POZNAN/STARNBERG, June 20, 2024
Kamil Majchrzak of Poland defeated Pablo Carreno Busta from Spain 7-5, 4-6, 7-6(2), despite trailing 4-1 in the third set, to advance to the quarterfinals of the Enea Poznan Open, where he will face Italian Samuel Vincent Ruggeri.
The encounter was highly anticipated by the fans, as both players were returning to the tour after a long break, trying to rebuild their form and ranking. In the past, they had played against each other only once, during an ATP Challenger in Morocco in 2015, where Majchrzak won in straight sets.
The second-round match of the Enea Poznan Openvstarted on Wednesday, but the players managed to play only nine games. At 5-4 for Majchrzak, the match was interrupted due to rain and postponed to the next day. During this time, both players broke serve once. Upon returning to the Central Court on Thursday, both players showcased high-level tennis, and Majchrzak closed out the first set.
The rallies featured quick offensive plays and surprising elements like drop shots. In the third game, Majchrzak saved four break points and eventually won the longest game of the set. However, he could not repeat this feat in his next service game. Carreno Busta broke serve first, as in the opening set, but once again, the Spaniard failed to capitalize on this advantage and lost his serve in the following game.
The pace remained high, and the rallies excited the audience more and more. Carreno Busta increased the pressure on Majchrzak, resulting in a break in the ninth game. The 32-year-old from Gijon learned from previous situations and this time took advantage, winning the second set 6-4.
Majchrzak’s service problems grew, affecting his confidence. The experienced Carreno Busta exploited these weaknesses, leading 4-1 with two breaks in the decisive set. However, this did not discourage the 28-year-old from Piotrkow Trybunalski, who was strongly supported by the Poznan crowd. Majchrzak made a comeback with offensive play, forcing a tie-break. In the tie-break, the Pole took complete control and allowed Carreno Busta only two points.
Kamil Majchrzak 🇵🇱 def. [WC] Pablo Carreño Busta 🇪🇦 7/5, 4/6, 7/6(2)#2ndround #atpchallenger pic.twitter.com/QeKnixad4D
— Poznań Open (@poznanopen) June 20, 2024
“At one point, I didn’t know what to do, but the support of the crowd helped. It was a fierce battle until the very end,” Majchrzak said after the match. “We played over two hours today with Pablo. I still feel the previous seven matches from Bratislava in my legs, so I’m definitely physically and mentally tired, but I won’t give up and will give my all in the quarterfinals,” concluded the World No. 205, who is the second Pole, after Maks Kasnikowski, to reach the stage of the last eight of the Enea Poznan Open.
“Kamil played very well. He is in form right now, coming here after a triumph in Bratislava. I haven’t played such matches in a long time, but I’m satisfied. I’d like to play more matches at such a high level,” said Carreno Busta, who clinched the title here back in 2015.
