Taylor Fritz continued his meteoric rise up the ATP rankings with his first masters series win a dominant 64 62 masterpiece on grandstand under the lights over Italian stallion Simone Bolelli. Fritz just had too much guile and power for Bolelli who was rope a doped by tactical tennis and lightning winners from dangerous positions. After the match I was able to do a Biofile with Fritz who interestingly said he only lost one high school match and he also met Agassi when he was four at the US Open as his dad worked briefly with the young Andre. Next up for Fritz will be David Ferrer. Fritz said after in his press interview in the mixed zone (attended by only myself and two other reporters) he’s really looking forward to playing Ferrer who will be the highest ranked player he’s ever had the opportunity to play. When asked about his game Fritz described it as “aggressive” and “I play the big points well.” … Ferrer practiced today with Andy murray with both wearing blue and white color combinations. I had heard that Ferrer was a heavy cigarette smoker and so I asked his agent at the practice if it was true and he said it’s not and that he knows Ferrer for ten years and never has seen him smoke… Ernests Gulbis went down with a whimper to veteran Youzhny 64 62. It’s sad to see a former French Open semifinalist lacking confidence… Huge crowds were out to see monfils practicing with Wawrinka… The frustrations continue for Simona Halep. I saw her off site practice with Killer Cahill rallying with her and she was missing an awful lot of shots badly and hanging her head – a posture she would not have showed if it were a public practice with hundreds of fans watching. Killer tried to pump her up with little technical advices but we will see tomorrow night on stadium when Halep meets the hot teenager Daria Kasatkina if Cahill is able to right the ship… Gaston Gaudio in the house – saw him walking out of transporation with Franco Davin… Talked with Roberto Bautista Agut (winner of two titles this year) how he likes his new mizuno shoes and he said he does like them a lot they are very light and comfortable and very comparable to his previous shoes which were Asics… Talked with my old pal Andre Sa the Brazilian doubles ace. Sa won three ATP doubles titles but is here as an alternate. He said he and Bellucci are second on the ALT list… Forgot to mention yesterday that I saw an odd practice pairing of Steve Johnson and Gilles Simon. Simon did a serve and volley to the ad court and did a feigned Rafa upper cut fist pump after it. Kind of odd to see an American hitting with a French guy… Was told Isner and mahut hit next to each other at the off site public practice courts… A spy told me Sloane Stephens has a very poor work ethic. She arrives to the courts and does no warm-up or stretching just waits and texts on her phone then when it’s practice time she goes on court and plays at a less then expected lower intensity. The spy said all the other players arrive early by around a half hour and do all their warm-up drills and pilates etc and then go on court. When I said that Gasquet also is known for not doing any of the pre-practice warm-ups he was reminded and agreed… The spy also said Giorgi’s father is a great guy very friendly and talkative though his daughter is quiet and not the type to facilitate any conversations. Check out tons of photos of today at Scoop’s Facebook page and also the Tennis Prose Facebook page…Also: was chatting with TV analyst Nick Lester about the young guns and he likes Zverev a lot and also Coric but was hesitant about Kyrgios adding that he’s not sure if Nick loves tennis enough and that when he’s down 4-1 in the fifth set does he love the sport enough to fight back? A player has to really love the sport and embrace it to be able to battle back from adversity and with Kyrgios that is the big question…
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loreley · March 24, 2016 at 3:58 am
“Ernests Gulbis went down with a whimper to veteran Youzhny 64 62. It’s sad to see a former French Open semifinalist lacking confidence…”
Indeed, Scoop & it’s strange as well, because he never took a longer break for his injuries (shoulder & wrist).
Since the start of the new season it’s clear that Gulbis won’t manage another comeback. It are almost two years now that he lost his game & confidence. Bresnik said last year already, that he doesn’t know, if Ernests can do another comeback.
In interviews he tells always the same, with a sombre voice. That he needs to win matches in order to get his game work.
At least Sascha Zverev is doing well & Fritz seems to be a watchable player too.
I still read your site for the interesting reports from tournaments.
Scoop Malinowski · March 24, 2016 at 8:34 am
Thanks Loreley – Gulbis looks spiritless on court like a “dead man going through the motions” – those losses to Thiem and Kokkinakis just crippled something inside him – Does Thiem even practice with him anymore? I don’t think so – the perception is that Gulbis is not good enough or challenging enough to help him and it’s too depressing for Thiem to have to see his old friend suffering – tennis can be a cruel business – Zverev is going straight to the top and so is Fritz – I have little doubt that both will be no1 someday –
Dan Markowitz · March 24, 2016 at 8:38 am
Ferrer smoking cigs that would be amazing. I mean how would the guy have such incredible fitness? I can’t imagine any big time tennis pro smoking cigs. The only pro athletes I ever saw smoking were two Mets back in the 80’s, Keith Hernandez and Rick Cerone.
Dan Markowitz · March 24, 2016 at 8:56 am
Also, how could Mmoh have dropped his last service game if both sets went to breakers? Was Mmoh serving for the second set? Interesting that a lot of the top singles players, Ferrer, FLo, Tsonga and Thiem are all playing doubles. Maybe IW’s doubles-centric feeling is catching on. I notice Paes isn’t playing. Do you know why, Scoop?
I actually watched the first set of a women’s match last night, tape-delayed between Bouchard and Lucie Hradecka. And although the Czech had only won one match prior during 2016, she beat Bouchard 6-2 in the third. The first 5 or so games of the first set, Hradecka was just blasting Bouchard off the court. Genie’s serve is not strong and Hradecka, who hits with two hands off both sides, was just nailing balls.
On Tennis Channel, when Mark Knowles was asked whether he likes players who hit with two hands off both sides, he said, “I liked Monica Seles.”
Scoop Malinowski · March 24, 2016 at 9:28 am
Perhaps I got it mixed up Dan mmoh held serve to get it to 65 then Zverev held and into the TB they went – Paes ranking has falled out of the top 60 he played Dallas Challenger last week with Rosol – perhaps they all read Tennis Prose and realize doubles is the place to build up confidence reserves as Harold is coming to learn 🙂 No I would guess these players are getting ready for the OLY doubles which is really looking wide open right now with the Bryans struggling mightily –
Dan Markowitz · March 24, 2016 at 10:57 am
I feel bad for Gulbis. He is one of my favorite players and personalities. His drop in the rankings and inability to win matches for the past couple of years is a downer because it suggests that players who are unconventional and more out-spoken like Gulbis, might not be able to compete on this rather automaton tour today.
How about the Raonic-Djoko finals in IW. That was the epitome of robot tennis I’d have to say. Both of those dudes don’t even have a hair out of place the entire match. I like Djoko and respect his talents, but from his ramrod posture to his rather mechanical strokes, he’s the poster boy of automaton tennis after only Raonic, who we will probably find out soon is really a robot.
catherine bell · March 24, 2016 at 11:04 am
Smoking –
A number of pro players I knew of as late as the 70s used to smoke, and not just tobacco.
But I’d say by the 80s nobody did and Virginia Slims had become a bit of an embarrassment for the women.
EddietheEagle · March 24, 2016 at 2:17 pm
Reading this article, it would appear David Ferrer does indeed smoke.
http://www.theguardian.com/football/2008/jul/27/athletics.golf
Funny that.
Moskova Moskova · March 24, 2016 at 2:23 pm
Safin was known to be a party-smoker and an avid dancer too (euro house trance) lol 😉
Andrew Miller · March 24, 2016 at 2:37 pm
A new top twenty en route. Wawrinka started it.
catherine bell · March 24, 2016 at 2:54 pm
Dan –
Your comments on Djokovic (ramrod posture…) reminded me of J McPhee’s view of Clark Graebner in Levels of the Game – and the way some opponents saw him.
Not suggesting Graebner’s in Djoko’s class but maybe Djoko’s body language sends some similar kind of intimidating message across the net.
Andrew Miller · March 24, 2016 at 3:28 pm
automaton brilliance.
Dan Markowitz · March 24, 2016 at 7:00 pm
Who’s getting tired of Serena’s pouting and gestures, “Woe is me!” in her matches. I mean suck it Serena. Stop crying!
Dan Markowitz · March 24, 2016 at 7:03 pm
You’re playing, freakin’ Christina McHale for Godsakes. You should be able to beat this girl if you were 50 with 4 kids in your box. Stop whining!
Dan Markowitz · March 24, 2016 at 7:17 pm
Why don’t more opponents drop shot and chip Serena, she has very limited mobility moving forward and she has hands of stone at the net. She just tried a drop shot against McHale that bounced before the net. I know she hits hard and deep, but I’d drop her left and right. This is why Mac even at 57 would destroy her.
Andrew Miller · March 24, 2016 at 7:20 pm
True Dan. Serena’s pouting a lot.
Results from the wta side are bizarre. Glad to see Caro Garcia find her mark. Sloane Stephens! She must resent the game. She lost terribly in no time.
Nice win by Kudla over Chung . Smee took out Paul. Smyczek still singing the guys praises. He is the “test” for all next great u.s. players. DYoung is in a funk again.
Brian Baker loses badly and quickly. Can’t imagine he’s enjoying this but probably glad to pocket the first round cash.
Most of the u.s. contingent lost yesterday.
Andrew Miller · March 24, 2016 at 7:22 pm
But Kukuskin is good, so maybe Baker loss normal.
EddietheEagle · March 25, 2016 at 1:04 am
Mac v Serena would generate interest. I’d like to see them on a fast, indoor hard court, Paris Bercy maybe or Basle even. I remember Henman making mincemeat of Kuerten in Paris once and Agassi as well in Basle. McEnroe would probably do it for the money but would Serena bite?
Dan Markowitz · March 25, 2016 at 1:32 am
Not a chance. He’d carve her up.
Scoop Malinowski · March 25, 2016 at 9:49 am
I should ask Serena about if she thinks she can beat John in one set? I think it will really annoy her though 🙂
Scoop Malinowski · March 25, 2016 at 9:50 am
I interviewed Kukushkin after he beat Baker and he said he played “100% – unbelievable” – this guy is very VERY underrated – Ask Djokovic – Baker played well and did not look inept or out of shape but Kuku was just too good and didn’t allow Baker to get going –
Scoop Malinowski · March 25, 2016 at 9:55 am
Christina is playing very very well now look at her results she’s winning a lot of tough matches –
Doogie · March 25, 2016 at 12:21 pm
Ferrers manager did not see him smoking? Is his manager Steve Wonder??
Ferrer is known that he is smoking like hell!! (more than 20 cigarettes a day)
Bryan · March 25, 2016 at 1:08 pm
“Ernests Gulbis went down with a whimper to veteran Youzhny 64 62. It’s sad to see a former French Open semifinalist lacking confidence…”
Unfortunately it seems Gulbis is toast. First injuries then struggling with his game, then the low ranking. Now he faces tough players in R1 and can’t get any momentum. He’s in no man’s land. Won’t surprise me to see him quit. He threatened to years ago. If something doesn’t happen this year it won’t surprise me to see him quit.
Bryan · March 25, 2016 at 1:12 pm
“Why don’t more opponents drop shot and chip Serena, she has very limited mobility moving forward and she has hands of stone at the net.”
Good observation Dan. That should be the standard approach with Serena yet few do it. When she comes to the net either smack it straight at her hard or do a passing shot. Run her into the ground by making her run.
Vika is the only one who seems to focus on hitting where she’s not, but her ground strokes are just as powerful if not better. Everyone else should try to mix in 15% drop shots to keep her off balance.
Dan Markowitz · March 25, 2016 at 2:18 pm
Catherine,
ONe of my favorite books, McPhee’s Levels of the Game. Graebner I’m sure would be happy to be compared with Djoko. I think I once saw Graebner play in the US Open Nationals in the late-60’s at Forest Hills. But yes, the comparison in their postures is apt, although looked like Clark Kent in tennis whites. Alas, Graebner is 11 slams behind Djoko, but he was a fine player and I remember he was from Cleveland, Ohio, a place I don’t associate with tennis, but neither was Serbia until recent years.