[澳網] Slick Simon too strong for Guccione
Slick Simon too strong for Guccione
Thursday 22 January 2009
By Tom Kelly
Australian Chris Guccione has crashed out of Australian Open 2009, crumbling
against world No. 6 Gilles Simon, who won their second round match-up 6-7(5)
6-4 6-1 6-2.
Although little separated the pair in the opening set, it was Frenchman Simon
who went on to hold his mettle as the big-serving Guccione faltered.
In many ways, the first game of the match reflected the nature of the contest.
Despite Guccione belting down two aces, it was Simon who impressed with a
brilliant running passing shot – a weapon that would come to bear fruit
against the net-rushing Australian.
Guccione, the world No. 132, faced only one break point his first six service
games and forced the set into a tiebreaker.
Ironically, it was Simon’s only unforced error for the set – a forehand
return dumped into the net – that handed Guccione the tiebreak and the set.
His success was to be short-lived, however; the Frenchman had break
opportunities early in the second set, and looked more comfortable
negotiating Guccione’s service.
Ahead at 5-4, Simon had a let cord go his way, and sent a winner past the
Australian to seal the set.
The statistics told the story of the third set.
Guccione failed to serve an ace, while Simon hit 10 winners to five unforced
errors.
The Australian blew two opportunities to break when 3-1 down, failing to
create any further chances on the Frenchman’s serve as Simon sprinted away.
Simon then raced to an early lead in fourth set, breaking for a 4-2 lead and
holding in the next game.
Guccione’s last hurrah – five break-back opportunities at 2-5 down –wasn’t
enough.
Simon took the match with a backhand down the line on his first match point,
putting the finishing touches on a tidy performance and securing a passage
through to the third round. He’ll next meet the winner of Thursday’s clash
between Croatians Ivo Karlovic and Mario Ancic.
Quick facts
Simon served more aces than Guccione, 14-12
Guccione had 37 unforced errors, 22 more than his French opponent
Simon hit 53 winners for the match to Guccione’s 41
Guccione’s fastest serve was 211km/h
Rod Laver Arena - Men's Singles - 2nd Round
Chris Guccione AUS 7[7] 4 1 2
Gilles Simon FRA (6) Winner 6[5] 6 6 6
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