Match report

Carlos Moya © Tennistalk.com
Brasil Open
Semi final
2/16/08 1 2 3 Tot
es  Carlos Moya 6 3 7 7 2
ec  Nicolas Lapentti 2 6 6 5 1
Nicolas Lapentti © Tennistalk.com

  • Moya survives tough challenge from Lapentti

    2/17/08 10:05 AM | Cheryl Murray
    Number one seed Carlos Moya battles an inspired Nicolas Lapentti and finally prevails in three tough sets by 6-2, 3-6, 7-6(5).

    In by far the better of the two semifinal matches, Spain's Carlos Moya finally defeated Nicolas Lapentti in a third set tie break. It was, perhaps, a fitting end to well-fought match. While his next opponent Nicolas Almagro's semifinal victory took less than an hour, Carlos Moya was on court for 2 hours and 40 minutes. Every match that Moya has played in this tournament has been three sets, and fatigue may very well determine the outcome of the final on Sunday.

    Moya played inspired tennis in the first set. He broke early and had a fantastic point on his serve at 2-1. He was forced to chase down a beautiful lob that Lapentti hit just out of his reach. Moya just managed to get his racket on the ball and hit it behind him for a winner. It was a clear candidate for play of the week. Moya never faced a break point on his own serve, while getting a look 6 times on Lapentti's. Lapentti did not play poorly, Moya was just spectacular.

    Lapentti raised his level considerably in the second set. He saved all three break points against him and converted on the single chance that Moya gave him. As Lapentti's level raised, Moya's dropped. Though his serve worked well enough in the set, his return game let him down; he only won 7 points on the return. His backhand also started to fail him; he dumped an increasing number into the net, a result of tired and sloppy footwork. Moya frankly looked like he was out of energy in the latter part of the set.

    First blood was drawn by Lapentti in the third set. It appeared as though he might just pull off the upset. Moya still wasn't moving well, and Lapentti, had the momentum. In true Moya style however, he kept his nerve. With Lapentti serving at 4-3, Moya jumped out quickly to a 0-40 lead. Lapentti saved one break point, but a double fault at 15-40 leveled the match at one set all, and 4-4. At 6-5, with Lapentti serving to stay in the match, Moya had a 15-30 look, but once again missed a backhand. Lapentti held to send the match to the tiebreak. Moya got a mini break at 3-2 on Lapentti's serve only to be broken back at 5-3. It wouldn't be enough for Lapentti, though. Moya immediately broke back for 6-4 and closed out the match on the second match point. It was an excellent match between the two mentally tough veterans.

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es  Carlos Moya ec  Nicolas Lapentti
Brasil Open  Brasil Open