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Mayer lost a set and a break, but managed to make a comeback

Seppi defeated unpleasant Klizan in straight sets. Mayer had problems against Montanes and he is still not at his best

PBZ Zagreb Indoors

Mayer has been having problems this season. He returned mid-April after a long break because of a pubic bone injury. Even though he won a few ATP matches, the result recovery has been slow. That was best seen at challenger level where he wasn't very good. He played four of those tournaments, and won only two matches. The problems were evident, and his opponent from the first round in Hamburg - Montanes, defeated him convincingly earlier this year. 

That is why no one was overly surprised when the Spaniard won the first set. After all, he deserved to win. However, after that first set, the German improved. That is, after Montanes took a 1-2* lead and a break in the second set. That's when Mayer wins five back-to-back games and the momentum shifted to his side. The third set also went to 2-2 and then Mayer won four back-to-back games. 

- I am really glad I made a comeback and advanced to the next round. He defeated me convincingly six weeks ago. Today I made the right decisions at the right time - said Mayer and added:

- This is a very important win for me because you, of course, doubt yourself. 

Even though he won, the German still has reason to doubt himself. At 2-2 in the second set, he saved seven break points and who knows what would have happened if he hadn't. In that moment it all went downhill for Montanes. Florian is not at his old level, that is obvious. 

- I didn't play well at the start because I made mistakes. But then I fought and earned the win. I wanted to prove myself. There is a lot of work ahead of me, but if I keep it up, I am on the right path - said Mayer and talked about the next round:

- If I improve my game by several percents and the audience supports me once again, then I have a chance. 

His opponent is Seppi, Italian who easily lost the first round of Umag last week. He complained that he missed most of the clay-court season and that he wasn't acclimatized enough. That sounds like, and in fact is, a good 'excuse'. We have to admit that he did miss a big part of the clay-court season and Hamburg is only his fourth clay-court tournament of the season. 

But, unlike Umag last week, where he disappointed, he didn't do so this week. He defeated unpleasant Klizan in straight sets. 

The first set was convincingly won by Seppi. He took a double break, and he could have taken even more. On the other hand, he didn't offer anything on his serve. Certain serving problems appeared in the second set. He gave a break-point chance in three different games, but he finished the match without losing a serve. The crucial and only break in that set happened at 4-4 after which the Italian calmly served for the win. A good and important win, especially after the performance in Umag. 

Seppi has an advantage today. Mayer doesn't inspire confidence, despite the first round win. It is clear that, as he said it himself, he has a long way to go. Although, it would be much better for the Italian if he had better pace. But it is what it is.