US MEN’S CLAY COURT CHAMPIONSHIP 2012
Houston, U.S.A.
by ATP Staff
|
14.04.2012
World No. 16 Juan Monaco reached his second final of the season Saturday at the US Men’s Clay Court Championship, overcoming American qualifier Michael Russell 5-7, 6-1, 6-4 in Houston.
The fourth-seeded Monaco capitalised on six of his 11 break point opportunities, including the final game of the match to secure the semi-final win in two hours and 25 minutes.
“It wasn’t easy to play. It was very windy and he played great tennis,” Monaco said. “It was difficult to get a rhythm. They were tough conditions, but I’m happy to win the match and be in the final.”
Monaco is looking to add to his triumph at the VTR Open in Vina Del Mar (d. Berlocq) and will contest his 13th final (4-8 record). The Argentine awaits the winner of second seed John Isner and No. 3 seed Feliciano Lopez.
“They have similar games. They serve very well,” said Monaco. “Their tactics are to play aggressive, especially on serve. On return, they play relaxed. It’s going to be a difficult match for me.”
Russell was appearing in his first tour-level semi-final, having knocked out ninth-ranked Mardy Fish in the second round and 19-year-old Ryan Harrison in the quarter-finals.
“I’m disappointed. I played a really good first set,” said Russell. “I was a little tired in the second set and he kind of upped his game. In the third set, I played good and bad. He came up with some good shots. Unfortunately the last game was tough.
“But I feel like I’m playing well again for the first time in a year and a half… I did my best two results in one tournament, [reaching] the semi-finals and beating a Top 10 guy, in Houston. It doesn’t get much better than that. Hopefully I’ll stay healthy and keep it rolling from here.”
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Article source: http://www.atpworldtour.com/News/Tennis/2012/04/15/Houston-Saturday-Monaco-Stops-Russell-Isner-Faces-Lopez.aspx
April 15, 2012
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