|
There seems to be no stopping Gustavo Kuerten in this year¿s Brazil Open. He made light work of his fellow countryman Ricardo Mello, beating him by 2 sets to love (6/2 and 6/2), in just 1hr and 5mins.
In the semi¿s this Saturday, Guga will have to face the far greater challenge from the number one seeded German Rainer Schuettler, who didn¿t have to push himself too hard to dismiss Ramon Delgado - 6/1 and 6/3.
"I¿ll need the crowd behind me tomorrow ", claimed the Brazilian. He was referring to his match against Schuettler, but went on to praise the up and coming Brazilian, Mello. "He¿s definitely on the right track."
Mello actually started quite well. He managed to hold his first serve and even took Guga to break point, but the bark was more than the bite. Brazil Open 2002 champion Kuerten soon found his form, breaking Mello¿s serve in the forth and eighth game to round the set off at 6/2 in 30 minutes.
In the second set, Guga had to come back from two separate break points in the third and fifth games. Breaking Mello¿s service in the eight put him back in total control of the match, ending the set 6/2 after 34 minutes.
Statistics
The only part of Kuerten¿s game that he may want to look at before tomorrow¿s semi-final with Schuettler is the unforced error. The statistics company Kickoff counted 22, whilst Mello only totalled 16.
In all the other categories however, the Brazilian No1 was in top form. No less than 9 aces vs. 1; not one double fault and wining 59% of points after a successful serve, whilst Mello managed just 52%. Guga hit 20 winning shots vs. six from his opponent.
|
