It’s 1-1 and it’s game on. There are no leaders after the first day, but Spain looks a bit stronger than the Czech Republic.
In fact, both matches went according to predictions, but the Spanish Armada adapted really well to this super fast court (that is the real asset for the home team).
Ferrer – Stepanek 6-3 6-4 6-4
Ferrer had a very easy one with Stepanek to win in straight and comfortable sets. “I won in three sets. That’s perfect. I’m very happy to win my game,” Ferrer said.
“Today, the biggest difference was in the serve,” Stepanek said. “I completely lost the timing of my serve. I couldn’t put him under pressure. When I played a lot of points from the second serve, his part of the game was more effective than mine.”. Yes.. he put in only 56% of his first serves in and you can’t do that with Ferrer.”
Ferrer didn’t spend too much time on court and he will rest one more day to then play Berdych on Monday. Berdych won’t have this luxury as after defeating Almagro in 5 sets, he should play the doubles and then Ferrer… all back to back! That’s another good point for the Spanish team!
Berdych – Almagro 6-3, 3-6, 6-3, 6-7 (5), 6-3
Tomas did define Almagro as the weak link for Spain in a recent interview and that wasn’t pretty. The match eventually was much harder than he forecasted as his nasty comments gave an extra boost to Almagro. Eventually Tomas got it when in the 5th set he started to be more aggressive on a 4-3 scoreline to win the decider 6-3.
“The point is extremely important for us,” Berdych said. “Under the circumstances … that’s the maximum what we could get today. I’m extremely happy for that. We’re one all. That’s a good step for us.”
“We played a really good tennis,” Almagro said. “He played really aggressive at the end with 4-3 in the fifth set. That’s the key, I think.”
The doubles
As usual, Rosol and Minar were origianlly scheduled to play the doubles, but it seems very plausible that Berdych and Stepanek will take over against Grannolers and Lopez.
Talking about this possibility, Berdych said “I’ll definitely be there. I think that the human body is a very strong engine. I will definitely get everything what I get there. Whatever, four hours, five hours. Just need to get ready again and tomorrow is another.”
Our Prediction?
If Berdych plays the doubles he maybe dead tired against Ferrer for his last rubber. So whatever the result in doubles, since Ferrer and Almagro are the favourite to win their singles…we go for Spain!
