 Photographer: Sergio Llamera
Date: 06 Mar 2009 |  Photographer: Sergio Llamera
Date: 06 Mar 2009 |  Photographer: Sergio Llamera
Date: 06 Mar 2009 |  Photographer: Sergio Llamera
Date: 06 Mar 2009 |  Photographer: Sergio Llamera
Date: 06 Mar 2009 |  Photographer: Sergio Llamera
Date: 06 Mar 2009 |  Photographer: Sergio Llamera
Date: 06 Mar 2009 |  Photographer: Sergio Llamera
Date: 06 Mar 2009 |
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| 06 Mar 2009 - Estadio Parque Roca, Buenos Aires - Rodrigo Valdebenito - ARG v NED | |
| Argentina go 2-0 up in Buenos Aires |
Juan Monaco has extended Argentina’s lead to 2-0 after overcoming the Netherlands’s Thiemo De Bakker in straight sets 61 62 76(1) in the second singles rubber.
This was Monaco’s first live rubber in Davis Cup, alter a couple of years in the team, and he started in blistering form, handing a harsh punishment to a surprised De Bakker; the young Dutchman never could match the pace and skill of his opponent, until the third set.
De Bakker started to improve his level while Monaco started to slow down. There was a reason: the talented former ITF Junior No. 1 started to better understand how to play an experienced clay courter in his home turf, while Monaco began to get tired, showing the strain of the intense work he did with his trainer during the week to give his injured left leg a chance to recover. The situation changed and de Bakker started to show his potential, putting the pressure on the Argentine. However, the tiebreaker score was a good summary of the match, with Monaco cruising to get his first live rubber win.
Strong words for a better future
De Bakker was understandably unhappy, although he knew it was a likely outcome. “Monaco surprised me at the beginning,” he said. “He played extremely well. Then, probably I raised my level as well as he started to play a little worse. I did a good effort but it was not enough.”
Jan Siemerink, captain of the visiting team, was equally aware of what had happened. “I think Jesse Huta Galung did a very close match, and we could have won it, but I’m sure a score 2-0 with us ahead would have been very unrealistic. The Argentinean players showed they were better than us today. I would have liked it not to be 2-0, but 2-0 it is.”
Siemerink was also very clear when asked about the difference between de Bakker’s natural talent and his current ranking, which stands at 248.
“I believe Thiemo has to grow in order to be a more professional player. He knows this too. This means he has to work very hard, everyday. It’s a little difficult when you always won Juniors matches very easily, but he has to do it.”
A happy first time
Monaco, on the other hand, was a happy man although the match was not as easy as the scoreline reflects.
“I checked my watch all the time” he said. “I knew I could play for an hour and a half without any problem from my leg, and then I would have to start managing whatever pain might arise. I felt a little, but nothing relevant, so I am very well right now.”
Modesto Vázquez, Argentina’s captain, said he would field the doubles team he had announced yesterday, Lucas Arnold-Ker and Martin Vassallo-Arguello, who only joined the squad three days ago after Nalbandian’s withdrawal.
“They were going to play tomorrow whatever the score today,” Vázquez revealed. “They have not played together in the circuit yet, but have been practicing together since Martin joined us, so I’m sure they are qualified enough to face any opposition Netherlands might field.”
If both teams keep their declared doubles teams, Arnold-Ker and Vassallo-Arguello will face Huta Galung and Rogier Wassen tomorrow.
Related Links on other websites
> Información en español - AAT
> Nederlandse pagina's - KNLTB
Related Links on Daviscup.com
> Tie Information
> Scorecards and statistics
> Chela gives Argentina headstart
> Chela and Monaco lead Argentina
Related Audio
 Interview with Juan Monaco (ARG) - day 1
 
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