Tommy Haas trounces Marin Cilic to enter the title match – German Tennis Championships 2012
Former world number two, Tommy Haas of Germany, booked his place in the German Tennis Championships final by defeating Croatia’s Marin Cilic in straight sets 7-6(7), 6-0 in the semi-finals of the Bet-at-home Open in Hamburg on
Monday.
The German has reached the final of a tour level event for the second time in this season. In the previous one, he had stunned the current world number one, Roger Federer, in straight sets 7-6(5), 6-4 to capture the Gerry Weber
Open crown in June.
Haas and Cilic broke each other once in the opening set, taking the score to 6-6 and forcing a tie-breaker. There was again a close competition afterwards but the German managed to claim the last two point and win 7-6(7).
The 34-year-old could not serve very well, making three double faults and losing 11 of the 24 points on the second deliveries. His performance on the first serves was at least better than the second ones, as he won 18 of the 25
points on them.
After clinching a closely fought first set, Haas gave a flawless performance in the second one, winning six straight games to capture it 6-0.
The German player fared satisfactorily on his first deliveries, keeping the percentage at 53 and pocketing five of the nine points on them. The 6ft 2in tall inflicted most damage on his opponent with the help of his accurate second
serves and returns, securing seven of the eight and nine of the 12 points on them respectively.
Haas took one hour and 56 minutes to throw his Croatian rival out of the tournament.
Commenting on the proceedings of the match, the German said, "The second set was a little bit unexplainable for me. The first set was really crucial. There were a lot of opportunities for us both. I started serving a little bit
better in the second set and brought it home."
Haas will lock horns with the in-form Argentinean contender, Juan Monaco, in the final.
Discussing the strengths of his opponent, the German added, "Clay is his favourite surface. He's been one guy who keeps climbing the ladder in the rankings. He's a very good competitor, moves well. So I'm going to have to play
on top of my game. I've got home court advantage for sure, which sometimes can bring out the best in you. Hopefully that will happen."
Haas trails Monaco 1-4 in their five meeting on the ATP World Tour so far.
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