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Sam Groth vs Lukasz Kubot: 2014 Brisbane International live scores, blog

Roar Guru
8th January, 2015
Time: 3.00pm AEST
Venue: Pat Rafter Arena
History: First meeting
TV: Live 7Two
Betting: Groth $1.78, Kubot $1.96
Sam Groth and Australia take on the US in the Davis Cup. (AFP PHOTO / Saeed KHAN)
Roar Guru
8th January, 2015
151

After demolishing Lleyton Hewitt in the opening round, Aussie Sam Groth will look to continue his good form when he faces Poland’s Lukasz Kubot at the Brisbane International. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 3:30pm AEDT.

Groth’s straight sets victory over Hewitt in the opening round was arguably the most powerful display by any Australian thus far at the Brisbane International.

Hewitt simply had no answers to Groth’s power game and the two-time grand slam champion was eliminated from the tournament in just under an hour’s play.

Groth’s serving in particular was devastating. His highest serve was clocked at 231km/h and he regularly hit the 227-228km/h mark with his first serves. While Hewitt is recognised as one of the best returners on the ATP tour, he had little defence against a serve that ranks arguably as the strongest in the men’s game.

It wasn’t just Groth’s serving however that impressed. His groundstrokes from the forehand and backhand side were just as strong and his forays into the net were productive. He played an intelligent and clinical brand of tennis against a great opponent and should target a few more wins at the Brisbane International.

Kubot meanwhile is more recognised for his exploits on the doubles circuit. He is the reigning Australian Open doubles champion and is capable of causing the odd upset or two on the ATP tour. Indeed Kubot made the quarter-finals at the 2013 Wimbledon championships, which proves that he can be a dangerous floater if his game is underestimated.

The Polish player has already caused an upset this week by claiming the scalp of Kevin Anderson, so Groth will have to be on his game yet again to secure the win.

Quite simply though, if Groth is able to replicate the form he showed against Hewitt, he should progress to the quarter-finals of the Brisbane International.

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Groth in straight sets.

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