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Kecmanovic vs. Ruud, Match of Day at Eddie Herr
3 Comments · Posted by Scoop Malinowski in Articles, Scoop
Two fifteen year old powerhouses put on a spectacular display of tennis today at the Eddie Herr 18s.
Miomir Kecmanovic, of Serbia, edged Caspar Ruud of Norway 67 64 64 in a three hour clash of junior titans.
It looked like two professionals battling it out tooth and nail on a hot sunny day on a pretty dry Har Tru court. Kecmanovic served for the first set at 54 but Ruud, the son of former ATP player Christian Ruud (career wins over Kafelnikov, Corretja, and other top tenners) broke back and then dominated the tiebreak 7-1.
Kecmanovic kept his cool though and kept hammering away his vicious forehands and two handed backhands, impressing the crowded court with the sound of the pop and his racquet head speed. One of his coaches told me he has often hit with ATP players passing through like Harrison, Bagdhatis, Mirnyi. Kecmanovic made his name here last year dominating the 14s, losing only a handful of games the entire tournament.
The expressive Kecmanovic has an interesting demeanor, he’s calm between points, showing subtle fist pumps and venting frustration in an acceptable manner. Kecmanovic talks quietly and calmly a lot, he said things like “he never hit that shot before in his life” or “who the **** hits that shot” – when Ruud hit a winner off the back of the baseline on game point. He often looks at his support group, waving his hands as if to say “What can I do?” after a laser winner zips by him. Kecmanovic, sporting all Nike, also has a flamboyance, refusing to wear a cap despite the scorching sun overhead and he has a stud earring in each ear.
Ruud is different. Wearing all Babolat gear, the lanly Norwegian is all business but a fierce competitor whose athleticism reminds me of a taller, longer Ginepri. Ruud crushed impressive winners from both wings and also showed deft touch with some drops hot winners.
Christian Ruud told me his son mostly trains in Norway but also sometimes at Saddlebrook in Tampa, where his in-laws have a house. Ruud lost in two close sets last year to Kecmanovic on artificial grass but had a good summer despite some tough ITF draws.
When asked what areas his son needs to improve to get to the next level, Mr. Ruud said with a smile, his serve, his quickness, forehand, backhand just about everything.
Both players did enough to win the match. Both made their share of stunning shots over the 3 hours. Kecmanovic served for it at 53 but Ruud broke. Ruud served at 45 and saved a MP for deuce. Both players were fearless at the end, hitting their shots close to the lines. The second match point saw Kecmanovic pound a deep ball near the center of the baseline which Ruud forehanded into the top of the net. Kecmanovic gave a muted fist pump, out of respect for his conquest. He put his arm around him at net. And then came over and emotionally hugged one of his group members. This was a clearly a very important win for the young Serbian.
I saw Cici Bellis win her 18s match on the main court 76 60. Bellis looks a little thicker and stronger since the US Open, but she moves with beautiful quick athleticism. She’s the type of girl who could excel at any sport and she’s excelling at the most challenging sport in a big way.
I saw the #1 12s player in the world play doubles, Zane Khan, with his brother who is almost as good. Boy, if you want to see intensity, watch these two twins. Their passion and intensity and love for the game are second to none. Nobody competes harder or loves to win more than these two, Nadal, Serena, Maria, Djokovic included. It’s amazing to see such energy and spirit in … 12 year olds. Remember that name – the Khan Brothers.
Watched some of Michael Mmoh, he’s a pretty big strapping kid, at first I thought he was Nick Kyrgios watching the end of the Bellis match, with the Nike gear and the headphones on. And Mmoh’s got a flair on the court too. He’s very intense and expressive, but a couple of fans didn’t like how he showed disrespect to his Asian opponent. They told me Mmoh called his opponent a “joke” loud enough for fans to hear it. Mmoh won 64 64.
Petr Korda was here again watching his son in the doubles with an American kid as his partner.
Mikael Ymer from Sweden, brother of Elias Ymer, had a nice win over a Japanese kid.
Meilen Tu, now an agent, was watching one of her players compete. Tu was nice enough to give me her “Facing Serena” memories.
Did a Biofile today with Brian Gottfried, former ATP #3 and four time winner of Vienna indoors.
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dan markowitz · December 3, 2014 at 8:12 pm
Busy day for you, Scoop. Get a great impression on how good and intense these players are. I don’t like it when I hear a junior player or any player call his opponent “a joke.” Have to keep an eye on Mmoh, though I understand when a player goes too far with a comment in the heat of battle. Still don’t like it. Thanks for the report.
Scoop Malinowski · December 3, 2014 at 8:22 pm
You would like Mmoh Dan he’s got swagger and a Monfils Kyrgios flashiness. Big strong kid, maybe a little too big and strong for tennis but he’s winning events, just won a biggie in Mexico. Not gonna hold the “joke” insult against him, he’s young, it’s heat of the battle, Johnny Mac and Connors and Nasty said a lot worse things to opponents. I wouldn’t mind to see a “villain” type make it big in ATP. The kid’s got cojones to act like that on court, he obviously can back it up. Remember Paire said some disparaging things about Ivo this year in DC, DURING the match in French. We have been through the Fed Rafa Djok era of class, politeness, say all the right things, PC…to see tennis phase into a new era of more mano a mano clashes and confrontations would be controversial and very interesting. I’ll take a closer look at Mmoh tomorrow.
Scoop Malinowski · December 3, 2014 at 8:26 pm
The intensity on court is impressive, you hear shouts and roars from all directions. Middle of the day, all courts filled, it’s only seconds or minutes between the come ons, vamoses and allez. Those two Khan brothers take the first prize for the best come ons. BTW they won 61 64, over two Asians, the one Asian looked about a foot taller than everyone else on court. That’s the striking thing about this tournament, EVERY SINGLE KID looks like a future top 20 professional. The girls too.