Malek Jaziri became the first Arab since 2003 to reach the quarter-finals in Dubai after the Tunisian dispatched Somdev Devvarman 6-3, 7-5 on centre court yesterday.
Jaziri made sure he took full advantage of his wildcard by making his first career ATP 500 quarter-final, bringing out his best in the important points to take out India’s Devvarman.
The Tunisian had flown for 24 hours over three flights from Mexico, to land in Dubai on Sunday, then fought through a third-set tiebreak win over Igor Sijsling on Tuesday before winning again in the last 16 in sweltering conditions.
Jaziri’s last quarter-final in any ATP level tournament was in Moscow in 2012, when he made the semi-finals. He dropped out of the top-100 last year, struggling with knee problems and also dealt with off court distractions when his federation pressured him into pulling out of a match against Israeli player Amir Weintraub in a Challenger in Tashkent.
Following a rocky start to this season, the 30-year-old has now turned a new leaf, playing with newfound confidence, making the quarter-finals or better in his last three events.
“It was not easy for me without coach, without staff, so I tried to fight alone,” Jaziri said of his tumultuous 2013 season. “This year the beginning was tough too. But then I went to States to prepare a little bit more. I hired a new coach. I am practicing with Dejan Petrovic, in 2010 he won Davis Cup with Serbia, so I think he changed for me a few things like mentally and we’re going to keep working.”
The battle of the wildcards was scheduled on centre court at 2pm with temperatures soaring well over 30 degrees. Jaziri drew first blood, getting his hands on two break points with a brilliant passing shot and he edged ahead on his second chance. The North African had to save three break points to consolidate his break, bringing out huge 200+km/hr serves to hold for 3-1.
Jaziri got two set points on Devvarman’s serve in the ninth game, and he took the set on his second opportunity with a down the line backhand winner. A netted forehand error saw Jaziri get broken in the opening game of the second set but the Tunisian broke back immediately.
Devvarman continued to pressure his opponent, and needed five break points in the fifth game to break again and he held serve for a 4-2 lead. Jaziri struck back two games later, winning eight points in a row, to break then hold for a 5-4 lead. Serving to stay in the match, Devvarman fought hard to hold for 5-5 and he mustered a break point in the following game, but once again, Jaziri aced to save it and hold for 6-5.
A lucky netcord followed by an inch-perfect lob winner from Jaziri saw him gain ground in the 12th game and he got three match points with some excellent volleying skills. He took the match on his third match point when Devvarman’s forehand landed in the net.
“I arrived here after a long trip, 24 hours, three planes, was not easy to arrive Sunday night,” said Jaziri. “I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to play one set. Then I’m in quarter-finals, so I’m very happy and I will try to recover as much as I can to be ready tomorrow.”
Jaziri plays Philipp Kohlschreiber for a spot in the semi-finals today after the German eased past Andreas Seppi 6-3, 6-3.
Meanwhile Devvarman admitted that he lost to the better player on the day. The 29-year-old Indian said: “He played a better match than me, played the important points better than I did. That’s why he won.”
