PBZ Zagreb Indoors, Croatia

[CR56] Mikhail Youzhny (RUS) vs. [CR67] Marcos Baghdatis (CYP)

Baghdatis showed his improved physical fitness and fortitude, as once again he came from a set down to win the match.  Both players fought for every point and there were some exquisite shots from both.  Youzhny did not fade away in the third as is his tendency when he is losing.  He fought back to reclaim one of the breaks, but after a minor loss of focus, Baghdatis steadied himself and served out the game to win the match 3-6, 6-3, 6-4.

The fitter player won.  Despite three consecutive three set matches, Baghdatis was more alert and showed no signs of physical or mental fatigue.  Youzhny on the other hand showed signs of wear.  He was just a step slower as the match progressed and that cost him, as he was not in position to execute his ferocious backhand.  Two consecutive breaks of serve were the result of backhand errors by  Youzhny.  Baghdatis is not ready to give up on tennis just yet; however, has he hurt his chances for a title with these three draining matches? He may be going on adrenaline now, but he’s not a young player anymore.  Can he keep going all the way to the final?