Santiago Giraldo expels Carlos Berlocq in the quarter-finals - Abierto Mexicano Telcel 2012
A taxing three-set battle between the Colombian tennis professional, Santiago Giraldo, and Argentine representative, Carlos Berlocq, was witnessed in the quarter-final of the Abierto Mexicano Telcel in Acapulco. The match lasted
for over three hours before the Colombian registered an upset against the Argentine with scores of 7-5, 3-6, 6-4.
The match was a bit dry at the start with no spice of aces at both ends. However, the breakpoints went raining in the third set, with the inferior ranked Colombian taking the initial lead of 2-1. He doubled his lead and consolidated
his position in the set with a breakpoint in the seventh game to push the scores to 5-2.
A dramatic comeback from the Argentine diminished the trail to zero with successive breakthrough in a ‘do or die’ situation. He drew the scores at 5-5. Unfortunately, he couldn’t continue an aggressive onslaught and awarded a
break point to his opponent in the 12th game. Giraldo finally registered a tight set triumph after failing to capitalize on a massive lead.
A swap of serve breaks was witnessed at the start of the second set with scores slowly ticking over 2-2 courtesy to a serve hold at each ends. Another breakpoint for the deserving participant, Berlocq, eased pressure on him as
he took a lead of 4-2. He further enhanced his position in the match with another breakthrough that confirmed the second set triumph for him.
The set scores were tied at one apiece and stage was set for a dramatic and entertaining last battle. It started in the same fashion as the second set; an exchange of breakthroughs. Two successive serve holds at each ends further
pushed the scores to 3-3 before the Colombian broke serve for the second time in the set to take a pivotal lead of 4-3.
Berlocq tried his best to win a break back; had his opponent under pressure in the final game but couldn’t diminish the trail. He lost the match giving a way to his opponent to book a date with the top seed Spaniard, David Ferrer.
Ferrer defeated Pablo Andujar of Spain in straight sets to inch a step closer to his maiden New Year title.
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