1 Response to essen95krajicek_becker

1. Voo de Mar says:

   April 3, 2024 at 8:35 am

   Points won by each set: | 40-33, 46-51, 31-26 |
   Points won directly behind the serve:
   38 % Krajicek – 50 of 131
   34 % Becker – 33 of 96

   A classic serve-and-volley battle of former/future Wimbledon champions, already in the third round – the draw that year in the only ‘Mercedes Super 9’ held in Essen was excellent. Becker [4] had a support of the local crowd but Krajicek [15] somehow used to play his best tennis indoors in Germany. The Dutchman broke in the opening game of the match and it was enough to win the set. In the 2nd set he led 3:2 with a break, but Becker broke back immediately. In the tie-break Krajicek led 4:2, but Becker won five straight points. In the decider, Krajicek saved a break point at 1-all and 2-all before breaking at 3:2 (Becker had a game point). The Dutchman converted his third match point when Becker’s passing-shot barely landed outside the baseline. # Eight days later they play almost the same match at Paris-Bercy, but this time Becker breaks in 3rd set and wins.

   # Comparison of their two similar 3-setters of autumn ’95:
   Essen (3R): Krajicek d. Becker 6-4, 6-7, 6-3… 2 hours 20 minutes… Total points: 117-110… Breaks: 3-1
   Paris (QF): Becker d. Krajicek 4-6, 7-6, 6-4… 2 hours 26 minutes… Total points: 113-105… Breaks: 4-4
   

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