Austrian youngster Jurij Rodionov just missed a surprise at the ATP-Challenger in Bratislava. Even 15 aces and a 5:2 lead in the decisive set were not enough for him.
After almost 2:12 hours, 19-year-old Rodionov had to give in to Evgeny Donskoy, who was seeded second in the Russian rankings, 7:6 (7:4), 4:6, 6:7 (5:7). The game was on the razor’s edge when, before the next point at 5:5 in the tiebreak, it was: Matchball Rodionov – or Matchball Donskoy.
The favored world ranking-97th Donskoy, who managed 23 aces, kept a cool head and made the next two points. Rodionov was close to the surprise. In the third set, the left-hander from Matzen led 5:2 with a break and opened the match at 5:3.
The Austrian also started better in the tiebreak and was even 5:1 in front before Donskoy scored six points in a row. Rodionov was able to fend off eleven of 13 break points.
The teenager had caused a stir with his crazy cheering after his first-round victory in Bratislava. But in the meantime he has explained his reaction.