Alexander Peya and Nikola Mektic are in the quarter-finals at the French Open 2018: The Viennese and his Croatian partner defeated Michael Venus and Raven Klaasen 7:6 (2) and 7:6 (4).
By Jens Huiber from Paris
Two days double break after round one (good: Alexander Peya had to play in the mixed competition on Wednesday), then however immediately blow on blow: The ways of the game planners at the French Open are unfathomable also in the double competition.
On Saturday it became Court 3 for Peya and his partner Nikola Mektic, that relic from another time, when only Stefan Edberg was able to serve with a kick to the outside, the seats didn’t have to offer much lateral run-out. That the great Edberg in his heyday ever had to go for the 3 series would almost justify extensive research in the tournament archives.
Before the French Open, Peya/Mektic’s duel against Raven Klaasen and Michael Venus would be one that could also be repeated at the end of the season in London. Austria/Croatia ranks fourth in the Doubles Race, Venus, who won last year in Paris with ryan Harrison, and Klaasen in eighth place. These charts are headed by Oliver Marach and Mate Pavic, who are only allowed to work again on Sunday.
After an early break (against Mektic) and Rebreak (against Klaasen), the first set went into the tiebreak, where Alex Peya finished with a forehand pass ball to the 7:6 (2). 47 balanced minutes were behind the two couples, Garbine Muguruza had almost finished Sam Stosur in the same time span on Philippe Chatrier.
On Court 3, Raven Klaasen remained the weakest link for the time being. The South African lost his serve at the beginning of round two. In the achren game it was Alex Peya’s turn for the first time, a backhand return of Klaasen found his goal. Tiebreak again. Peya/Mektic led 3-1 and lost the following three points. But two mini-breaks against Klaasen paved the way to success after 1:43 hours. And this after Mektic fell over the seat at the 3:3 point.
In the round of the last eight, Lukasz Kubot and Marcelo Melo, who are seeded at position one, could now wait. Peya/Mektic last won against them in Munich.