PBZ ZAGREB INDOORS

FEBRUARY 26 2008 15:08h

Zovko Surprises Gicquel at PBZ Zagreb Indoors

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Lovro Zovko outplayed Frenchman Marc Gicquel 6-3, 7-5 and placed himself in the second round of the Croatian tournament.

First part of the second round Croatian derby is over. Lovro Zovko outplayed Frenchman Marc Gicquel, 52nd in the ATP rankings, in an excellent match in front of a small audience.

The Croatian tennis player opened the first set well and encountered problems with his serve straight away. He successfully won two break points, followed by a break. He maintained the situation until the end without any problems in relation to his serve and with 5-3 he once again took away the Frenchman`s serve. Take a look at the PHOTOGALLERY.

The second set was opened with an equalised duel and the Croat forced a break at 2-1. He maintained his serve until the end of the set and his arm shortened when he had to serve for the match. Gicque returned to the match but not for long. Lovro had three break points at 6-5. the first one was salvaged by the Frenchman with a serve, Lovro outed the second one and the third was his lucky one. Marc Gicquel made an unforced error and Lovro won at the home tournament.

A Croatian derby is possible in the second round because Lovro is waiting for the winner of the match between Gulbis and Ivan Ljubicic.

- I`m delighted, I would like to thank for the trust given to me with this wild card. I guess I`m like wine, the older I get, the better I am. I knew he would be tired because he won the Bescanson tournament and he did not have the time to get used to the surface. I complicated things a bit in the end, but I managed to find my bearings. I learned from the Davis Cup that I can play on a large surface and that meant a lot to me. I like playing in the ATP tournament. Doubles helped me a lot and they are still a priority to me. Ljubicic helped me a lot and I am thankful for that. It will be an interesting match. –