Photo: Ron C. Angle
Marcos is out of the 2009 Australian Open at the fourth round stage after a valiant effort against World No. 3 and defending champion Novak Djokovic. In a match that did not finish until 2:26am on Monday morning, Djokovic prevailed 6-1, 7-6(1), 6-7(5), 6-2 to book his spot in the quarter-finals.
A nervous start from Marcos saw him commit too many unforced errors and record a very low first serve percentage in the first set and, while he failed to settle, Djokovic was quickly into his stride and raced away with the first set 6-1.
Buoyed on by his ever-loyal, cheering fans, Marcos found his feet in the second set and broke Djokovic in the second game as the Serb hit a backhand long. However, he could not maintain his advantage until the end of the set and Djokovic was able to get back in contention in the seventh game as a wayward backhand from Marcos brought the score-line back to 4-3. Strong service holds from Marcos ensured a tie-break, however it was Djokovic to prevail as the 21 year old stepped up a gear and took advantage of errors from Marcos to assume a two-set lead.
No breaks of serve in the third set saw a second tie-break played under the lights on Rod Laver Arena. Despite the lateness of the hour, the stadium was still full and keen to see more tennis and they were granted their wish as Marcos produced some stunning forehands to recover from an early mini-break deficit and took the set on his third opportunity as Djokovic netted a forehand.
The joy was short-lived though as Djokovic showed his class by immediately stemming Marcos’ momentum and breaking in the first game of the fourth set. Marcos continued to fight and show great heart as he battled to level in Djokovic’s service games. He was rewarded with chances, but sadly could not convert and the Serb went on to break Marcos once more in the seventh game before closing out victory as Marcos pushed a forehand just wide.
"I played four matches, I won three. My objective was to play in the second week of the Aussie Open so I made it by three hours," said Marcos afterwards.
It was a great tournament and a valiant effort by Marcos, who had defeated two seeded opponents en route to the last 16. He will leave Australia with his head held high and competes next in the inaugural SA Tennis Open in Johannesburg, beginning on Monday, 2nd February.
Well done on a great tournament, Marcos!
