Odesnik continues upset string in Houston

Odesnik continues upset string in Houston

Wayne Odesnik upset Jurgen Melzer 6-4, 6-0, in the second round of the U.S. Men’s Clay Court Championships.

Yesterday, James Blake and Mardy Fish were eliminated as well along with three other seeds in the first two days. The upsets marked the first time that only three seeds made it to the second round at this event.

Wind raked across the Stadium Court, but Melzer was the only player bothered in his match against Odesnik. The Austrian began to fall behind near the end of the first set, when he won only two points in the final three games.

“It should be that windy all the time. I’m used to it, growing up in Florida and training a lot in Austin. I just focused on what I had to do today. We are both lefties but on clay, I think I have a little more spin on the ball. I’m comfortable on clay.” Odesnik said.

Melzer lost his serve without winning a point in the ninth game and Odesnik served a love game in the 10th that included a service winner and an ace to end the first set.

“I think that’s the worst I’ve played so far this year. I had so many chances in the first set, but it was too much of a mess. He deserved the easy win.” Melzer said.

Melzer’s frustration grew in the second set. He destroyed his racket on the first point of the fourth game when his backhand service return sailed far out of bounds. He received a racket abuse warning, and Odesnik served a second-serve ace and another ace to end the game. Melzer won only three points in the final three games of the second set.

Melzer had three double-faults and hit only 51 percent of his first serves in a match that lasted only 62 minutes.

“Today, a lot of people would beat me. Today, it wasn’t who was on the other side of the net. It was about me missing every third shot.” Melzer said.