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Norman`s streak comes to a halt, thanks to Volandri
Monaco, Apr 18: Magnus Norman was unable to produce the magic which saw off Gustavo Kuerten as he slid out of the Monte Carlo Masters series here yesterday, Italian Filippo Volandri scoring a 7-5 6-3 victory to reach the quarter- finals.
Monaco, Apr 18: Magnus Norman was unable to produce the magic which saw off Gustavo Kuerten as he slid out of the Monte Carlo Masters series here yesterday, Italian Filippo Volandri scoring a 7-5 6-3 victory to reach the quarter-
finals.
Sweden's Norman had recovered from 1-6 2-5 down to dismiss former champion Kuerten Wednesday but ran out of steam against a determined opponent who had proved too strong for Argentine sixth seed David Nalbandian in the previous round. "This is the most beautiful win of my career," beamed Volandri, a 21-year-old from Livorno, who is now hoping to become the first Italian champion here since Nicola Pietrangeli in 1968. Should he manage that he would then be dreaming of emulating compatriot Adriano Panatta, who won the French Open at Roland Garros in 1976. Also advancing to the last eight was Alberto Martin, who edged fellow Spaniard Fernando Vicente 6-4 7-6 (7/5).
Volandri swept into an early 5-1 lead but Norman pulled it back to 5-5 only to concede his service to love and fall a set behind after 40 minutes.
The Swede then came back from 1-3 to 3-3 in the second set but found Volandri firing every effort back with interest as the Italian cranked up the rhythm.
Bureau Report
Sweden's Norman had recovered from 1-6 2-5 down to dismiss former champion Kuerten Wednesday but ran out of steam against a determined opponent who had proved too strong for Argentine sixth seed David Nalbandian in the previous round. "This is the most beautiful win of my career," beamed Volandri, a 21-year-old from Livorno, who is now hoping to become the first Italian champion here since Nicola Pietrangeli in 1968. Should he manage that he would then be dreaming of emulating compatriot Adriano Panatta, who won the French Open at Roland Garros in 1976. Also advancing to the last eight was Alberto Martin, who edged fellow Spaniard Fernando Vicente 6-4 7-6 (7/5).
Volandri swept into an early 5-1 lead but Norman pulled it back to 5-5 only to concede his service to love and fall a set behind after 40 minutes.
The Swede then came back from 1-3 to 3-3 in the second set but found Volandri firing every effort back with interest as the Italian cranked up the rhythm.
Bureau Report