ECKENTAL, November 5, 2015
The remaining second round matches took place on Thursday at the € 35,000 ATP Challenger Bauer Watertechnology Cup in Eckental.
Second seed and defending champion Ruben Bemelmans remained untroubled in his match against Marius Copil, clinching a 7-6, 6-3 victory. The world number 109 from Belgium withstood 13 aces from his opponent and didn’t have to save a break point, converting two of his own to prevail in one hour and 11 minutes.
Bemelmans will take on Aldin Setkic next, who emerged victorious from the all-Bosnian-affair with Mirza Basic. Setkic, who captured the ITF Future title in Ismaning last Sunday, smashed seven aces and capitalized on four of his seven break point opportunities, winning 6-3, 6-3 in one hour and 22 minutes.
Seventh seed Luca Vanni defeated Czech lucky loser Jan Hernych, who replaced Daniel Brands due to back injury. The 30-year-old Italian didn’t save a break point and won 89% of his first service points to advance after one hour and 34 minutes.
Vanni will face Mikhail Youzhny next. The Russian world number 153 saved all of the four break points he faced to gain a solid 6-1, 6-2 victory over Federico Gaio in only 59 minutes.
Fans are looking forward to an action packed quarterfinals Friday with two Germans headlining the action when Benjamin Becker will take on Dustin Brown.
Get to know Benjamin Becker:
“I started playing tennis by the age of seven or eight. I actually started playing football by the age of four.”
“Nobody in my family played tennis, instead of my father, who just started. My neighbour was a voluntary coach, who organized some kids clinics in my home village. He gave me an understanding of tennis and it was great fun, so I decided to continue playing.”
“My professional tennis career started pretty late, as I am still studying and I will graduate soon. I didn’t really know what to do, so I decided to play tennis and it fortunatetly worked out pretty well.”
“A couple of years ago, when I lived in Florida, I spent my free days at the beach. In recent years, I spent my leisure time with my kids. They take up a lot of time, but I really enjoy it.”
“My idol was Boris Becker. All of us kids wanted to be like him and we imitated his play. I also liked Goran Ivanisevic, he was one of my favourite players on the Tour, as he showed emotions on the court and had a different game style and was also a bit crazy. I have great respect for Dirk Nowitzki as well.”
“Winning the team competition during my college days, was the nicest experience in my tennis career. In my professional career, celebrating titles on the Tour is always something special. Winning in s’Hertogenbosch was maybe the best moment.”
“I do not have plans for the next years but in 2016 I would like to be within the top 100. Then we will see. I am a veteran now and I would like to remain my ranking position or even improve it a bit. Staying healthy is the most important thing.”
