8
Being talented as well as temperamental – that’s what Gulbis is all about
13 Comments · Posted by Staff in Bios
By Ritesh Gupta
How tennis professionals cope up with a bout of frustration during the
course of a match is something that always garners attention.
For some, an “inner voice pep-talk†is sufficient to wriggle them out of
the tricky situation. There are others who take a completely different
route. They just vent out their anger and express inexorably till they see
themselves getting back on track. And if they are supremely talented too,
then the following of such temperamental players simply goes up in quick
time.
Latvian Ernests Gulbis is one player who is known for his animated on-court
behaviour. His explosive game goes hand-in-hand with his tendency to
express. Be it for showing his displeasure by muttering words to the player
box or even asking a spectator to settle down, one can expect all of this
even as he can blast winners at will.
All of this was on display as Gulbis took on Alexandr Dolgopolov in the
second round of the Mutua Madrid Open on Wednesday.
Gulbis won 6-3, 6-4 to avenge his recent loss to Dolgopolov. which came in
the first round of the Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters.
For one, who reached a career high ranking of 18 in February this year,
Gulbis is looking as sharp as ever. He is currently ranked 20th. With 18-8
match record and a title (the Marseille Open, victory over Jo-Wilfried
Tsonga in the final) this year, he has given ample indications about his
intent.
Gulbis overcame a shaky start against the Ukranian, who blasted three
forehand down-the-winners to go a break-up in the third game. But from
there on Gulbis started his barrage of winners (29 in all), and was never
broken.
At 3-2, deuce in the first set, Gulbis took charge with two contrasting
strokes, both coming from the backhand flank. While the depth and pace of
the first left Dolgopolov clueless, the other one was all about finesse.
This double-fisted backhand was an angular one, at a slightly slower pace.
Even the agility of the Ukranian wasn’t enough as his slice failed to clear
the net. In no time, Gulbis wrapped up the first set.
In the opening game of the second set, Gulbis gestured and asked a
spectator to settle down. Whether such act breaks a player’s poise or not,
the Latvian was in no time down 0-40 on his serve in the second game. Still
Gulbis kept his opponent at bay, as heavy serves and a couple of winners
from him made it 1-1. Soon Dolgopolov was down 0-40 in the fifth game, but
he too held on for a 3-2 lead.
Post this Gulbis showcased his excellent touch. At 3-3, he put enormous
amount of pressure on Dolgopolov to go up a break. Gulbis hit a backhand
slice winner, after being in a defensive position during the rally, for
15-0 lead. Then he hit a blistering forehand return winner. These points
set the tone for Gulbis to lead 5-4.
Gulbis was tested in the final game, down 15-40. But his serve came to his
rescue, as Dolgopolov’s meek returns were put away easily by the Latvian.
Gulbis is showing signs of building on what he has already achieved this
year. His goals are big, with the world number 1 spot being one of them.
His on-court behaviour ways aren’t exemplary, but he is definitely one to
watch out for this season.
By Ritesh Gupta
loreley · May 8, 2014 at 9:59 am
Gulbis was focused & pretty calm in that match. Just that he was waiting when some ppl didn’t find their seats or a dad left with his kid.
Abe Froman · May 8, 2014 at 10:42 am
gulbi is so overrated…..does have upside potential but prlly wont out-do safin..
loreley · May 8, 2014 at 10:53 am
I bet you would like him if he were from US 😉
Abe Froman · May 8, 2014 at 11:12 am
@ loreley…haha….i’m not optimistic on the current american bunch at all – i’d take gulbis against them any day of the week. LOL…..unfortunately or fortunately, i know some of the authors and bloggers here are diehard sock, harry, DY fans though. LOL
Dan markowitz · May 8, 2014 at 11:41 am
Well, Harry did beat Benneteau in Madrid qualis before getting routinely beat by Mathieu. How do these Frenchman last so long on tour? You’ve got Gicquel who’s practically a grandfather and the over 30 group is growing: Benny, Mahut, Mathieu and Llorda. The Magician didn’t retire until he had emptied his tank after 35. What keeps these guys going? The Americans get bored once they turn 30. Blake at the end complained about the travel.
Abe Froman · May 8, 2014 at 12:47 pm
the french sure do know how to juice with a joie de vivre !….too bad none of them are gonna be in the second week of RG !….vamos rafa !!….coming back to life….hhhheerrrrre’s jjonnnnyyyy !! LOL
EddietheEagle · May 8, 2014 at 2:14 pm
Abe the axeman, do you think Nadal has the passport all worked out? I see the ITF announcement that a couple of guys from some Spanish academy got themselves busted at a Spanish futures tournament. Seeing the testers turn up must have been a greater surprise than bumping into Father Christmas.
Abe Froman · May 8, 2014 at 2:28 pm
@ eddietheeagle…..wowzers man ! how do you find these tidbits ?…..unbelievable !….that’s why you are eddie-the-eagle ! LOL
all of these junkies must be shaking in their boots now but i’m sure nadal’s camp is slippery enough to make a few adjustments to his hardcore juicing regimen…LOL
Scoop Malinowski · May 8, 2014 at 2:38 pm
I like Gulbis a lot, about as much as any player out there. I think Thiem’s success is going to spark and inspir Gulbis to stay ahead of his younger teammate. It would be a tough psychological blow if Thiem strikes first with a major or masters win. Remember how Serena’s first US Open before Venus sparked Venus to win a major soon after? Similar dynamic, though they aren’t brothers Thiem and Gulbis are very very close.
EddietheEagle · May 9, 2014 at 3:32 am
Since when did Gulbis and Thiem become teammates? One’s Austrian, the other Latvian.
Abe Froman · May 9, 2014 at 9:15 am
isnt gulbis’ family sponsoring thiem or something ?..
Scoop Malinowski · May 9, 2014 at 11:55 am
E the E, they are very good friends and they work with the same coach, they train and travel together and support each other. Just like a team unit.
Paul · May 9, 2014 at 5:13 pm
Gotcha, thanks both.