Robin Haase triumphs over Marinko Matosevic in the opening round – Sony Ericsson Open 2012
Dutch number one, Robin Haase, got the better of the Australian contender, Marinko Matosevic, in straight sets at the Sony Ericsson Open 2012, a Masters 1000 event taking place at Key Biscayne in Miami, United States. He formulated
a 6-3, 6-4 victory over the world number 122 in the opening round on Wednesday night.
Haase stayed on track to bid for his second career title after overpowering the 26-year-old in their first encounter. As a result, he not only edged in the head-to-head series by 1-0 against Matosevic but also secured a place in
the second round at this ATP (Association of Tennis Professionals) hard court event.
It was a relatively easier draw for the Dutch competitor, who had to face an opponent far below him in the world rankings. Haase kept his basics right in the matchup and made the most of it from the opportunities provided by the
Aussie opponent to register his fourth victory of the 2012 season.
Ranked 53rd in the South African Airways ATP World Tour Rankings, Haase made a strong entry at the Tennis Center at Crandon Park and drew the first blood in the third game to go 2-1 up. Regardless of losing his serve
in the very next game, he remained calm and swiped in the last four games successively, ultimately sealing the opener by winning six games to three.
The 24-year-old entered the second set with same intensity and jumped to a 3-0 lead with a break of serve. In spite of losing his edge in the fifth game, Haase kept his following serves and broke the Aussie’s serve again in the
last game to pull out the set with a 6-4 win.
All in all, the top Dutch produced almost an equal first serve share of 60 per cent and brilliantly marked 23 out of 28 points on it. He also smashed three aces and converted five out of nine break opportunities to his advantage.
Next challenge for Haase is the Austrian number one, Jurgen Melzer, who is seeded 22nd in this event. Melzer received a bye into the second round after being a seeded player of the tournament.
The former world number two, Tommy Haas, will also feature in the second round. He stomped over the French challenger, Guillaume Rufin, in straight sets in 95 minutes. The German fired eight aces and marked two out of 10 break
chances to steal the show.
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