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5/1/08 3:44 PM | Jonathan Morgan
Safin has now won back to back matches for the first time since last summer in Washington. He is now in the quarterfinal of the Munich tournament.
Marat Safin has been on a downward slope for quite a while now. Those involved in tennis when he was #1, competing for slams and beating Roger 9-7 in the 5th at the Australian Open now see him around 85 in the rankings and sigh. A wretched knee injury has destroyed his movement and he is nowhere near his former self.
He, however, has not given up the fight, as it would be so easy to do so many times in the past few years. He has had a rough go of it for some time and hadn't won 2 matches in a row since last July. Every win nowadays is an accomplishment.
The match started off rather even with baseline exchanges being the order of the day. Berrer served at an incredible 81%, but it wasn't as impressive as it looked considering he did not go for much. Marat was able to destroy the Berrer second serve, pounding a return at the German, and immediately taking control of the point. A solidly played tiebreak earned Safin the first set.
The second set was pretty much a replica of the first set. One break a piece and solid baseline play from both. And much like the first set, a tiebreak determined things. Safin got up 5-3 before failing to close it out, forcing a 3rd set. The Russian was able to get himself back together in time to win it 6-3 in the 3rd. Fantastic returning from Safin and variability on the second serve gave him the match.
Any win for Safin is a good win for Safin.
Berrer really missed a chance here to win this event as the field here is wide open.
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Did you know that... Jimmy Connors is the only player to have won the US Open on grass, clay and hard court.
Avalaine, Dec 4, 2008 4:32 AM
ravikiran, Dec 4, 2008 3:49 AM
kaitepai, Dec 3, 2008 10:59 PM
kaitepai, Dec 3, 2008 10:02 PM
janhavi, Dec 3, 2008 2:51 PM
Avalaine, Dec 3, 2008 10:15 PM
Casper, Dec 2, 2008 8:23 PM
Casper, Dec 2, 2008 8:02 PM
Michael Berrer
Marat Safin
BMW Open
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Though he's clearly struggling, good to see Marat atleast win some matches which might do a thing or two to boost his confidence. But only time can tell if he will ever be able to reach his former self. As long as he is enjoying his game, its good for tennis if ever he gets back to the top 10. Wishing him the best for his match against Fernando.
vijayjvm , 5/2/08 8:05 AM