Steve Darcis breaks down Maxime Authom in final qualifier – Erste Bank Open 2011
Steve Darcis, Belgian world No. 95, played against compatriot, Maxime Authom, ranked world No.240, as they battled out the final qualifier round and a seat in the main draw of Erste Bank Open 2011 on Monday, 24th October.
Playing on Indoor blue hard courts at Wiener Stadthalle in Vienna, Darcis overwhelmed his rival with a straight set victory 6-3, 6-2, in an hour and 4 minutes to walk onto the main draw of the ATP World Tour 250 event.
Playing their third head-to-head tie, Darcis had been dominating the rivalry winning the first two fixture, making this his third win. Ranked higher than this compatriot, the Belgian won the toss and started of with the match opener.
Firing up with the starter, Darcis served out the first game rolling down the scoreboard, 1-0. Following up with an immediate winner, Authom levelled up, 2-1, switching back the serve. Moving on with game 3, 27-year-old took the
lead, 2-1, however, compatriot, Authom levelled up and took control.
With the two levelling up again at 3-3, world No.95, went on serving out game 7, 4-3, and struck, breaking the lower ranked compatriot in game 8, 5-3, and served out game 9 to capture his first win of the match to lead, 1-0. Winning
the first set with 30 points in total against 25 of his rival, Darcis continued set 2 with returning first.
Continuing with set 2, Authom served out the opening game and started the scoreboard, 1-0. Serving back, Darcis levelled up instantly, 1-1, switching back the serve. Striking early in set 2, the 27-year-old outstood the 24-year-old
compatriot, breaking Authom in game 3 and taking the lead, 1-2.
Extending his lead, world No. 95, Belgian, kept his ground strong and bagged another winner, 3-1, before he broke his competitor once again in game 5, 4-1. With just two more games to win, Darcis served out game 6, 5-1, lost game
7, 5-2, and hammered the decider with a triple match point win, winning the set, 6-2, and the match in straight sets.
Comparatively, Darcis had a greater percentage of first serve accuracy; however, Authom won greater percentage of his accurate first serves. Adding to his win, the 27-year-old served 9 aces and broke his compatriot three times.
With a total of 39 service points and 17 returners, the Belgian ended the game bagging 56 points at the end.
Through to the main round of the ATP World Tour 250 event, Dacis will now go on against the top players of the world including Tsonga. With the first round already started on Monday, continues on Tuesday with rest of the opening
round matches.
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