Rusedski Does it Again, Wins Seventh Straight at ATP Los Angeles

Posted on July 15, 2004

“Grinning” Greg Rusedski edged his way to into the quarterfinals by defeating Karol Beck in Los Angeles. Rusedski, who captured his 14th career title in Newport last week, came back from a break down in the final set before recording a 3-6, 6-3, 7-6(2) victory and extend his winning streak to seven matches – his longest on the ATP circuit since winning eight in August 2002 following his victory in Indianapolis.

“I knew I was going to have a tough match. He’s a good player and I knew it was going to be dangerous,” said Goofy Greg after the win. “I’m really pleased to get through the match. I’m glad I’ll have a day off tomorrow and come back on Friday ready for the quarterfinals.”

Rusedski hit 16 aces during the 1-hour, 47-minute match, including one in the final set tie-break. Beck, who defeated Rusedski’s countryman Tim Henman in the second round of the Stella Artois Championships at Queen’s last month, led 4-2 in the final set after Rusedski hit consecutive double faults to lose his serve in the sixth game. But the 30-year-old Briton broke back immediately and eventually forced the tie-break, where Beck produced two double faults of his own.

“I got a bit lucky today,” added Rusedski. “He got up a break in the third set and I knew I had to break straight back. I managed to save a few break points near the end and then I was pretty confident going into the tie-break.”

Rusedski will now face Nicolas Kiefer, who was a 6-4, 7-5, winner over Glenn Weiner.

“It’s good to win these matches and get myself back to where I want to be,” said Rusedski. “It’s not always pretty but to win is great. It’s going to be a tough match in the quarterfinals against Kiefer. We’ve always had close matches. He’s a good counterpuncher and plays with a little more margin for error than Beck.”

Also advancing were No. 3 seed Mardy “The” Fish, a three-set winner over Belgian Gilles Elseneer and Cyril Saulnier also needed three sets to defeat Jan Hernych.

On a better schedule today, Andre Agassi is back to tack on big-hitting Julien Benneteau. Sjeng Schalken takes on Wesley Moodie "Blues", Jeff “Battleship” Morrison faces Paradorn Srichaphan and Kenneth Carlsen meets Tommy Haas.