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Match report

Tomas Berdych © Tennistalk.com
Monte Carlo Rolex Masters
3rd round
4/15/10 1 2 3 Tot
cz  Tomas Berdych 7 3 2 1
es  Fernando Verdasco 5 6 6 2
Fernando Verdasco © Tennistalk.com

  • Verdasco rallies to outlast Berdych in round of 16

    4/15/10 10:40 PM | Kelli DeMario
    Fernando Verdasco earned safe passage into the Monte-Carlo quarterfinal, after rallying to defeat Tomas Berdych in three sets. The Spaniard moves on to contest a quarterfinal clash against Albert Montanes.

    Sixth seed Fernando Verdasco improved to 4-6 lifetime against 10th seed Tomas Berdych early Thursday, clawing his way out a set deficit to win in three, 5-7, 6-3, 6-2. The 26-year-old Spaniard, through to his fourth ATP World Tour quarter of the season, extended his 2010 record to 16-5. Verdasco has successfully defended his Monte-Carlo finish from a year ago, where he lost a tight match to World No. 2 Novak Djokovic.

    After trailing by a break for half a set, Berdych leveled at 3-3. Verdasco earned a chance to lead at 5-5, but failed to convert. A controversial double-bounce call went against the Spaniard in the 11th game, giving the Czech set point. Berdych struck an unreachable forehand, closing the 66-minute set at 7-5.

    The second set marked a turnaround for Verdasco, who collected his first break point at 1-1. A lucky net cord gave the Spaniard a 2-1 edge. Berdych struggled physically, as a leg issue slowed his momentum. The 26-year-old kept the lead on for the remainder, taking the 6-3 set to level the match.

    A costly double from Berdych at 1-2 gave Verdasco control in the deciding set. The 24-year-old looked to regroup, as the Spaniard gifted the break back on a netted backhand. Verdasco recovered immediately, winning four consecutive games to seal the victory in two hours and 33 minutes.

    The sixth seed hit 33 winners to 45 unforced on the day. He moves on to meet countryman Albert Montanes, who took out fourth seed Marin Cilic in the round of 16, 6-4, 6-4.



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