Robin Haase downs Lopez; sets-up Youzhny clash in the final – Credit Agricole Suisse Open 2013
Dutch number one, Robin Haase, made a superb comeback from a set down to stun the fifth seed, Feliciano Lopez, in a three-set nail-biter at the Credit Agricole Suisse Open 2013 on Saturday. He notched up a 4-6, 6-1, 6-4 victory against the Spaniard to progress
into the final round at this ATP World Tour 250 series event being held in Gstaag, Switzerland.
The underdog made a sloppy entry but quickly found his rhythm in the second set. He prevailed in the decider and ultimately pulled out the victory in one hour and 48 minutes. The players previously fought each other at the US Open last season and with this
triumph, Haase not only avenged his defeat but also levelled the FedExATP Head 2 Head series by 2-2 against the seed.
The in-form Dutch was quoted in a courtside interview after stealing the limelight, "I served well today and I was fighting a lot. I was broken early in the first set and that’s the worst thing that can happen to you against Feliciano. But I managed to fight
back and I’m very happy to be in the final."
The world number 29, Lopez drew the first blood in the opening game and took the early lead. He then continued hitting angled shots to keep his entire serves. As a result, the seed clicked the opener with a 6-4 win.
Haase made a fitting reply in the proceeding set. After Lopez held his serve in the second game, the Dutchman unleashed barrage of groundstrokes and wiped out five games in a row.
The Dutch held his composure in the final set. He got the desiderated break in the opening game. Haase then held his entire serves with ease and eventually sealed the deciding set by winning six games to four.
Next up for Haase is the sixth seeded Russian, Mikhail Youzhny.
"It will be a difficult match," the Dutch reflected about his upcoming match. "His game doesn't suit me. He's a great player with a lot of experience."
The Russian veteran stomped over the 2008 champion, Victor Hanescu, with a 6-3, 6-3 victory. He not only avenged his defeat at the BRD Nastase Tiriac Trophy in April but will also bid to become the first Russian to win this trophy in 18 years.
Haase will need to play his best tennis in order to overturn the 0-4 head-to-head record against the Russian star.
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