JABAR EKSPRES – After reaching the singles final of the opening series, Indonesian tennis player Justin Barki has now stepped into the doubles final of the second series of the Harum Energy Mens World Tennis Tour 2023.
Paired with Dutch tennis player Thiemo de Bakker, Justin/Thiemo won over Japanese pair Sora Fukuda / Yuta Kawahashi in the semifinals at the Sultan Hotel and Residence Tennis Court Jakarta, Friday.
The Indonesian-Dutch pair won the super tie break after sharing the first two sets 5-7, 7-6(2), 12-10.
“This match was very fierce. I think we didn’t have many opportunities, especially in the return game. The opponent played nicely,” Thiemo said in a written statement received in Jakarta, Friday.
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“I think we also struggled a bit at the end of the second set. We saved up to five match points. But, however, we scored some crucial points,” said Thiemo, who was ranked number one junior in the world in 2004.
Likewise in the super tie break. Justin/Thiemo fell behind by three points several times. Under pressure, they remained optimistic as they scored point after point.
“Like Thiemo said before the match, we can’t give up, even if we’re nine-one down. Hope is still there,” said Justin, who has eight ITF doubles titles to his name.
A glimmer of hope emerged when they took two points in the return game at 08-05. After closing the gap, they were able to return the situation by securing both serves afterwards 9-8.
“Actually, in doubles, any lead is never safe, yes. Based on Thiemo’s experience, the chance to come back is always there,” said Justin.
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