Photo: Ron C. Angle
Marcos suffered a disappointing first-round exit at the Gerry Weber Open in Halle on Monday. Home hope, Philipp Petzschner, rallied from a break down in the first set to prevail 6-4, 6-3.
Marcos made a strong start to the pair’s first meeting, breaking serve in the first game and going on to secure a 4-2 advantage. However, World No. 41 Petzschner hit back strongly, playing what he later described as his best-ever grass-court tennis to win seven straight games – claiming the first set 6-4 and opening up a 3-0 lead in the second set.
Marcos worked hard to try and get back into the match, but could not find a way through the German’s defences. He had a break point chance as Petzschner served for the match at 5-3 and saved three match points before the right-hander closed out victory after 69 minutes.
Marcos will look to rebound in the doubles tomorrow, when he and Belgian Olivier Rochus take on second seeds Martin Damm and Filip Polasek third on Court 2, with play for the day beginning at 12noon local time. Check out the full order of play here.
Stay tuned to www.baghdatis.com for the latest news from Halle.
