Robin Haase downs Thomaz Bellucci in the third round – Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters 2012
Dutch number one, Robin Haase, stomped over the Brazilian contestant, Thomaz Bellucci, in straight sets at the Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters 2012 on Thursday. He jolted down a 6-2, 6-3 success against the world number 45 to power into the quarter-finals at this
ATP (Association of Tennis Professionals) clay court event held in Monte Carlo, Monaco.
Haase displayed superb tennis skills to outclass the left-handed Brazilian in their first encounter. After overpowering Bellucci in one hour and 34 minutes, the Dutch took lead in their FedEx ATP Head 2 Head series by 1-0 and booked a spot in the final eight
at this Masters 1000 event.
The 25-year-old thundered into the Monte Carlo Country Club and after earning the desiderated break in the fourth game, he took a 3-1 lead. Despite losing his edge in the very next game, Haase blasted powerful forehands and went on a three-game rampage.
He amazingly warded off four out of five breakpoints he came across and capitalised on three out of five break chances to inch towards the glory.
Ranked 55th in the South African Airways ATP World Tour Rankings, Haase kept momentum running into the following set and jumped to a 3-0 lead with a break of serve. Apart from losing his edge in the fifth game, the Dutch capitalised on his second
break opportunity in the very next game and subsequently carved out the victory with a 6-3 score line.
Overall, the Dutch committed five double faults but covered it up by smashing five aces. He also clobbered an equal first serve share of 54 per cent and magnificently clicked 33 out of 44 points on it.
Next challenge for Haase is the world number one, Novak Djokovic, who hit back to outshine the 16th seed, Alexandr Dolgopolov, in one hour and 39 minutes to occupy this position.
The seven times defending champion here, Rafael Nadal, also earned the spotlight later that day. He slaughtered the Kazakhstani qualifier, Mikhail Kukushkin, with double breadsticks to progress at this event. Nadal was never broken down and capitalised on
five out of six break opportunities in an hour-long venture.
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