Photo: Ron C. Angle
Marcos’ Roland Garros campaign came to a premature end as Argentine Juan Monaco prevailed 6-3, 6-2, 6-4 in tricky conditions in Paris on Tuesday.
After rain showers interrupted play during the early part of the day, the conditions were cool and blustery as Marcos took to Court 7 in the late afternoon and he suffered an unfortunate start to the match as he was broken in the fourth game to trail 1-3 before clay-court specialist Monaco went on to close out the 6-3 lead.
A low first serve percentage and an unforced error count of 41 cost Marcos throughout the match and three breaks of serve early in the second set saw Monaco open up a 3-2 lead. The Argentine broke once more to lead 5-2 before sealing a commanding two-set lead as he served out the set 6-2.
The third set began in similar fashion to the second, with three breaks exchanged to grant Monaco a 4-2 lead. With Monaco serving for the match at 5-4, Marcos had the chance to break back as Monaco trailed 30/40. The Tandil native recovered though and won the next three points to wrap up victory after one hour and 56 minutes.
It was a good effort by Marcos in difficult conditions and against a player who has enjoyed his greatest success on clay courts.
Marcos will now turn his attentions to grass, beginning with the Gerry Weber Open in Halle starting 8th June.
Go, Marcos!
