Ernests gets revenge; Murray next
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Ernests avenges his Poertschach loss to Andreas Seppi by defeating the Italian, 6-3 6-7(7) 6-3, in their second-round encounter at Queens. He served a total of 13 aces, but also recorded 11 break points on his serve. Ernests served first to open the match and the set went on serve until Ernests managed to break Seppi in the eighth game, enabling him to serve out the set with a 5*-3 lead. |
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In the second set, Ernests commanded an early lead by breaking Seppi for 3-1. However, his advantage looked increasingly precarious as he offered Seppi a total of nine break points in the subsequent games. He saved the first eight break points before caving in, levelling the score at 4-all. The set was decided in a tiebreak, with Ernests saving several set points before Seppi finally made good a minibreak and took the set, 7-6(7).
The third set began on a less dour note as Ernests broke Seppi’s serve – only to promptly offer two break back points in the next game. Even as the more nervous of Gulbis fans started reaching for the sick bucket, he saved them and held serve for a 3-0 lead.
Subsequent games on Seppi’s serve were characterised by numerous break opportunities for Ernests, including two match points at 2*-5, but they went unconverted. Left to close out the match on his own serve, Ernests went up 40*-0 before losing the next three points for deuce. At such a critical juncture, Ernests managed to control his nerves to force another match point, and converted this one for a place in the third round.
His next opponent will be the talented Scot, Andy Murray, who has the advantage of playing in front of his home crowd. Murray is yet to play a singles match on grass, as he received a bye in the first round, and only played two games before Sebastian Grosjean retired in their second-round match yesterday. This match is expected to be a cracker, if both players turn up in the right frame of mind to do their respective talents justice.
QUEEN’S R2: Ernests Gulbis (LAT) def. (12) Andreas Seppi (ITA) 6-3 6-7(7) 6-3
Great win over Seppi. Murray is a bit hot headed so keep your cool and win another for the homeland! Ar Diev! Peteris
Too bad I didn’t see the game!
Murray next_he’s good on grass
but Ernests will deal with him
Good luck
Andy’s a tough opponent.
Good Luck, Ernests!