Photo: Edwin Verhoef/UNICEF Open
Marcos is through to the quarter-finals of the UNICEF Open after dismissing Holland’s Robin Haase 7-5, 6-4 on Wednesday at the ATP World Tour 250 grass-court tournament in ‘s-Hertogenbosch.
After saving three break points, Marcos made his move in the 11th game of the first set, outsmarting Haase to break serve and lead 6-5 as he guided a backhand passing shot past the net-rushing Dutchman.
He then capitalised on his momentum by breaking serve in the third game of the second set. He took care of his own serve throughout the remainder, and clinched victory with an inch-perfect backhand lob after 80 minutes of play.
“I knew I had to face a tough match today; Robin is a good player,” said Marcos. “I was very focussed on what I had to do and I did it today. I’m one of the favourites to win the tournament for sure, but there are a lot of good players and tough matches.”
Marcos is through to his first ATP World Tour quarter-final since February and will face Germany’s Denis Gremelmayr, who ousted Jarkko Nieminen in a third-set tie-break on Wednesday.
“He played a tough match today. His serve will be a bit tough to return, but I think I can find the solution to win tomorrow,” said Marcos, who holds a 2-0 career lead over the No. 110-ranked Gremelmayr.
The match is scheduled for Thursday, starting not before 3:00pm local time (4pm Cyprus) on Centre Court. Check out the full order of play here.
Stay tuned to www.baghdatis.com for all the latest news.
Go, Marcos!
