| Monday, 30 June 2008 Written by Helen Gilbert Feliciano Lopez saved three match points to defeat Cypriot Marcos Baghdatis in a nail-biting five-set thriller on Court 18.
The 26-year-old advanced to the Wimbledon quarter-finals for the second time in three years with a 5-7, 6-2, 3-6, 7-6 (4), 8-6 win in sweltering conditions.
On paper, world number 25 Baghdatis should have had the edge given that he is ranked 10 places above Lopez and was the victor in their one and only previous encounter, in Doha in 2006.
But the Cypriot has had a troubled year and, prior to Wimbledon had only played eight tournaments, missing most of the clay court season due to personal reasons. In the opening set Lopez appeared to have the upper hand thanks to strong and accurate serving which allowed him to win his service games easily. In contrast crowd-favourite 'Baggy' struggled to cling onto his. Looking agitated and uncomfortable, the Cypriot constantly looked at his camp and coach Peter Lundgren for signs of reassurance.
So it perhaps came as a surprise when, serving at 5-6 down, the Spaniard played a tentative game. A missed first serve, followed by an easy forehand into the net gave his 23-year-old opponent his first set point. It was the glimmer of hope Baghdatis needed, firing a winner down the line on the following point to tuck the first set safely under his belt.
But Lopez was not going to give up without a fight, breaking the number 10 seed in the opening game of the second set, which he promptly took 6-2. Baghdatis stamped his authority on the third, Lopez scraped the fourth on a tie-break and the fate of both men was pinned on the final set where the standard reached dizzying heights.
Serves were watertight on both sides of the net, both men hit winners into the angles of the court. Errors were few and far between. That is until Baghdatis played out of his skin to earn three match points on his opponent's serve - superb serving saved the Spaniard.
At 6-6 in the fifth it was the turn of Lopez to put pressure on the Cypriot's serve. Break him he did and Lopez held his nerve to clinch the match.
| Court 18 - Gentlemen's Singles - 4th Round | |
|
|
Match Statistics
Subscription Video (Live)
Free Video
