Karlovic Exacts Revenge

It was always going to be a tough match for Andy to win to reach the 300 mark. Having beaten 6′10″ Karlovic twice already this year, apparently it was not meant to be three in a row. Despite giving it all he had, Andy lost to the towering Croat in three tight sets, 6-3, 6-7(7), 6-7(3).

The only break of serve went to Andy in the first set when he broke the big serving Croat at 3-2. He went on to serve out the set and take a 1-0 lead in the match.

As expected it was a very fast paced match. Both men were holding serve comfortably and trying to get a read on their opponents serve. Andy was serving especially well with eight aces in the second set alone and a first serve percentage of 74. However he could not find a way past Karlovic and the set was decided on a tie break.

Both men exchanged mini breaks and Andy found himself with a match point at 6-5. But he couldn’t take the point from Karlovic and it was the Croat instead who took the initiative to level the match.

The third set followed suit and went all the way to a nail-biting tie-break as well. However, Karlovic hit the zone and there was nothing a frustrated Andy could do about it. Karlovic went up a mini break early and never looked back, closing out the tie break to edge out victory and deny Andy his 300th career victory.

Andy will be staying in Madrid, despite his loss, as he and friend, James Blake, are participating in the doubles. They play their first match tomorrow against T. Johansson and Mirnyi on Pista Cibeles at 4.30pm CET.

Stay tuned to AR.com for all the latest from Madrid.