Gabashvili Leaves Magical Run after Win Over Andy Roddick. Gabashvili Leaves Magical Run Despite Fourth Round French Open Loss
Russian Teimuraz Gabashvili finally faced the end of a magical run Monday, losing to Jürgen Melzer of Austria 7–6(6), 4–6, 6–1, 6–4.
In spite of the loss, Gabashvili has easily drawn the attention of several tennis critics after a series of unexpected wins – including a stunning victory over former world’s no.1 Andy Roddick of the United States.
The Stunning Win Over Roddick
Gabashvili, ranked 114th in the world, left the tennis world stunned Saturday, when he defeated Roddick in the third round.
Gabashvili applied pressure to Roddick's well recognized serve. He conquered Roddick twice during the first three games.
Roddick’s frustration during the match was evident as he furiously threw his rackets in his entourage’s direction following a lost in the seventh game of the first set. Unfortunately for the former world number 1, Gabashvili gained advantaged during the following sets.
The Russian gained three break points during Roddick’s second service game. It is when Gabashvili pushed for a 4-3 lead break delivering a deft backhand drop shot which triggered the angry disposition from Roddick.
Following the drop shot, Roddick went back to his chair and angrily got hold of his rackets. He threw the selection of rackets to the coaching team while giving out furious instructions. Roddick losing cool provided to be an advantage for his Russian opponent.
Gabashvili served out during the set and went for a clincher during the second following a three break point conversion in the ninth game. Twenty-five year-old Gabashvili commanded control in the following set.
Gabashvili, who has been successfully progressing round after round, downed Roddick with 58 winners. He easily returned Roddick’s big serve although the American has a record of 72 percent first service rate. Gabashvili’s victory over Roddick is considered his best win yet in his career.
After his victory over Roddick, Gabashvili expressed that he feels confident about the tournament.
Gasbavili, who needed to win three matches to qualify in the tournament, had not reached beyond the third round of the French Open not until he downed Roddick.
The Russian player did not give up any set and have managed to win six matches including the qualifiers. Further, Gasbashvili shared that he prefers to continue playing in the same way.
Although he qualified for another around at the French Open, the Russian bet expressed that he’d rather not be pressured about being in the Roland Garros instead he prefers to think about playing progressively.
On the other hand, Roddick, who was a former world number one and the 2003 US Open title holder, did not participate in this year's entire claycourt season due to personal matters.
Roddick hasn’t been able to qualify beyond the last 16 stage of the French Open. Additionally, Roddick pointed out that despite his fair share of challenging matches before, Gabashvili was able to outplay him starting from the first ball.
Roddick added that the Russian player delivered a good play. Gabashvili outplayed Roddick and scored 70 percent of the points.
He ended the match in one hour and 54 minutes and will play for the fourth round of the grand slam, proving that there is just a thin gab between top-10 players and the rest of tennis professionals.
On Monday, Gabashvili once again proved his mettle against Melzer as he took him to the limit – taking the second set – in the fourth round.
However, it was Melzer who unloaded big shot after big shot to seal his first Grand Slam quarterfinal stints.
Again, in spite of his exit in the fourth round Monday, Gabashvili could very well set the tone for another interesting run this season.
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