News of the day - 2010

Llodra survives 1st round scare

As 2009 runner-up and ranked 70 spots higher than his opponent, Michael Llodra was clear favorite to come up with an easy win over compatriot Edouard Roger-Vasselin. The latter did not see it that way. After dropping his serve early in the first set, the 151st player in the world broke back. Both servers held their own through-out the set and only the tie-breaker could separate the two. Edouard Roger-Vasselin played more aggressive tennis and was rewarded, as often the more offensive player is, by capturing the first set 7-6(5).
Llodra needed to get back on track in the second set or else… The Parisian did just that by lifting his level of play. His constant chip and charge tactics allowed him to level the match at a set apiece. One break was all he needed. Llodra could after rely on his powerful and tricky lefty serve. The second set ended on a score of 6-3.
In the final set, both players held their serve until 3-3 and the "fatal" seventh game. With his experience, Llodra made his move and broke Roger-Vasselin to go up 4-3 and serving. Two games later, the 79th player in the world had a chance to serve out the match. He did just that, and even finished on an ace.