Photo: Mike Baz
Despite a strong start from Juan Ignacio Chela, Marcos produced some outstanding tennis to reach the latter stages of the Pilot Pen Tennis tournament in New Haven. Marcos has set up a potential quarter-final match with Tommy Robredo, the number 6 seed, who will have to defeat the promising Sergiy Stakhovsky for the opportunity to play Marcos. The winner of that third-round match will have a physically demanding day and play again this afternoon, fourth, on Stadium Court against the Cypriot.
Chela was quick out of the blocks and surprised Marcos by breaking him in all three of his service games in the first set to win it 6-1. However, once Marcos had warmed to the task, he began to play the standard of tennis that has become commonplace recently- winning 85% of points behind his first serve in the final two sets- and beginning to break the Chela serve with apparent ease.
With the match finely poised after two sets, Marcos ensured that he would not be beaten by continuing to play aggressive and inspired tennis to overcome a tricky opponent and renowned name on the men’s tour. Marcos wrapped up the third set to win 1-6, 6-3, 6-2. The Cypriot had to bring his best game to the court to continue his bid to win the US Open Series and did so, with his first serve percentage much higher than it had been in the previous round. Marcos’ outstanding recent form puts him into serious contention to win the US Open Series, thus doubling any prize money he is to win at Flushing Meadows, but also overcoming some power-house names to win the prize, such as world number 4 Andy Murray, who currently leads the race but is not playing this week.
If Marcos plays Robredo in the next round, he is sure to face a tough test; the Spaniard has nine singles ATP World Tour titles to his name and a career high ranking of number five. He has also defeated home-favourite Taylor Dent this week. However, if Marcos plays Stakhovsky, it will be no less difficult. The right-handed Ukrainian beat Richard Gasquet in Toronto and took Andy Roddick to three sets in Cincinnati.
Whoever he plays, Marcos is scheduled fourth on Stadium Court this afternoon and will try and win again for all his fans!
Come on Marcos!
