(January 16, 2014) World No. 5 Juan Martin Del Potro became the first major upset victim of the 2014 Australian Open on Thursday when he fell to Roberto Bautista Agut 4-6, 6-3, 5-7, 6-4, 7-5 in second round action.
The match which lasted 3 hours and 53 minutes and ended at 1:20 a.m. Friday was the Spaniard’s first win over a Top Ten player in seven tries.
“I think he play a great match during the four hours,” Del Potro said. “It’s tough when you play very high level during four hours. Tough to beat the opponent. I was close.
“But in every moment what I have, he play unbelievable shot. In breakpoint down, he serves well. He made winners with forehands, backhands, and he play always to the line very often during the match.
“When you don’t have that little lucky on your side, it’s another thing negative to play. And I think he did really well.
“I’m so happy for the victory today,” Bautista Agut, the no. 62nd ranked said. “It was one of my best wins in my career. I’m so happy for win Del Potro. I play a good tennis today.
“He’s a great player, one of the best in the world, and I could beat him. I’m so happy because of that.”
“The season has just started,” the world No. 5 said. “I will try to be positive for the rest of the year.
“I mean, just lost match. He play really well. That’s it.
“I need to keep working. I already won the tournament last week, and that give me confidence to improve my game.
But this kind of match also help me to learn something, and I will try to take my positive things about this match and change the negative to improve my game.”
In other action three-time Australian finalist Andy Murray won the last 23 straight points coming form 1-5 down to dismantle French qualifier No. 267 ranked Vincent Millot 6-2, 6-2, 7-5
Commenting on his 23 point feat, No. 4 player Murray said: “it’s not easy to do either.” “Good way to finish the match.
“I think, you know, he was obviously almost going for broke on a lot of shots. I mean, he was hitting the ball so early, and flat and low. It was very humid today, so the ball really wasn’t flying much.
“You know, he came up with some great shots in the third set. Then when he didn’t get his set point, I put a good point on his set point. Then, yeah, I mean, I guess it’s normal he got a little bit nervous, which helped. He started missing a few balls and I adjusted my tactics a little bit.
“Then that obviously made a difference as well. So it’s a good way to finish.
In another upset on the day, the once promising American Donald Young took out 24 seed Andreas Seppi 6-4, 2-6, 3-6, 6-4, 7-5. The 24-year-old who once reached No. 38 in the world, turned pro as a teenager has recently been picking up ATP points by playing Challenger events
“I happen to be back playing well and hopefully I can keep improving and stay here at this level,” he said to media. “This is where I want to be.”