Qatar Classic RD2: Rodriguez Outclasses Khan

Colombia’s World No.10 Miguel Rodriguez is into the third round of the PSA Platinum level Qatar Classic after overcoming United States No.2 Shahjahan Khan in straight games at the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex.

The ‘Colombian Cannonball’ won the pair’s only previous meeting, which came in Guatemala in June 2019, and he was in complete control from start to finish in this one, allowing the World No.62 just twelve points in the entire contest.

He was light on his feet from the start, and was getting back everything that the American could throw at him. Apart from a couple of errors, the World No.10 was flawless over the first two games.

That is BREATHTAKING from Miguel Ángel Rodríguez!!

Have you ever seen someone play a crosscourt drop while diving?? #QatarClassic pic.twitter.com/FJgExoLC3Z

— PSA World Tour (@PSAWorldTour) November 3, 2020

Khan tried to fight back in the third, and started to find his line and length more down the backhand side, but Rodriguez had too much in the end, winning the third 11-6 to round out the win in 45 minutes. The Colombian will face either fellow South American Diego Elias or the home favourite, Abdulla Mohd Al Tamimi, in the third round.

“I played him in Guatemala and he is a talented player. He is very fast on court and the match was good. I had a bit more experience on the glass which helped today,” he said after the victory.

“He was maybe not hitting his targets in the first and second but in the third, he pushed and I had to also find my corners and to be precise with my shots.

“I haven’t played many tournaments this year. We have had a long break and it is tough. I spent a lot of time at home doing different things and putting some work into my body. It was difficult to play a little bit today because I have only done solo practice on the side courts here for six days. I am grateful to be here, it is one of the best organised tournaments on tour and I am so happy to be through.”

Result
Miguel Rodriguez (COL) bt Shahjahan Khan (USA) 3-0: 11-3, 11-3, 11-6 (45m)