Defending champion Nikoloz Basilashvili reacts to making Hamburg semifinal
Defending Hamburg champion Nikoloz Basilashvili insists a good start to the match was the key in him beating France's Jeremy Chardy.
No. 4 seed Basilashvili demolished the Frenchman 6-2 6-3 to progress into the Hamburg semifinal.
"As it is always tough to play quarterfinals, it was important to have strong start into the match,” Basilashvili said, per Tennis TourTalk. “I changed my service motion, as I had some problems with my right arm during the season. I executed very well today, and I enjoy playing here."
World No. 16 Basilashvili started the match with a 3-0 after breaking Chardy in the second game of the match.
Chardy saved a break point in the fourth game but then failed to convert any of his three break points in the following game.
The Georgian then realized his first set point on the Frenchman's serve in the eighth game to claim the opener.
Basilashvili lost his serve in the opening game of the second set but kept his focus as he broke back Chardy immediately in the following game.
The Georgian then broke Chardy in the eighth game to take a 5-3 lead before he routinely served out for the match in the following game.
Basilashvili will fight against home favorite No. 2 seed Alexander Zverev for a place in the Hamb final.
from Tennis World USA https://ift.tt/2yih63D
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