Card Nicolas Massu battled past compatriot Juan Sebastian of 6-4, 6-4 in a thrilling encounter on Wednesday to advance into the second round of 2011 Levene, Goulding & Thompson Tennis Challenger tournament here in Binghamton,
New York.
Massu made a slow start to the contest as he struggled to time his shots early in the opening set. However as the match progressed, he started to execute his game plan a lot better. In a thrilling display of tennis, the Chilean
tennis pro showed great temperament and fighting skills to floor a very difficult opponent in a match that lasted for more than one hour and 32 minutes on the hard courts of Binghamton.
Looking for a title win here, Massu looked to establish control over the contest right from the word go. He tried those clever drop shots every now and then to surprise his opponent. Holding on to his serve games in a competitive
match, the 31-year-old evened the game score 4-4 with a powerful backhand winner down the line.
Ranked 234th in the world, Sebastian also lifted his spirits as he displayed some high quality tennis in the following two games. Both players inflicted heavy blows on each other as the match entered a very interesting
phase. Claiming three straight points, Massu made his first serve break of the match to earn a crucial 5-4 lead, serving for the set. Converting a long rally in his favour, he secured the opening set to take 1-0 set score lead.
The second set also followed similar trends as both players had trouble finding a way to break one another. Massu had no problems holding on to his first three serve games as he evened the game score 3-3. Converting his second
break chance of the match in eight game of the second set, he took 5-3 lead. Hitting his gorgeous forehand and backhand winners down the line and cross court on his last serve game, he completed his victory in great style.
Although the match lasted for only a mere 92 minutes, it was played on an extremely competitive note as both players struggled to break the serve. Massu served brilliantly and he looked in control of the points on his serve. He
was also equipped with a better range of shots. To Sebastian’s credit, he showed great defensive skills to save a few certain break points against himself. However, he failed to stop the challenger from earning a well deserved victory.
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