TRNAVA, September 24, 2015
Strong wind and difficult conditions were the main factors that influenced Wednesday´s second round matches at the ARIMEX Challenger Open in Trnava. Franko Skugor caused the biggest shock, eliminating third seeded Inigo Cervantes in two tight sets, Taro Daniel came short against Marton Fucsovics, while Adam Pavlasek confirmed his status of being a favourite against Kamil Majchrzak.
Skugor and Cervantes were even in the first set, but Inigo Cervantes failed to take the first set despite leading 3-0 in tie break. Skugor was more consistent on serve and took the big points. In the second set it was again a tight affair but Skugor broke Cervantes at 5:5 and held his serve to advance to the quarterfinals.
“It was a tough match today, it was very windy, which made it hard to control the ball. We were both struggling. I had the advantage in the crucial parts because I was serving better. It is not a big surprise for me. I know I can beat anyone on this level, if I play well. I was winning important points with my serve. I was more patient than him, which helped as well. I just tried to play the ball into the court. Every time we tried to play big points, it was difficult to control the ball,“ Skugor told afterwards facing Marton Fucsovics next.
In second the match on centre court, last year´s semi-finalist Fucsovics caused another upset. After winning the first set comfortably against Japanese Taro Daniel, he was 5-1 down in second set, to fight back and win six games in a row to take the set and the whole match.
“Today I played very well, concentrated on every point, althought the conditions were not ideal, because of strong wind. The wind was changing directions and it was very difficult to get used to it. It was the second time we played against each other, he beat me in two sets at the French Open this year but today it was my day. Despite being 5-1 down, I kept my focus to come back in the second set. I would like to save the points from last year and reach the semi-final at least, maybe go even further if possible. Trnava is one of my favourite tournaments I have to say,” said the Hungarian in his post-match interview on centre court following his win.
Albert Montanes (photo: Milan Hutera)
Fourth seed Albert Montanes defeated only 17-year-old Alex Molcan, winning 7-6, 6-4. The Spaniard, double the age of his opponent, won 84% of his first Service points and converted two of his 11 break point chances to close the match in one hour and 32 minutes.
Montanes will take on Adam Pavlasek. The eighth seeded Czech dismissed Kamil Majchrzak, winning 6-4, 7-6. The world number 147 hit six aces prevailing in 90 minutes of play.
