1 Response to rome98rios_kuerten

1. Voo de Mar says:

   September 26, 2020 at 4:50 pm

   Points won by each set: | 28-13, 33-30 |
   Points won directly behind the serve:
   29 % Rios – 14 of 47
   28 % Kuerten – 16 of 57

   The first pro meeting between the two most gifted South American players born in the 70s (Rios had won their three junior matches). Rios [3] already became the best in the world a few months before, Kuerten was two years before obtaining that goal, but the Brazilian had captured a major title in contrary to the Chilean. So on paper it was an exciting match-up, unfortunately the entire semifinal lasted as long as a standard tie-break set on clay – only 60 minutes. That semifinal turned to be decisive for the event’s conclusion because A.Costa suffered an injury in the other semifinal and Rios was awarded a walkover in the final (the only time Costa resigned to take the court). It was a huge setback because they both presented great form at the time. The French Open ’98 draw collided them in the fourth round, it seemed that the winner of that match would become the champion, yet Rios lost his next match to Carlos Moya.

   Rios’ route to his 9th title:
   1 Marzio Martelli 6-3, 6-0
   2 Tim Henman 6-3, 6-1
   3 Thomas Muster 6-3, 6-1
   Q Richard Krajicek 7-6(9), 6-3
   S Gustavo Kuerten 6-0, 7-5
   W Albert Costa w/o [wrist/fatigue]

   Serve & volley: Rios 2/2, Kuerten 0

   # Rios saved two set points in the tie-break against Krajicek

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