Clement stuns Baghdatis in five sets
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Veteran Arnaud Clement of United States came back to defeat number 16 seed Marcos Baghdatis 6-3, 2- 6, 1-6, 6-4, 7-5 in the scorching 93-degree heat of Louis Armstrong Stadium on Tuesday.
Baghdatis, who missed the 2008 and 2009 tournaments due to injuries and low rankings, seemed poised for his best chance at US Open glory following laudable performances at US Open series events in Washington and Cincinnati.
However, the ponytailed Cypriot couldn't match Clement's confidence early, conceding the first set 3-6. Baghdatis soon found his stride, dominating the second set with eight aces, before hammering out a quick 6-1 third.
Clement, however, rallied back, capitalizing on a service break in the fourth set before pressing to a 6-5 lead in the fifth. A double match point chance was thwarted, but Clement was finally able to convert on his third opportunity and book his place in the second round.
"I was really heavy on court. I wasn't feeling very fit. It's not a matter of fit but very heavy. I couldn't play aggressive," said Baghdatis. "Arnaud played a very good first set."
Talking about the heat, Baghdatis refused to put blame on climate. "I don't think it's the heat, you know. I played in Washington, played in Cincy, also pretty hot. So I don't think it' s the heat."
"I think I was a bit tired mentally, physically, also. So, I guess that's the reason I felt very heavy today and couldn't play my tennis aggressive."
The 32-year-old, who failed to qualify for last year's Open, now holds an 11-16 career five-set record. He will face either unseeded Eduardo Schwank of Argentina in the second round.
Clement always feels good in the US Open. "I played good for four years in a row here. I did second week four years in a row, so I know I can play good here," said the US player.
"I like to play US Open also because it's faster than any of the other tournaments in U.S. and much better for my game.
"I tried to be very aggressive, to have short points. My start was okay. After, it was very bad for two sets, and better and better with the more intensity at the end of the fourth and the fifth set."
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