It was a bad day, this Thursday in Monte Carlo. Journalists reporting from the MC Country Club had trouble not to fall victim to a collective depression, judging from their tweets. And I don't mean it in a mocking tone. Their reports and impressions were for real and accurate. I am not (yet) lucky enough to join the nomadic group of Tennis journalists, so I try to follow everything from the distance, via websites, social media and TV. Combined, I had a very good impression of the overwhelming mood in that beautiful place in Monte Carlo: 'Why is all this happening'?
So, what actually happened?
The day started off with a great match. Andy Murray faced local hope Julien Benneteau. A great match with long rallies, which abruptly finished at 5-5, first set, when Benneteau twisted his ankle and broke his elbow. At exactly the same spot where Argentina's Juan Monaco twisted his ankle 2 days ago.
Benneteau, who 2 weeks earlier had tears streaming down his face on the same court when France's Davis Cup captain Guy Forget gave his farewell speech, now cried again, this time in real agony.
After a few minutes, Benneteau tried to continue play, even playing a return with his left hand, but it was impossible.
Benneteau was playing a great match, very aggressively and courageous. Bon retablissement, Ju !!
Just as he was leaving the court, it was reported on Twitter that Novak Djokovic had left his practice court, in tears as well. Within minutes, the whole Tennis world learned that Djokovic's grandfather had passed away. Soon, the fans were assured that the world's best player would play today, and he did. He faced the tricky player Dolgopolov and was obviously absent-minded during the first set, which the Ukrainian won 6-2.
But, you know what they say: A real Champion knows how to win on a bad day. And this was one of the worst possible days. Djokovic has grown into a real Champion over the last 18 months. Just as Sampras did in Australia in 1995, he fought off his tears, his sad thoughts and a difficult opponent to turn around the match and win 2-6 6-1 6-4.
I cannot feel anything but respect and admiration for Djoko's professionalism and resolve. Outstanding.
This sad day was emphasized by recurring rain breaks. Play was suspended a total of 5 (!!!) times today due to short spells of heavy rain. Tsonga/Verdasco were affected as well as Djokovic/Dolgopolov, Simon/Tipsarevic and Haase/Bellucci. Maybe the sky wanted to join the overall sad mood in Monte Carlo.
The weather gods had another surprise in store: When Rafael Nadal and Michail Kukushkin were warming up, a loud thunder shocked the spectators at the Centre Court. Both players stood still for a second, then continued warming up with a big smile. But everyone watching the match was hoping that this would be the last 'message' from the sky.
Let's hope that Friday will be a better day. A lot less rain. A bit less sadness. And hopefully a Centre Court that does not endanger the health of players who are supposed to attract and entertain the crowd.
As Andy Murray said today: "There are holes everywhere".
Not only on the court, but also in the clouds.
Twitter: @AtleticoDave
PS.: To a very good and special friend:
Happy Birthday, Javi !!!
Apr 9, 2012
The Davis... erm... Isner Cup
What a weekend for Tennis. Great matches of Davis Cup took place all over the world, with emotions, drama, surprises, and great insights into the future. How can anyone doubt the attractiveness of Davis Cup, and even think of changing its format?
This tournament has everything it needs. A worldwide audience. Matches taking place at different places at the same time. The crowd suffereing and cheering with every single point. Lowly-ranked players getting a chance at becoming national heroes. It is just perfect.
I want the Davis Cup to stay as it is. Sure, the top players chose not to play because they have exhausting weeks behind them and they need to lick their wounds. No wonder that the Spanish Federation failed to have a sellout crowd without Nadal, when the weather is bad, and the opponent (Austria) is not too attractive (don't get me started on the ticket prizes).
But the world's No.1 Novak Djokovic chose to go see Tsonga taking on Isner live in MonteCarlo. What a great match it was, a delight for every Tennis fan. And those who thought that Isner's win over Federer in the 1st round was a mere coincidence, should see how he played against Tsonga. The American is more than just his serve. He has a jaw-dropping powerful forehand and he plays a lot of perfect drop shots on clay. His movement has improved so much that it is much harder to outplay him. He takes risks, and it mostly pays off.
His biggest weapon is his mind. He knows exactly what he's doing and how to do it. He's immensely clever on the court, and little setbacks (like losing the 3rd set) only seem to make him even stronger.
This weekend, fellow Tennis journalists on Twitter were discussing if Isner might lift the French Open trophy this year. Well, I don't see him there yet, especially if Nadal is healthy. Isner almost beat Rafa last year in the first round, but that Rafa was the worst Rafa ever at Roland Garros (except in 2009). if all the Top 10 players are at their best, Isner won't make the final of the French just yet. But it might happen in a not too distant future.
This is the most exciting time in men's tennis ever. We have the big 3 who can win any Grand Slam. I am convinced that Murray will win one Slam this year, but I also see Del Potro winning his 2nd very soon. He is such a great player, and I hope that he can lift another big trophy, he deserves it. I firmly believe that Argentina will win the Davis Cup this year.
Talking about the future... as I live in belgium now, i couldn't help but watch a bit of the GB-BEL tie. Young David Goffin looks like a real good talent. Former pro Filip Dewulf said on Twitter that Goffin might break into the Top 30 very soon... I certainly hope so! We will follow your progress, David!
Twitter @AtleticoDave
This tournament has everything it needs. A worldwide audience. Matches taking place at different places at the same time. The crowd suffereing and cheering with every single point. Lowly-ranked players getting a chance at becoming national heroes. It is just perfect.
I want the Davis Cup to stay as it is. Sure, the top players chose not to play because they have exhausting weeks behind them and they need to lick their wounds. No wonder that the Spanish Federation failed to have a sellout crowd without Nadal, when the weather is bad, and the opponent (Austria) is not too attractive (don't get me started on the ticket prizes).
But the world's No.1 Novak Djokovic chose to go see Tsonga taking on Isner live in MonteCarlo. What a great match it was, a delight for every Tennis fan. And those who thought that Isner's win over Federer in the 1st round was a mere coincidence, should see how he played against Tsonga. The American is more than just his serve. He has a jaw-dropping powerful forehand and he plays a lot of perfect drop shots on clay. His movement has improved so much that it is much harder to outplay him. He takes risks, and it mostly pays off.
His biggest weapon is his mind. He knows exactly what he's doing and how to do it. He's immensely clever on the court, and little setbacks (like losing the 3rd set) only seem to make him even stronger.
This weekend, fellow Tennis journalists on Twitter were discussing if Isner might lift the French Open trophy this year. Well, I don't see him there yet, especially if Nadal is healthy. Isner almost beat Rafa last year in the first round, but that Rafa was the worst Rafa ever at Roland Garros (except in 2009). if all the Top 10 players are at their best, Isner won't make the final of the French just yet. But it might happen in a not too distant future.
This is the most exciting time in men's tennis ever. We have the big 3 who can win any Grand Slam. I am convinced that Murray will win one Slam this year, but I also see Del Potro winning his 2nd very soon. He is such a great player, and I hope that he can lift another big trophy, he deserves it. I firmly believe that Argentina will win the Davis Cup this year.
Talking about the future... as I live in belgium now, i couldn't help but watch a bit of the GB-BEL tie. Young David Goffin looks like a real good talent. Former pro Filip Dewulf said on Twitter that Goffin might break into the Top 30 very soon... I certainly hope so! We will follow your progress, David!
Twitter @AtleticoDave
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