Match report

Steve Darcis © Tennistalk.com
BMW Open
2nd round
5/1/08 1 2 3 Tot
be  Steve Darcis 4 6 3 1
ma  Younes El Aynaoui 6 3 6 2
Younes El Aynaoui © Tennistalk.com

  • Younes El Aynaoui downs Steve Darcis to reach Munich QF

    5/1/08 4:01 PM | Jonathan Morgan
    36 year old Younes El Aynaoui has seemingly turned back the hands of time and advances this week to the Munich Quarterfinals.

    The ageless El Aynaoui has been playing futures and challengers events for the better part of the last couple of years. This is his first ATP level quarterfinal since Madrid back in 2003, about 4 and a half years ago.

    And it wasn't easy. Darcis burst onto the scene last year winning Amersfoort from the qualies. He also showed his fast court prowess by taking the Memphis title, beating indoor king Soderling in the process.

    But in this match, the old man Younes was able to come out firing with his trademark big serve and forehand. After coming through the qualifying, El Aynaoui had a few matches under his belt to get himself warmed up. Younes served amazingly well, losing just 5 points and throwing down 4 aces in the first set. Darcis couldn't get a first serve in to save his life and paid for it, having to battle out of just about all his service games. A single break was all El Aynaoui needed to wrap up the set.

    The second started with a drop in the energy level of El Aynaoui while Darcis found his serve groove. The Belgian was sailing through his service games while Younes was fighting for each hold. A single break was once again only needed.

    The 3rd set was a titanic battle. 75%+ first serves for both men, 2nd serve grind-out rallies, amazing gets and a break to El Aynaoui. When the Moroccan served for the match at 5-3, Darcis put the pressure on. Younes had to save two break points with hard fought shots to hold and win the match.

    He plays the winner of the Andreev-Del Potro clash.

  • Thumbs up

    Fantastic story for El Aynaoui to come back and play like he did in the old days.

  • Thumbs down

    Tough luck for Darcis as he could also have won this wide open event.

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