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4/15/09 8:01 PM | Kelli DeMario
Juan Martin Del Potro and Marat Safin fall in the second round of the Monte Carlo Rolex Masters on Wednesday. Nicolas Lapentti advances to face four-time defending champion Rafael Nadal.
Ivan Ljubicic def. Juan Martin Del Potro 4-6, 6-1, 6-4
Former world No. 3 Ivan Ljubicic rallied from a set down in his second-round match, dismissing fifth-seeded Argentine Juan Martin Del Potro. The Croat struck 14 aces in the encounter, securing five of 13 break-point opportunities. Del Potro, playing his his Monte-Carlo Masters debut, fell a break down in all three sets. The Argentine put in just 47% of his first serves and was unable to take advantage of seven of 10 break-point chances. Ljubicic moves on to meet Simone Bolelli of Italy in the third round.
Nicolas Lapentti def. Marat Safin 6-7(6), 6-2, 7-6(6)
Nicolas Lapentti prevailed in a marathon second-round match, defeating Marat Safin in three hours and 29 minutes. The 32-year-old Ecuadorian qualifier weathered a slew of lead changes and momentum shifts, booking his place in the third round. An erratic Russian surrendered a 4-0 lead in the third set, unable to convert three match points. Safin looked to come through in the third-set tiebreaker, saving match point No. 5 on a blistering ace. Lapentti, who coughed up a 5-1 lead in the 'breaker, delivered on match point No. 6. Safin, who failed to convert 13 of 19 break-point chances, struck 64 errors in the match. Lapentti will play world No. 1 Rafael Nadal in the third round.
Simone Bolelli def. Janko Tipsarevic 7-5, 6-3
Italian Simone Bolelli took out Janko Tipsarevic in straight sets early Wednesday afternoon. The world No. 41 held serve comfortably throughout the match, winning 31 of 40 first-serve points, saving four of four break points against him. Bolelli, making his second appearance at the tournament, went on to convert two of 7 break point opportunities on the Tipsarevic serve. The Italian, who pocketed a critical 60% of his second-serve points, will take on Ivan Ljubicic in round two.
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second straight tournament for Safin in which he has blown a double-break lead in the third set as well as multiple match points!
RickyDimon , 4/15/09 10:29 PM
I have to say overall, sad day as they are some of my faves. Safin needs to get his act together since his playing days are almost over! Come on Marat - k-i-t - keep it together :D
Rafterfan , 4/15/09 11:59 PM
I thought Marat looked good against Hewitt. Maybe Hewitt just looked bad. As far as Del Potro, I was expecting and still do expect more from him on clay, but love that Ljubicic has been playing pretty well of late. Ljubicic is very likeable for me, but I'm kind of bummed that the Nadal v. Del Potro QF is off.
thefanchild , 4/16/09 1:36 AM
Bet Nadal is not!!....lol!!......but im sure Nadal would have taught Del Potro a good lesson this time though!!
MonaLisa , 4/16/09 3:15 AM
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I watched the Safin match today, and I have to say his attitude is disgusting at times. He may be a favourite for the ladies because of his 'bad boy' behaviour, but I was quite happy he was knocked out today. Some of the ballboys are no more than children, but he treated them terribly once his tantrums started. A great talent spoiled by a total lack of self control. Sure, I can appreciate he's frustrated because of his errors, but there was no call for that behaviour.
Good to see Ljubicic go through, for two reasons. I enjoyed his encounters with Murray because he gives him lots of problems, and Del Potro still hasn't been forgiven yet for making comments about Murray's mother. Ivan can be a great player when he's on form, but just seems to lose concentration now and again.
Bundy , 4/15/09 9:54 PM