Tim Smyczek jolts down Igor Kunitsyn to reach semis – Tallahassee Tennis Challenger 2012
Local tennis hero, Tim Smyczek, upset the third seed, Igor Kunitsyn, in a three set nail-biter at the Tallahassee Tennis Challenger 2012 on Thursday. He joggled up a 6-7(6), 6-3, 6-2 victory against the 30-year-old to book a spot in the final four at this
ATP (Association of Tennis Professionals) Challenger Tour event held in Tallahassee, Florida.
Smyczek found his rhythm after the opening set tie-breaker and regardless of committing eight double faults, he pulled out the victory in their second meeting. After overpowering in this 129-minute battle, the American not only avenged his loss against Kunitsyn
in the qualifying competition of the Delray Beach ATP event last season but also advanced into the semi-finals at this hard court tournament.
The world number 90 nervously entered the Forestmeadows Tennis Complex and after losing his serve twice early in the set, he fell 1-4. However, he showed his class after that and wiped out the following four games in a row. The Russian held his remaining
serves without facing any problem and consequently imposed a tie-breaker. He edged past the American in it and clinched the opener with a 7-6(6) score line.
Ranked 282nd in the South African Airways ATP World Tour Rankings, Smyczek made a fitting reply in the second set and after earning the critical break in the second game, he jumped to a 3-0 lead. In spite of losing his edge in the fifth game,
the American stayed focused and cashed in another break chance to seal the equaliser with a 6-3 win.
The American underdog kept momentum running in the final set and went on a four-game rampage before Kunitsyn could hold on. He then plucked remaining serves and won the decider with a 6-2 score line.
Overall, Smyczek formulated a much better first serve share of 59 per cent as compared to the Russian’s 53 per cent and amazingly availed 43 out of 61 points on it.
Next up for Smyczek is his compatriot, Rajeev Ram, who bounced back to outclass the second seed, Ryan Sweeting, to set-up this encounter. Ram took full advantage of the 10 double faults his rival spilled and capitalised on five out of 13 break opportunities
to earn the limelight.
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