Bangkok: Bish Bash Bosh
Posted by gauloises1 on October 2, 2009
So what was the craic in Bangkok today? Well, I only saw the first set of the Tsonga-Gulbis match, and that honestly was enough power tennis to last for about a year.
Gulbis actually won the first set 7-3 in the tiebreak, but the margins were so narrow between the two. It’s so odd whenever I get the chance to see Ernie play these days. He really seems to have no concept of playing anything other than flat out and hitting the ball as hard as he can (Tsonga obviously being no slouch in that department either). It was spectacular stuff and the crowd were lapping it up, which was great to see – the Bangkok crowds seem so into their tennis. And yet oddly I had no doubt whatsoever that I would come home to find that Jo had won in three. I just don’t know what to think about Ernie, really. Do you think that he needs to add more dimensions to his game, learn to play more strategically, or is it simply a case of executing his current WHAM! BAM! KABLAMMO! game more consistently? Answers on a postcard. He has such talent.
Anyway, have a picture of Jo looking pretty.
Quarterfinals it is then for the defending champion. Joining him there is second seed Gilles Simon, who’ll face Evgeny Korolev; eighth seed John Isner, who’s taking on Viktor Troicki (bit of a shock for Viktor, who’ll essentially be facing himself but much much taller), and Jurgen Melzer and Andreas Beck. Yawn. As for Jo, he’ll face Marco Chiudinelli after the latter beat Marat Safin (no stranger to WHAM! BAM! KABLAMMO! tennis himself).
Aaaand the Marat Safin Farewell Tour of Failure rolls on. Well done to Chiudinelli though, who I’ve suddenly become aware of.
Singles – Second Round
[1] J Tsonga (FRA) d E Gulbis (LAT) 67(3) 76(4) 76(2)
[2] G Simon (FRA) d K Kim (USA) 62 62
[8] J Isner (USA) d M Zverev (GER) 76(5) 64
A Beck (GER) d [LL] D Young (USA) 61 67(3) 64
[Q] M Chiudinelli (SUI) d M Safin (RUS) 63 76(4)
E Korolev (RUS) d R Ginepri (USA) 61 61
Doubles – Quarter-finals
[3] J Knowle (AUT) / J Melzer (AUT) d M Kohlmann (GER) / A Peya (AUT) 62 46 10-3
E Butorac (USA) / R Ram (USA) d R Hutchins (GBR) / H Tecau (ROU) 26 64 10-6
G Garcia-Lopez (ESP) / M Zverev (GER) d M Safin (RUS) / G Simon (FRA) 62 63
F Santoro (FRA) / J Tsonga (FRA) d B Becker (GER) / L Mayer (ARG) 57 61 10-6
crazyone said
Ernie really really needs to win one of these matches for the love of God. It’s been over a year since he’s won a 2nd round.
I actually think he has a lot of shots other than power shots in his arsenal, and he actually displayed a lot of variety when he came on the tour. But what he still kind of lacks is patience–the drop shots/volleys and such are still offensive tools, after all.
gauloises1 said
Nail, head, you hitting it
That’s exactly what I was trying, hamfistedly, to get at.
irefusetotellyou said
NOOOOOOOOO!
Horseface lost in doubles. Though it was to the fabulous Frenchiez duo, so I guess I can be *too* bummed.
NEVER GIVE UP, HORSEY!
stelle95 said
Ernie played great! He took it to the limit but didn’t have enough match play i think. His new coach Herman Gumy has really helped. He should be number two on the alts in tokyo if Roger, Murray and Kei Nishori(or watev) arent playing does anyone know if any other withdrawals?? I hope two more so ernie can play
linz said
Has it really been that long since Ernie won a 2nd rounder?!?! I feel like someone tells me that stat every couple of months and I’m always equally shocked.
naughtyT... said
indeed it is that long a time … Gormless last got past the second round in ATP Masters Series Cincinnati, OH, U.S.A.; 28.07.2008; where he eventually fell to Satan in the QF’s.
The guy has no patience, and despite having every shot in the book he has no sense at all. I don’t hold out much hope really. I mean, hooking up with the guy who could not persuade one of the most prodigiously talented players ever not to waste his gifts is not a great plan when you are a prodigiously talented player wasting his gifts…. or did I not get the memo on how this might be a good idea?
harini said
Big surprise with Marat. At least Chiuidinelli is cute.
I feel like it has been for-freaking-ever since I heard some big news about Ernie. He really has had such a lacklustre season.
C.F. said
Oh, Safin vs Chiudinelli must have been a major hotness overflow. I wish Brazilian TV would show freaking the tournament! It’s like SporTV and local ESPN have a silly “No Federer or Nadal on this one, so why bother showing it?” policy.
I hope they show Beijing, at least, I feel the last months had way too few Rafa for my taste.