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By Daniel Miller

DAILY BRUIN SENIOR STAFF

dmiller@media.ucla.edu

“Bravo, Guga!”

It was that kind of day for Brazilian tennis phenom Gustavo Kuerten, who reveled in the role of crowd favorite as he defeated George Bastl 7-5, 7-6 (9-7) in the first round of the Mercedes-Benz Cup at the Los Angeles Tennis Center July 23. Throughout the match at Stadium Court, supporters screamed Kuerten’s nickname in encouragement, and he delighted fans in between points by juggling a tennis ball with his feet and knees, much like the men of Brazil’s World Cup-winning soccer team.

The win was crucial for the No. 3 seed Kuerten in that it was his first hardcourt match following the hip surgery he underwent this spring – and it was a definite confidence booster.

“It was important to win in two sets,” Kuerten said. “I missed a couple of big opportunities but I am very pleased to have finished in two sets. I’m happy to win my first hard court match (since the surgery).”

Boos rained down on Bastl even before the match began when he was introduced as a USC alumnus. Still, Bastl played solidly, forcing a tie-breaker in the second set as he racked up a gutsy performance overall.

Kuerten’s serve was ready when he needed it – the lanky Brazilian seemed to be able to turn it up a notch whenever Bastl evened the score. Kuerten finished with 10 aces and one double-fault while Bastl had eight aces and two double-faults.

With the second set tied 3-3, Kuerten served three consecutive aces at 116, 119, and 108 miles per hour, to take the game 40-15, and a 4-3 lead in the set.

“I feel my game is very solid,” Kuerten said. “There are still some steps to take. I will gain more confidence.”

In the final game of the first set Kuerten elicited wild cheers from the audience when he shot a beautiful cross-court forehand winner past a stunned Bastl who had sent Kuerten running with a well-placed shot.

Kuerten said that regaining “the physical condition (has been) the hardest” since his injury.

While not at 100 percent, shots like that cross-court winner are indicative of Guga’s ability, and illustrate why he advanced to the second round of the Mercedes-Benz Cup.