Help
2/14/09 4:16 AM | Kelli DeMario
Playing in front of a partisan crowd, including three-time Roland Garros champion and countryman Gustavo Kuerten, Thomaz Bellucci secured a berth in his first ATP Tour final.
The Brazilian talent started the match quickly, dropping only one point in his first two service games. Showcasing his huge forehand and effective drop shots, Bellucci looked to take an early lead in the match. He served his way out of trouble at 2-3, saving two break points in the game. Opponent Frederico Gil held serve comfortably throughout, pushing the first set to a tiebreak. The two competitors traded mini-breaks at the beginning of the tie break, drawing level at 1-1. Bellucci captured a slender lead at 3-1, following a backhand error from Gil. The Brazilian extended his lead to 5-2, hitting a well-timed drop shot and a powerful overhead smash. Bellucci missed his first set-point opportunity at 6-2, but connected on the second, crushing a forehand winner to win the tiebreak.
A quartet of burned-out flood lights caused a 30-minute delay in the second set, with Bellucci having fallen behind 15-40 while serving at 2-2. When play resumed, he pushed a volley wide, surrendering his serve for the first time in the match. Gil failed to close at 5-4, handing Bellucci a key service break late in the set. An inspired Brazilian promptly held his next service game at love to reach 6-5. A second-set tiebreak ensued, and Bellucci pocketed a 4-1 lead on two forehand errors committed by his Portuguese opponent. A nervous Bellucci dropped the next two points on serve, but clawed his way to 6-4 after hitting a crisp volley at net. Bellucci guaranteed a place in his first tour final after Gil launched a forehand wide on match point.
Bellucci will play Tommy Robredo in the final on Saturday night. Robredo won his semifinal match against Jose Acasuso 6-2, 6-1.
Tell a friend »
Scan QR code to access Unibet mobile.
Bet on Sports wherever you are and whenever you like, with Unibet's quick and simple mobile client you can place bets, check results and see live odds.
For more info about QR codes & scanners click here.
Contact us
/ About us
/ Cookies
/ Recommended links
/ Advertise
/ Sitemap
Tennistalk v1.5.0
Disclaimer © 2001-2012, Moneytainment Media Ltd - All rights reserved
