Novak Djokovic continued to roll through the 2011 tennis season on Monday and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga set himself up for another rematch with Roger Federer in the quarterfinals.
However, both competitors had tougher matches than it would seem, with Djokovic surviving a scare in the first set and Tsonga trailing in sets 2-1 before rebounding and asserting himself.
One thing's for sure: Djokovic and Tsonga certainly didn't win without a fight on Monday.
Djokovic vs Dolgopolov
Novak Djokovic and Alexandr Dolgopolov's fourth-round match started off in grand fashion.
For 76 minutes, the two competitors battled in the first set, with Dolgopolov looking like an entirely different player than one ranked No. 22 in the world. In all seriousness, it was Djokovic who appeared to have no business winning that first set; Dolgopolov was simply sensational. But after a marathon of a tiebreak, Djokovic held on, and it spelled doom for Dolgopolov from there on out. Djokovic won the first set, 7-6, winning the tiebreak, 16-14. He finished the match with authority, winning 7-6 (14), 6-4, 6-2.
Storyline
Djokovic is the No. 1 men's tennis player in the world for a reason: he's been the No. 1 tennis player of 2011. The way the 24-year-old has burst onto the scene has been mesmerizing, and it's added a different twist to the usual Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer back-and-forth. Djokovic not only won 41 straight matches to start off 2011, he beat Federer twice and Nadal five times. It's becoming increasingly difficult to bet against Djokovic, especially given Nadal's recent physical problems and Federer not being the same dominant player as he was before.
What's Next for Djokovic?
Djokovic will play fellow Serb and Davis Cup teammate Janko Tipsarevic in the quarterfinals after Tipsarevic defeated former world No. 1 Juan Carlos Ferrero 7-5, 6-7 (3/7), 6-5, 6-2, in the fourth round on Monday.
This marks the first time in his career that Tipsarevic has advanced to the final eight of a Grand Slam, and he did so after hitting 20 aces against Ferrero, including the game-winner. The 27-year-old, ranked No. 20 in the world, was able to wear Ferrero down in the final two sets after a battle in the earlygoings.
A win in the quarterfinals could set Djokovic up for another rematch with Roger Federer in the semifinals. That is, if Federer can get past Tsonga.
Tsonga vs Fish
After getting off to a strong start on Monday in the fourth round against top-ranked American Mardy Fish, Tsonga found himself in a battle with Fish the next two sets, consequently dropping both of them to find himself in a hole heading into the fourth set.
But Tsonga bounced back in a big way, taking advantage of Fish as he began to break down physically in the later stages. The match was marred with gusty winds and plentiful unforced errors, but Tsonga was able to battle through the elements the best, and that's why the world No. 11 was able to advance. Tsonga looked very strong as the match proceeded past the third set, and it could be a warning sign for an older Federer who doesn't have the legs he used to.
Storyline
Tsonga, at 26 years old, has had some big matches this season, defeating Federer twice, and he's quickly building a reputation as a pain in the side, whether he wins or loses. His strong play, as well as mental fortitude, has been impressive this season and he's taken advantage of most opportunities that have come his way. That's why Tsonga, despite being ranked outside the top 10, can perform like a top-five player in the major tournaments: he never gives the match to his foes—they have to take it from him.
What's Next for Tsonga?
Tsonga will face the winner of Federer and Juan Monaco. As the No. 36 player in the world, Monaco hasn't shown much this year, only making it to the second round at the Australian Open and failing to make it out of the first round in the French Open and Wimbledon. Barring a monumental collapse from Federer, the five-time U.S. Open champion will face his 2011 nemesis, Tsonga.
Tsonga lost to Federer to start off the year, but has beaten him in their last two meetings, including at the quarterfinals at Wimbledon. His perseverance and endurance against Fish may prove troublesome once again for the historic Swede.
That's not to say he will win, however. I'm a big fan of Tsonga, but I still think Federer has a bit more left and I think he'll at least advance past the quarterfinals this tournament.
Then again, we thought the same would happen at Wimbledon.
Washington Wizards Kevin Garnett Ray allen kendrick Perkins Rajon Rondo Glen Davis
Keine Kommentare:
Kommentar veröffentlichen