Ricardo Mello defeats Ruben Ramirez Hidalgo in straight sets at the BNP Paribas Open 2011
Ricardo Mello of Brazil defeated Spain's Ruben Ramirez Hidalgo for the second time in two encounters this year to book his place in the second round of the BNP Paribas Open 2011. Mello took an hour and 34 minutes to dispatch his
Spanish opponent. The encounter was a part of the BNP Paribas Open 2011's first round, and was contested at the Indian Wells Tennis Gardens in Indian Wells, California. The first masters event of the year sees a field of 96 players fight it out for the trophy,
and Mello is Brazil's most experienced representative at the event.
Ranked 75th in the world, Mello turned pro in 1999. He is currently 30 years old and plays left handed. So far this year, he has featured in 10 ATP tour level matches, half of which he has won. One of these victories came over
Ramirez Hidalgo in Chile, where as a part of the Golden Swing, he defeated the Spaniard 6-4, 6-7, 7-6. Hidalgo himself is even more experienced than his opponent, having started professional tennis in 1998 at the age of 21. The currently 33 year old is ranked
76th in the world, just a place below Mello.
Going into the match, most pundits were favoring Mello, since his current run of form is much better than Hidalgo's; these expectations were met as the South American delivered on his form.
The match started with Mello serving exquisitely. He landed in 83 per cent of his first serves in contrast to the meager 48 per cent his opponent managed. Conversion of serves into points was also the Brazilian's forte, as he quickly
wrapped up his service games by winning 70 per cent of his on-serve points, compared to the 55 per cent Hidalgo came up with. He did, however, concede a break, but more than made up for it as he himself broke back twice to take the first set 6-4.
The second set was more of the same. This time though, Ramirez Hidalgo managed to serve much better. He delivered 67 per cent of his first serves correctly, while his Brazilian opponent's accuracy fell to 65 per cent. The South
American was the stronger convertor of the two though, as he won 70 per cent of the points on his serve again. His opponent this time conceded another two breaks, and those were enough to hand him the set and the match.
Ricardo Mello next faces 30th seed John Isner. Isner is looking to shrug off a disappointing Davis Cup campaign and to win his first masters title. The American enjoys home support, and with his ranking, shall be a tough beast
for Mello to tame.
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