For the second consecutive day Mario Ancic saved three match points to defeat Ruben Ramirez-Hidalgo 6-3, 6-7(4), 7-5 in a match lasting more than three hours. Ramirez-Hidalgo one day earlier had saved three match points to defeat Marat Safin in a third-set tie-break in another three-hour match.
Ancic rallied from 1-5 in the third set to win six consecutive games. In the second round the Croat saved three match points in the second-set tie-break against Florent Serra. (Ancic is the first player since Olivier Rochus at Madrid last year to save match points in consecutive matches.)
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Croatia's Mario Ancic came back from the dead on court one one Thursday, taking down Spanish qualifier Ruben Ramirez Hidalgo 6-3 6-7 (4) 7-5.
Ancic (pictured) was 1-5 in the third set and seemingly suffering from a back strain, for which he had to call the physiotherapist to the court. Spectators began to leave but those who did missed a great comeback, during which the world number 15 (his highest ever ranking) saved three match points. A great comeback, but also an unnecessary one, given that he had two match points of his own in the second set.
He will play David Nalbandian in the quarter final.
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