Rajeev Ram ousts Wayne Odesnik; moves into main draw – Legg Mason Tennis Classic 2011
Two Americans clashed in the final qualifier round of the Legg Mason Tennis Classic tournament as Rajeev Ram conquered his fellow countryman Wayne Odesnik in straight sets, winning 6-4, 6-4. 27-year-old Ram made his way to the
William H.G. Fitzgerald Tennis Centre in Rock Greek Park to win his main draw seat from Wayne. The match was played on hard circuit.
The world No. 236 stands at a massive 6’4” and has been playing professionally since 2004. The right hander has won 1 major title in his career back in 2009 when he won the Campbell’s Hall of Fame Tennis Championship.
On the contrary, Wayne Odesnik, 25-year-old has been a strong contender throughout. Although he has not won any major titles, his ranking has been consistent in the past. The left hander turned professional in 2004 reaching a career
high of world No.77.
The two were meeting each other for the 4th time in their careers. Dominating in the rivalry, Odesnik had won on all three previous occasions. won 3 out of the 5 fixtures including the Legg Mason Tennis qualifier. The
two have never played each other than on hard courts.
Starting off with the match Odesnik served the opening game of set 1 rolling the score cards to 1-0. Ram followed his rival levelling the scores to 1-1. The scores then again levelled at 2-2, and 3-3. The match intensified as breakpoints
reined the next 3 games rolling the scoreboard to 5-4 in favour of the World No.236. Finally beating the odds, Ram took out the local countryman in the final game to win the set 6-4 and led 1-0 in the match.
The 1st set concluded with Ram attaining 32 points including 19 service and 13 returners. His stats on 1st serve points averaged 79 percent and 36 percent in the second.
Odesnik took the advantage 1st serve to open the 2nd set and took the lead 1-0. Dominating from the first set, Ram followed his rival and levelled the scores in the next game. The set heated up as both players
came on level terms once again in game 8 of the second set 4-4.
Odesnik served next only to give away a crucial breakpoint. Ram welcomed the blunder by his countryman winning the next game and ending the match 6-4 and 6-4.
The world No. 236 lags 2-3 in head to head fixtures against Odesnik. However, that does not count anymore as he enjoys his seat in the main draws of the Legg Mason Tennis Championship.
Rajeev Ram will play his first round match against Matthew Ebden in a 3 setter to the next round.
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