Thursday, January 26, 2006

Australian Open 2006 Men's Semi-Finals - Baghdatis vs. Nalbandian

David NalbandianNow this is a good match. Baghdatis got the overwhelming support of the crowd which really powered him on, and Nalbandian is out to tame the wild man. Baghdatis put up a brave fight in the 2nd set, but Nalbandian's just too good. Baghdatis ought to make more adventurous shots. I mean, being the 52nd seed, what has he got to lose anyway? The tide started turning for Baghdatis on the 3rd set, leading 4-2, then 5-2. Baghdatis made some pretty confident service returns, which turned out to be winners - overhead smashes, blistering serves.

Baghdatis is getting quite comfortable with his game in the crucial 4th set. No sign of fatigue or apprehension. Marcos BaghdatisVery, very confident serves and aces. Leading 4-2. Nalbandian started making lots of unforced errors and bad first serves, showing a hint of uneasiness. Baghdatis goes to 5-3 after winning a deuce. Nalbandian takes it to 5-4. Baghdatis wins the fourth set 6-4 with two sets all. Baghdatis is really on a roll.

Nalbandian gets aggressive at the start of the 5th set. Baghdatis started losing his powerful first serves and lots of unforced errors. Nalbandian broke Baghdatis' serve for 2-0. Now in control. The crowd is getting too rowdy, and the umpire had to remind them (again and again) to be silent during the service. Terrific atmosphere - the kind of game you'd want to watch live. Marcos BaghdatisThis time Nalbandian keeps returning wide. Baghdatis broke his serve 0-40 to make it 3-4, for a chance to tie. Both players can't seem to hold serve. And he ties. Baghdatis plays defensive, and Nalbandian breaks his own serve with unforced errors. Score 5-4, suddenly in favor of Baghdatis. He now has a change to win the match. The score goes to 15-15 when it started raining. Most players would have been frustrated with the loss of momentum, but Baghdatis took it as a sign from heaven and was so happy for the break. Marcos BaghdatisThe roof was closed, the court mopped up, and play continues.

The game goes to 40-30, matchpoint for Baghdatis. Baghdatis makes a great shot, but was declared wide by the umpire. Hawk-eye says it's in by 22cm. Games goes to deuce. Advantage Baghdatis thanks to a forehand into the net from Nalbandian. And a sizzling ace down the middle from crazy Baghdatis seals the deal. Score 3-6, 5-7, 6-3, 6-4, 6-4.

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