Thursday, May 30, 2013

Exciting Encounters: Day 5

What do we have today? Too early for heavy weights but some notably good encounters nevertheless. Let's have a look.

1. Fernando Verdasco vs Janko Tipsarevic

The mini version of Spain vs Serbia. The mini version of Nadal vs Djokovic. Both have always been in the shadows of their legendary countrymen; both have been involved in some great matches but never crossed the line to be considered in the top tier. Both are experienced campaigners at the Grand Slams. Their head to head encounters are lead by Tipsarevic 4-2 but they all have been close. They are meeting at the French Open for the first time and their only clay meeting was back in 2009 with Verdasco winning in straights. Verdasco has the power and dash, and is a lefty, but is quite inconsistent. Tipsarevic, not so flashy but gets the work done, that's why he's the eighth seed. Tipsarevic in Four!

2. Tommy Haas vs Jack Sock

Its like yesterday vs tomorrow or may be even day after. Its's 35 yrs vs 20 yrs - that's too much of a gap in terms of Tennis or any professional sport. It's their first competitive meeting but they are practice partners. Yes, they know each other and each other's game well. Jack Sock is a budding US player with big serve and big forehand (like all other US players) but is young and promising. He can dictate the match with his energy, power and 'go for the shots' attitude. Tommy Haas must be the oldest player in the competition but he's enjoying a resurrection at this late age. He has an all court game and much more variations in his bag than the young American. However good the young Jack Sock may be, it's not wise to pick against a complete player who is cherishing his each day on the court as his last. Tommy Haas in Four!

Added Note: As Rafael Nadal faces a fellow left hander Martin Klizan today in his 2nd round match, he must have one eye over the potential third round opponent playing on a lesser court against Fabio Fognini. Yes, the one match wonder who sent Nadal packing early at Wimby last year - Lukas "i don't give a shit who you are" Rosol. For Rosol its already tough and unlikely to pass Fognini on clay and i am sure Nadal would be willing to have a rematch, i wonder how it will play out. It'll be interesting if Rosol wins (assuming Rafa does too) and if he'll be afraid more or confident more. Or will Nadal be a tad nervous? No matter  how much Nadal's knees had a role to play in that match at Wimbledon; Rosol played his part and never faded away. Even for one great match, he deserves some credit.
Despite all i feel any upset is unlikely (even Rosol beating Fognini) becaus its clay, and its Nadal's arena. But we are fans, we can hope and we will be watching.

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