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Bolelli: I prefer Robredo over Vasselin

The Italian wants to play Robredo because he finds it easier to set his pace against him. The Spaniard is, however, much more dangerous than Vasselin. Having saved 10 break points, he recorded a straight sets win

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Robredo managed to beat Vasselin in straight sets on account of experience. It was not an age thing, it was just that Robredo did more Grand Slam matches, while Vasselin, on the other hand, always struggled with great and important meetings. He said after the match:

- I needed to serve better to beat such a player. It's not easy for me to say this, but I think I reached my limit. It can't be a coincidence that I'm always losing to Top 20 players.

He is right about that, but he's not losing because of his game - he simply shows too much respect against such great opponents, and Robredo was happy to take advantage of that. In the end, the Spaniard recorded only one 12 points more and a break point more. That suggests that Vasselin stood a chance, but couldn't even win one set. Not even the 32 net points he recorded did him any good. Robredo won most key points, and that decided the match.

- I'm happy about the win, of course. I'm happy to be playing at all this age. But I have to admit it's getting more difficult. I did great here last - being back in New York is great. I like playing on hard court - Robredo said. One of the players he beat on his winning run last year was Roger Federer. 

Robredo has been doing great following a knee injury that caused a long break after which many though he would't be able to make a comeback. Bolelli knows how tough that is, but he managed to win the first challenger he participated at following his knee surgery. He doesn't have what it takes to be a Top 30 player, but his game can bring most players down. Pospisil was one of them.

The Canadian has been doing well lately, hoping to get into Top 30 at season's end, but couldn't stop Bolelli from winning, even though he won the first set. Five sets were played in the end, and Bolelli won because he took more risk at return.

- Every win at Grand Slam has double value for me. Vasek is very dangerous on this surface. It was tough, but my tactics worked. I was putting pressure on his forehand, and it worked - Bolelli said, and added:

- If I could choose, I'd rather play Robredo than Vasselin. There's more rhythm in Tommy's rallies, which suits me better. I think I stand a chance.

Stats suggest he's right. Robredo and he met 4 times, and each of them won two matches. He beat Vasselin only once in 4 head-to-head matches. Maybe it all comes down to pressure. Robredo is definitely the favorite here, which is what suits Bolelli best. The Spaniard probably won't be commenting on this. He'll let his forehand do the talking.