Andy To Take on Chela in Round Three

After some very impressive play Wednesday, Andy set up his 7th meeting with Argentine Juan Ignacio Chela in the third round of the Cincy Masters Thursday evening.

Andy took out Kristof Vliegen in a very animated match in the second round, 6-4, 6-4, appearing nearly fully recovered from his recent side strain. “I hit the ball well tonight,” Andy told reporters following the win. “I felt like the match was played on my terms, which was good. I felt like I was forcing the issue. So I’m happy, and I hope I can keep that going.”

Andy next faces the towering Argentine, Juan Ignacio Chela, in their 7th meeting. Andy has a 5-1 record against Chela, most recently earning the “W” last year in Cincy. Andy’s only loss was their first match in 2002 at the Nasdaq-100 Open. Chela upset the 5th seed Davydenko and Vince Spadea in the first and second rounds respectfully.

The two will face off in the first evening match, not before 7:00 PM EST. There is an obvious opportunity at stake for both Andy and Juan as their quarter opened up significantly when teen sensation Andy Murray upset Roger Federer Wednesday. Andy is never one to look down the draw, but it will certainly be on the minds of eager fans Thursday evening.

Check out some of Chela’s stats courtesy of the ATP:

Juan Ignacio Chela (ARG)
Birthdate: 30-Aug-79
Birthplace: Buenos Aires, Argentina
Residence: Buenos Aires, Argentina
Height: 6’3’’ (190 cm)
Weight: 165 lbs (75 kg)
Plays: Right-handed
Turned Pro: 1998
Coach: Roberto Azar