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World No. 105 Kevin Anderson was happy that he managed to stay calm and collected in key moments against Spain's Roberto Carballes Baena and claim a win at the Estoril Open. Anderson, a former world No. 5, overcame Carballes Baena in two sets 6-3 7-6 (4) to reach the Estoril Open quarterfinal.
"I was 2/4 down in the tie-break, but I managed to raise my level and I fought really well in order to get the match finished in straight sets," said Anderson, per the ATP website. "It was important to forget the 5-4 game, as I think I played some very good tennis out there." The two players were tied at three games apiece, before Anderson won three consecutive games to win the opener.
Anderson converted the second break point of the match in the eighth game, before serving out for the opener in the ninth game. Anderson then had a chance to start the second set with a break but Carballes Baena saved a break point in the opening game.
Carballes Baena then had first break point in the fourth game but Anderson saved. Anderson broke Carballes Baena in the ninth game to take a 5-4 lead but then failed to convert any of his five match points in the following game.
Carballes Baena had a great chance to force a decider but he lost five points in a row after taking a 4-2 lead in the tie-break.
Anderson plays next Marin Cilic
2014 US Open champion Cilic recovered from a set down to beat qualifier Nuno Borges 6-7 (5) 6-4 6-4 and set up a clash against Anderson.
Cilic blew a 5-2 first set lead and four set points in the eighth game as Borges stole the opener in a stunning way. However, Cilic kept his focus as he earned one break in each of the following two sets and lost no service games to create a comeback.
Anderson made the Estoril semifinal in 2017, before losing to Gilles Muller. It remains to be seen if Anderson can make his second semifinal in Estoril.