Help
3/6/11 7:10 PM | Ricky Dimon
Marin Cilic wins his singles match to keep Croatia's hopes alive, but it is not enough for the host nation on Sunday in Zagreb. Philipp Petzschner responds with a straight-set victory over Ivo Karlovic to put Germany in the Davis Cup quarterfinals.
Philipp Petzschner played the unexpected role of hero in the first-round Davis Cup tie between Germany and Croatia. One day after winning a five-set doubles rubber with partner Christopher Kas, Petzschner won the decisive fifth rubber 6-4, 7-6(3), 7-6(5) over Ivo Karlovic to put Germany in the quarterfinals.
The Germans had a 2-1 advantage after the doubles victory, but Marin Cilic brought the host nation level at 2-2 by getting the best of Philipp Kohlschreiber 6-2, 6-3, 7-6(6) early on Sunday. Petzschner quickly regained the momentum for the visitors by breaking Karlovic early in the first set and that was all he needed to serve out the opening frame of play at 5-4.
Karlovic picked up his serve in the second and easily took care of all six of his service games. The 6'10'' Croat even had two break chances of his own, but Petzschner managed to hold en route to a tiebreaker. Petzschner rolled through the 'breaker seven points to three for a commanding two-set advantage.
It seemed to be all over when the world No. 67 went up an early break in the third. However, Petzschner suddenly donated serve for the first time all afternoon and from there the set stayed on serve until another tiebreaker had to decide it. Karlovic again came from behind, this time from a mini-break, but he surrendered another service point at 4-5. With a match point on his own serve, Petzschner got the job done and clinched victory for Germany.
Petzschner out-aced Karlovic 21 to 16 and finished with an impressive 56 winners to just 19 unforced errors. Karlovic recorded 41 winners and 34 errors.
Find the latest tennis odds at Unibet.com
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
Bravo, Petzschner!
You are the hero - celebrate and enjoy, you deserve it 100% and wish you all the very best for the rest of the season.
From now on, when leading by 2 sets, win that damn match, dont ever let it slip again -it's so heartbreaking - you can win and you know that!
Support you always, go Germany!
regguid , 3/7/11 8:46 AM