Well day 6 of the French Open saw one or two interesting matches out on display, as we saw the continuation of the much anticipated Djokovic vs Del Potro match, and Andy Murray's match up with German player Michael Berrer.
Dealing with Andy's match first, he and Berrer got off to a good start in the first set as they both traded very entertaining rallies which later lead to Andy closing out the 1st set 6-2. However in the 2nd set, near disaster struck as Andy rolled over his ankle while chasing down a drop shot, which forced him to take a medical timeout while his ankle was taped up and dressed. Despite the injury, Andy was able to carry on and even more impressively he closed out the match with Berrer even with the opportunity to take full advantage of Andy's lack of mobility, Berrer couldn't win it. Although Berrer later said in a post match interview that he decided not to play drop shots against Andy as he felt bad about his injury and didn't want to exploit the injury. But I think Berrer also showed incredible sportmanship by doing that, and showed much consideration toward his injured opponent. Unlike Andy himself in that situation he would have used drop shots to close out the match (like he did with Gilles Simon in Monte-Carlo), but then again alot of players would, such as Ferrer (not B!) and Djokovic to name but two. Anyway Andy in the meantime will assess the damage and potential risk of his ankle injury and see if he feels fit enough to play his next opponent Viktor Troicki in the 4th round. Hopefully he will, as it would be a great shame to see him go out early in the tournament, he also has some time on his side as he isn't due out on court until Monday.
So for the second match of the day, the much hyped encounter between Delpo and Djoko resumed after a delay from last night due to limited light, which saw the match as 1 set all. Unfortunately the promises of the match delivering more exciting stuff largely didn't live up to its expectations, mainly due to the simple fact that Djokovic did what he always does, upped his game and took it to Del Potro, winning in 4 sets in 6-3, 3-6, 6-3, 6-2. However it was far from an overall letdown as the big guy still managed to force Djokovic to drop a set, which is more than more players have done, so that makes the 10th set Djoko has dropped so far this year. It also shows that Del Potro while he himself admitted he isn't quite back to his best yet, he can take on the top players and give them a match, especially the world's best player. Like Andy, Delpo isn't quite ready yet to beat Djokovic, but that day might come in the future. But I have to say I was quite annoyed at the French crowds booing outside the gates as the change of court due to the Wawrinka/Tsonga match over running, which went on during the Djokovic Delpo match, and it was above all else very distracting for the players as well, even Djokovic asked the umpire to find out what was going on at one point. But it was of course because they wouldn't let the people in to see the match, so I guess its natural they were unhappy, and well they are French and they just love to boo!!!
Speaking on that subject, Rafa today played his first impressive and convincing match as he beat Antonio Veic, a Croatian qualifier in straight sets, 6-1, 6-3, 6-0. It seems almost like the further he goes into the tournament the easier his opponents get, until of course he reaches possibly Andy Murray (if Andy get's that far) and possibly Djoko in the final. However I don't think we can even begin to dismiss Federer, who I have to say so far has been playing immensely well at the French Open. I would almost go as far as to say his performance has been even more impressive than Djokovic's so far! If Federer keeps this state of play up, he could beat Djokovic, should they meet and most likely will in the inevitable semi final. But we are talking about the man who has forgotten how to lose, can Federer even in his current form beat him??? If he maintains his current level of play and if it is equal that of his performance at the ATP Tour World Finals last year, he will beat Djoko. But the Djoker is not the same player he was last year and therein lies the question, but it would make for a nice symmetry if it was Federer who was the last man to defeat Djokovic before his current form became the very man to end his winning streak. And on that task I wish him the best of luck, cos he will need it.
But of course there is also Rafa, who still is the king of clay, despite his two clay defeats from the Djokinator, should they meet in the final, I think Nadal will push Djokovic all the way, and maybe there is a chance Rafa could still win. I personally would very much like to see Rafa win, but I wouldn't mind seeing Federer beating Djokovic to reach the final, which would also set up an exciting showdown encounter of its own between the Nad and Fed (or Rog and Raf). It would also re-establish that old rivalry very nicely. I would take a Djokovic defeat by Federer any day, but I would take Rafa win over Djokovic any day of the week and twice on Sunday.
Anyway tomorrow sees some more interesting matches, Swiss buddies Roger and Stan will play each other, but we know who will win that one! And Djokovic takes on top French player Richard Gasquet, but I think we know the winner of that one too!! Its a shame if Gasquet gets straight set defeated by Djoker, as he has been playing some great tennis at this tournament so far, having many convincing victories, but it most likely will end tomorrow, as Novak will be poised to claim another scalp (he must onto his fifth scalp bag by now!!). Hopefully Gasquet can give Djokovic a match as well, but something tells me it might be more straightforward. But then again maybe not, Gasquet is no pushover either. We shall find out!
Right that's enough! Enough!! Enough!!! (Maynard mode off, character from the play Another Road, more on that later!).
No comments:
Post a Comment