Photo: Ron C. Angle
Marcos is through to the third round of the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells after defeating Frenchman Arnaud Clement 7-6(7), 6-1 Saturday afternoon at the ATP World Tour Masters 1000 tournament.
Looking to reverse a three-match losing streak against Marcos, Clement made a fast start to the match, playing a high-risk brand of tennis that paid dividends as he raced to a 4-1 lead and had a break point to make it 5-1.
Marcos was able to avoid going down a double break, though, and fought hard to work his way into the match. With his opponent serving for the set at 5-3, Marcos took advantage of more cautious play from the Frenchman and some strong returns aided him to break back for 4-5.
Both players had chances to break serve in the remaining games of the set, Marcos being denied on five break point chances in a lengthy 11th game, but neither was able to find a way through and the set was decided on a tie-break, which Marcos edged 9-7.
The second set was a more straightforward affair. Buoyed by the vociferous support he received on Stadium 3, Marcos played an excellent game to break serve in the fourth game for a 3-1 lead. He then broke the Frenchman’s serve again to lead 5-1, before comfortably serving out victory, finishing with an ace after one hour and 58 minutes.
Marcos next will face either World No. 1 Roger Federer or Romanian Victor Hanescu.
Stay tuned to www.baghdatis.com for all the latest news on Marcos’ progress in Indian Wells and a look ahead to the third round.
Go, Marcos!
