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4/14/09 6:54 PM | Kelli DeMario
Marat Safin turned in a solid first-round performance on Tuesday, booking a place in the second round of the Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters. The Russian notched a straight-set win over familiar foe Lleyton Hewitt.
A steady Safin, showcasing his strength of shot from the ground, jumped out to a 3-1 lead in the first set. Hewitt clawed his way back, securing a service break to close the gap at 3-2. Both men played well, holding serve comfortably until late in the set. Hewitt hit a handful of errors at 4-5, handing Safin two set points. The Russian took the first set on a blistering backhand winner for 6-4.
A close second set followed, with neither player surrendering serve to reach 5-5. Hewitt earned two break-point opportunities at 5-5, failing to snag either one. The Australian struck three uncharacteristic unforced errors in the following game, gifting the Russian two match points. Safin, playing in his 10th and final tournament in Monte Carlo, finished the match on a backhand error from Hewitt.
Safin ended the first-round encounter with 22 winners and 10 aces, while converting four of eight break-point chances. He will face qualifier Nicolas Lapentti of Ecuador in the next round. Lapentti won his opening-round match over No. 15 seed Radek Stepanek.
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I enjoyed in Safin's performance.
milivice , 4/14/09 8:47 PM
Just watched the highlights on tennistv, and as they shook hands, Marat asked Lleyton if he was all right, and he said "I think so." hmmm...
Love Marat! Aiyiyi, just looked at the draw, and he's in Rafa's quarter. No fair!
Rafterfan , 4/14/09 9:16 PM
Arvis - this was not going to be Hewitt's week regardless of his opponents. Too quick of a turnaround after Houston.
RickyDimon , 4/14/09 9:32 PM
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Shame Lleyton drew Safin in the first round. Two likable champions. Would have liked to see them both succeed. Alas.
-Arvis
Arvis , 4/14/09 7:36 PM