Andreev struggles through

 

Originally published on: 26/02/10 12:25

In a second-round match lasting three hours and 16 minutes, Russian Andreev fought back to claim victory 6-7 7-6 6-4 and book a last-eight clash with sixth seed Marc Gicquel.

Devilder claimed the first set 13-11 on the tie-break, his 25-year-old opponent prevailing 7-5 in the second-decider, before Andreev had one crucial break of serve in the third to clinch victory.

Andreev is looking to reach his first ATP World Tour semi-final since July 2007 on what is his Casablanca debut.

The world number 22 will take a 2-1 career lead into his clash with Gicquel who secured his place with a 6-4 7-5 victory over German Mischa Zverev.

The Frenchman lost his own serve twice but converted four of 10 break-point chances to seal victory.

Gicquel, the world number 50, is through to the quarter-finals for the third successive year after reaching the semi-finals in 2007, where he lost to Paul-Henri Mathieu, as well as making the final eight last year only to lose to eventual champion Gilles Simon.

Now get the WORLD’S BEST TENNIS MAGAZINE here