Xavier Malisse is out in the quarterfinals of the Antwerp double: “The Dutch are just stronger” | ATP Antwerp
Xavier Malisse is allowed to retire from tennis again. Our second second round late together with the Argentinian of the doubles compatriot again 42 later late together with the Argentinian as a maniac in the doubles Antwerp but after 2 tie she the main draft for the Dutchmen Tallon Vrijdagor and Botic van de Zandschulp. “They were just that little bit stronger,” admitted Malisse.
After just over 1.5 hours, the board read 7-6 (7/1), 7-6 (9/7). With Greek track and Van de Zandschulp, Malisse and Schwartzman faced a formidable opponent, as the Dutch settled in the first round with top seed players Juan Sebastian Cabal and Robert Farah.
Which also played a part: Schwartzman (ATP-19) already had a match n the legs, the Argentinian once earlier in the evening in the second round of David Goffin (ATP-58).
After an even first set, the decision fell in the tiebreak, in which Malisse and Schwartzman had no chance. The second set also ended in a tiebreak. The Belgian and Argentinian have a set ball unused.
Greek track and Van de Zandschulp will face the French fourth seed Nicolas Mahut and Edouard Roger-Vasselin in the semi-finals.
“They had the upper hand at the important moments”
For example, Malisse’s second outing in Antwerp comes to an end in the quarterfinals, last year he made it to the semifinals with his South African team Lloyd Harris.
But the best Belgian of his generation looks back with satisfaction: “The Dutch were just that little bit stronger. We lost with 2 tiebreaks, but I am quite satisfied”, Malisse said afterwards.
“The level was good, but those guys played just that little bit stronger. The first tiebreak was clearly better.
“I enjoyed myself, there was a great atmosphere. It was nice to play tennis in front of a full house. It was a very cool experience with nice rallies at the end”, Malisse concluded.
At one of them, and much to the delight of the audience, Malisse and Schwartzman celebrated a spectacular brisket to chest. “We have chosen a nice point. I thought: why not?”