Marcos defeated Viktor Troicki of Serbia in three gruelling sets at the Swiss Indoors Basel today. The match took almost 2 hours and 45 minutes, with Marcos eventually triumphing 4-6 7-6(8) 6-2.
The first set was a tight affair, with both players struggling to impose themselves on serve. Marcos faced eight break points against him in the set, and despite saving six of them, Troicki had enough to get a crucial break and claim the set.
Marcos remained positive and increased his first service percentage, and this was essential in a second set that pushed both players to their maximum. Exceptional mental strength was evident in Marcos’ game and he held his nerve to win 10-8 in the tie-break.
Riding a wave of momentum, Marcos was ruthless in taking every opportunity he created in the final set, breaking Troicki three times, with a 100% conversion rate on his break points, to wrap up the third set comfortably.
Marcos will now face either Mikhail Youzhny or Michael Lammer in the next round.
Follow baghdatis.com to keep informed of Marcos' progress.
