Canadian Men’s Open Semi-Finals: Makin Masterclass Ends Cardenas Run

Wales’ No.2 seed Joel Makin had to battle hard to overcome Mexico’s surprise semi-finalist Leonel Cardenas to reach the Oxford Properties Canadian Men’s Open final in Calgary.

Makin secured the opening game in 17 minutes, hitting precise, accurate lines to the back corners and making it very difficult for Cardenas to move in front and take any volleying opportunities. Makin is renowned for his physicality and tactic of extending the first game and ‘The Golden Tiger’ couldn’t have asked for a better start to the match.

Cardenas wasn’t deterred after losing the opening game 11-5 as he re-entered the all-glass court in Calgary’s Bow Valley Square. The Mexican No.1 came out firing and started to change the pace more often, lifting high and then hitting hard in different patterns to disrupt the metronomic rhythm that Makin had settled into. This tactic was working a treat as Cardenas held four game balls to level the contest. The stubborn play of Makin was relentless as he mounted his comeback and took the following four points to claw his way back to 10-10. Makin earned his first game ball at 12-11 and converted as his backhand drive clung to the wall.

Makin’s intensity was unrelenting in the third game as he seemed to step his level up even further to really turn the screw against his younger opponent. Makin’s straight and decisive play wasn’t allowing Cardenas any angles to showcase his attacking abilities as the Welshman motored through the game to win 11-5 and seal a place in his fifth World Tour final.

“He’s been dangerous this week, his signs have been there for the past few months that he’s been playing a high level,” said Makin.

“He took out [Raphael] Kandra and [Nicolas] Mueller so he’s obviously at that level so he’s a tough match-up for anyone. I knew I had to drag him into the back corners and I felt him get a little bit heavy and I got the rewards for that as I have in the last few days.

“It’s happening a bit too often, getting behind in the latter stages of games but sometimes that threat of losing the game makes me play better but I stepped it up and took a few more balls on and it was definitely better after that.”

Result:

[2] Joel Makin (WAL) bt Leonel Cardenas (MEX) 3-0: 11-5, 13-11, 11-5 (54m)