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
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