VALENCIA, October 27, 2015
First round matches continued on Day 2 of the Valencia Open with two Spaniards headlining the action. Sixth seed Guillermo García-López won the all-Spanish-affair with Fernando Verdasco 6-4, 3-6, 6-3. The 32-year-old from Albacete converted four of his 15 break point opportunities to prevail in two hours and three minutes.
Guillermo Garcia Lopez
Fernando Verdasco
García-López, who has already captured two titles this season in Zagreb and Bucharest, will meet Taro Daniel, who emerged victorious from the battle of the qualifiers with Michal Przysiezny, winning 4-6, 7-6, 6-3 in two hours and 17 minutes.
Another qualifier also made his way to the second round, when Mischa Zverev defeated Tomaz Bellucci in the longest encounter of the day, lasting two hours and 55 minutes. The world number 215 from Germany fired 14 aces and won 3 of his 12 break points to face fourth seed Fabio Fognini next.
Daniel Brands set a second round clash with top-seed David Ferrer. The German qualifier, who appeared in his first ATP main draw match since losing in the opening round to Vasek Pospisil in Vienna in October last year, overcame Nick Kyrgios through a 6-4, 2-6, 7-6 win. Brands smashed 14 aces and capitalized on two of his six break points to advance after one hour and 42 minutes.
Nick Kyrgios enjoying the changeover
Daniel Brands won his first main draw match on the ATP World Tour since January 2014
“Of course the service is always a key in matches like this. Consistency in my serve is important to get a chance to win against the big guys at highest level,” Brands told Tennis TourTalk after his victory and added that he just tried to focus on his own game against a player with his very own, charismatic behaviour on court. “It is not easy to play against Nick, but you shouldn’t get impressed by his things. I just tried to play my own tennis, took my time, even when he had already been ready to serve. If he is getting annoyed by this, maybe even better for me, as it will break his rhythm,” the German explaind and was satisfied celebrating his first main draw victory on the ATP World Tour since Doha 2014.
“Playing the bigger events is balm for the soul. I have been working hard, practiced a lot to come back. You need to be patient. I didn’t think that it would become so tough. But when you continue believing in yourself, it finally can work out and honest work is paying off,” the former world number 51 said. “Of course, I want to get back where I was before. If my game is as strong and consistent as today, I think that my chances to do so, will not be too bad,” he added and is looking forward to the meeting with the top-seed. “David is an extraordinay good player, almost playing without unforced errors and he enjoys the home advantage here. It will be a big challenge, but there is nothing to lose for me,” Brands is optimistic.
Aljaz Bedene knocked out eighth seed Jeremy Chardy, winning 88% of his first service points to seal a 3-6, 6-2, 6-1 victory in one hour and 37 minutes. Joao Sousa defeated Gilles Muller, winning 7-6, 6-3 in one hour and 39 minutes to take on Benoit Paire in the second round. The fifth seeded Frenchman ousted Slovakian lucky loser Norbert Gombos, winning 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 in one hour and 41 minutes.
Earlier the day, David Ferrer and Vasek Pospisil, who opened his Valencia campaign with a 6-4, 6-3 win over Santiago Giraldo on Monday, took the Tourist Bus for a special ride through the City of Arts and Science. Ferrer, also proprietor of the tournament’s license, explained the places of interest to the Canadian, who is making his second visit to Spain’s third largest city.
Ferrer, who took his fifth title of the season in Vienna last Sunday, wasn’t sure whether he is playing his home tournament but eventually confirmed his participation. “I feel good. It’s normal that you feel a bit tired by the end of the season. I had four intense weeks. So far the season has been very good for me and it want to end it in the best possible way. I hope that can win my sixth title in 2015 here but it will be very tough,” Ferrer told after the tour and added that his goal is to be among the eight players for the season finale in London.
David Ferrer and Vasek Pospisil enjoy the bus tour
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