Ernie, Kleybs Pick Up Maiden Titles
Posted by gauloises1 on March 1, 2010
Congratulations to two first-time titlists this week. Alisa Kleybanova upset Elena Dementieva 63 62 in Kuala Lumpur for the Malaysian Open title. I didn’t see the match, but Kleybanova must have put in a really impressive performance for that kind of scoreline against Demmy. Good stuff.
And in Delray Beach, Ernests Gulbis didn’t drop a set all week on his way to his first ATP title, defeating Ivo Karlovic 62 63 for the trophy. I did not see that coming.
I have to confess I’ve kept no more than a little finger on the Ernie wagon after 2009’s endless disappointments and solicitation scandals. But for those of his fans who have been less than fair-weather, this must feel amazing – and it’s just great to see someone with so much talent showing signs of capitalising on his early promise. Celebrations all round.
Even Dr. Ivo, who turned 31 today. Yikes.
Worst trophy of the week. But yay Ernie.
New Balls, Please 
irefusetotellyou said
Ernie … never drops a set? Ernie … wins a title?
Does not compute.
Also, couldn’t they have afforded a bigger cake?
Mlle. Marseillaise (a.k.a Joan) said
Ernie has lovely hair. That is all. Oh yeah, congratulations.
gauloises1 said
It’s quite Murray c. 2007-ish, don’t you think?
crazyone said
*But for those of his fans who have been less than fair-weather, this must feel amazing β and itβs just great to see someone with so much talent showing signs of capitalising on his early promise. Celebrations all round.*
Yeah, it’s just awesome. Dunno if you saw the match, Gauloises, but I’ve never seen anyone return Karlovic’s serve so well. It was simply amazing how he connected on *first* serve returns and put them at Ivo’s feet or passed him for clean return winners. At one point, Karlovic hit an ace and crossed himself and celebrated, as if hitting an ace was something he did very rarely π
gauloises1 said
I saw the second set and you’re right, he was returning amazingly well. I was trying to figure out if he’d found a way to read it or if he was simply guessing. Either way, it was something to see.
I also loved how unfazed he seemed to be by winning his first title. He took it totally calmly except when he started giggling (also cute).
gauloises1 said
And oh yeah, congratulations crazyone. When I was writing that about his fans who have stuck with him, you were totally who I was thinking of.
crazyone said
Thanks, Gauly. Let’s hope Ernie keeps on…winning stuff.
northcay said
It’s AMAZING as amazing can ever be. Party at “the Importance of Being Ernests” is in full swing.
Beckham said
OMG…unfreakingbelievable…I’m so excited, dude is going to win the USO, I have supreme confidence and belief, dude is just way too talented for him to be just another journey man…Sauraj Ernie…vindication…lol
naughty T....urbane gentleman said
I never doubted him!!!
*is bald faced liar.*
Beckham said
nT…how are ya man?! Haven’t seen you on TW in a minute now, wonder why…lol, just wanted to say all you doubters are going to eat crow, Ernie is the next superstar…LMAO
northcay said
So happy!!! All these years of rooting for him finally paid off. I can’t imagine how he feels after the win but I assume it must be a mixture relief & joy. It’s like freedom from the bondage of loss after loss for every tournament he’s entered in the past. It must be really good for his dad also who’s been with him through all those disappointing times. Kudos to Ern. Way to go,guy!
linz said
I LOVE how the cake looks like a miniature cupcake next to Ivo.
Congrats to Ernie fans. I did not see it coming (not that I was really thinking about it) but CELEBRATE!!!!!!!!!!!!
I also DID NOT AT ALL see Kleybs beating Demmy, but good for her. And can Demmy take a break? Please? I can’t believe she played this week after w/ding last week! Silly silly girl.
coookies said
So proud of Ernie especially after the terribleness of 2009.
jewell - Make tea, not war. said
YAY Kleybanova!
and congrats, crazyone, that must be very sweet. π
lauren said
Maybe Ernie’s realised that being a dilettante isn’t particularly satisfying. I guess I’m pleased, though his boyish moppet looks don’t make up for him being a bloke who treats women as a mere commodity.
Meanwhile, don’t you love how tall that candle is on Ivo’s cake?
Master Ace said
Since Ernests finally won a title, will he actually keep improving or will he continue to be inconsistent as 2009 showed?
Also, for all the talk on Victoria, Caroline, and Sabine, Alisa may be the one to sneak up and grab a Slam or a Premier Mandatory title(Victoria won Miami in 2009). Alisa lost 2 tough 3 setters after leading by a set and a break to Justine(AO) and Jelena(Fed Cup). However, when Shamil let her play on Day 2, this only enhanced her confidence as she delivered 2 wins(singles and doubles w/ Svetlana) and won her first title afterwards. By the way, Alisa is in the Top 10 in doubles.
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