Upset Alert: Korda Denied Murray Showdown By Inspired Etcheverry In Basel Opener
ATP
Sebastian Korda played really well recently, but his Swiss Indoors campaign didn't go so well, as he's out after only one match, losing to Tomas Martin Etcheverry.
Korda is a very streaky player, and while that allows him to produce sensational tennis like he did in Shanghai, it also causes him to be upset in matches where you didn't think he would.
Tomas Martin Etcheverry might not be the best player in the world and might prefer clay over any other surface, but he's far from an easy out, and he proved that in Basel.
He can serve really well and hits the ball really hard, which is all you really need indoors. Korda has a similar profile, but his streakiness can be his ruin. Today was not one of his best days, as he didn't really pick and choose his spots.
The opening set started badly for Korda as lost his serve early which isn't typical for him but his opponent outworked him a bit more. That was all Etcheverry really needed as he never lost focus and remained composed enough to serve out the set.
The second set saw Korda return to form and smash his opponent like it was nothing. The score was 6-1 as he blasted five winners along with two aces. It was a terrible set from Ethceverry, who rushed far too often, totaling nine unforced errors in only seven games.
He did much better in the next set as he remained composed under tremendous pressure from Korda, which worked out in his favour. As Korda failed to create chances, his frustration grew and eventually caused him to lose his serve late in the third set.
That was all Etcheverry needed to finish off the match. A very strong win from the Argentinian who moves on to face Andy Murray who won earlier on Monday. The final score was 6-3 1-6 6-3 behind 2 aces and 19 winners.
