By Tony Fairbairn
- Jacob Fearnley [LL] def Martin Landaluce 4-6 6-2 4-6 7-5 6-3
- Fearnley v Tomas Martin Etcheverry [27] | H2H: First Meeting
NEW YORK, USA – Jacob Fearnley outlasted Martin Landaluce in a five set thriller to reach the second round at the US Open where he will face Tomas Martin Etcheverry.
Jacob Fearnley [LL] def Martin Landaluce 4-6 6-2 4-6 7-5 6-3
Jacob Fearnley is into the second round of the US Open after overcoming a five set thriller against Martin Landaluce. It was a match that lasted two days with Landaluce taking a break lead at 4-3 and 40-0 before rain stopped play on the Sunday with the match resuming on Monday. The Spaniard kept his composure as he sealed the opening set with Fearnley having work to do.
In the second set there needed to be a huge shift in performance from the Brit and there was as Fearnley produced some efficient holds of serve. That confidence transferred into his return game as he broke comfortably in the fourth game for a 3-1 lead. There was frustration for Landaluce as his forehand broke down but the Spaniard had improved as the set went on. Fearnley was forced to save a few break points in the seventh game but did so to take a 5-2 lead before breaking in the following game for the set.
This match was full of rollercoaster twists and turns with the third set displaying that perfectly. It was a great start to the set for Fearnley who broke to love for 3-1 with the forehand doing most of the damage. However, Fearnley failed to keep that consistency and was broken for two consecutive games as he lost four games in a row. There seemed to be a lack of aggressiveness from Fearnley as Landaluce was able to dictate play easily. The Spaniard wrapped up the third set to take a two sets to one lead on Court 12.
There would be more twists and turns in the fourth set as Landaluce broke in the fourth game and looked well on his way to winning after he broke in the seventh game for a 5-2 lead. However, the Spaniard became tight and Fearnley gained a lot of confidence as he comfortable won the next five games to seal the fourth set and level the match at two sets all.
This would now be a test of physical and mental fatigue for both players and Fearnley had that in abundance. The Brit came through a testing and long opening game on serve before comfortably breaking serve in the fourth game for a 3-1 lead. Another comfortable break of serve saw Fearnley serve for the match at 5-1 but there would be more twists and turns. The Spaniard saved two match points and broke immediately back and put pressure on Fearnley.
However, it was second time lucky for Fearnley as he booked his place into the second round of the US Open.
Jacob Fearnley [LL] v Tomas Martin Etcheverry [27] H2H & Match Fundamentals
The next challenge for Fearnley will be 27th seed Tomas Martin Etcheverry as a place in the third round is on the line.
Tale of the Tape – Key Stats (Last 52 Weeks)
Fearnley will need to up his level on return with Martin Etcheverry serving very efficiently at the moment.
Playing styles and prediction
Martin Etcheverry has had another decent season but his form has dipped in the second half of the season. The Argentinian lost four matches in a row heading into the US Open before that run ended in his opening round win over Vit Kopriva. Now, Martin Etcheverry will aim to increase his aggression and intensity in order to reach the third round of the US Open for the second time in his career.
Fearnley will aim to be aggressive on serve and use the forehand to put pressure on Martin Etcheverry’s baseline game. Meanwhile Martin Etcheverry will use the backhand to neutralise Fearnley’s game as he will look to take advantage on the second serve return. Both players will be physical and consistent as they look to wear each other down. The experience and general quality of Martin Etcheverry could put the Argentinian at an edge in what will be a tight contest.
Prediction: Martin Etcheverry in four sets.
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