Verdasco storms through Legg Mason Classic
Third seeded Fernando Verdasco of Spain came away with a dramatic victory over Michael Berrer, beating the German with a score of 4-6, 7-5, 7-5 in the first round of the Legg Mason Tennis Classic. The Spaniard came close to a possibly debilitating foot injury, falling to the ground during a third set volley with Berrer. Momentarily clutching his foot in pain, Verdasco rose to the occasion to save the set and claim the match.
The 26-year-old Verdasco was focused and fierce against Berrer, who did not give an inch during the entire match, forcing the Spaniard to two match points, which Verdasco was nevertheless able to save. Having taken an early lead in the first set, Berrer was seemingly in control after capitalizing on his momentum, yet Verdasco came up from being down and took the final game point to deuce. Winning the next couple of points, the Spaniard then went on to break Berrer’s serve, going on to take the second set into his hands with a 7-5 victory. Verdasco was met with a roaring support from the audience, who had clearly chosen their favourite to win the match.
Verdasco, Berrer impress crowd
Both the 26-year-old Spaniard and the 30-year-old German made it difficult to predict the match winner, as the lead oscillated from one to the other for the entirety of Tuesday’s match. Verdasco is currently the world number nine on the ATP tour, and the second highest ranked Spanish player, just behind world number one Rafael Nadal.
Crowd-pleasing dramatics seemed to die down early on in the third set, but flared up once again as Verdasco and Berrer took turns commanding the game. Exhilarating antics continues, with deafening cheers following an outstanding drop shot from Berrer, which was met with a doubly impressive, and seemingly impossible return from Verdasco.
Heavy hitters bid for trophy
With the absence of title-holder Juan Martin del Potro from the tournament this year, the Legg Mason Classic makes room for other title bidders to storm into second round action.
Verdasco will undoubtedly draw a crowd following his astounding performance against Berrer. Thomas Berdych of Czech Republic, American Sam Querrey, Argentine David Nalbandian, and Australian Lleyton Hewitt are all ready to show their best at the Legg Mason, as the tune-up tournament readies the players for upcoming Grand Slam action at the US Open later this month.
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