Ernests Gulbis, largely forgotten on the ATP World Tour after his ranking dropped over 500 spots in the last year, has resurrected his career this week with double straight set wins vs Victor Estrella Burgos and Juan Martin Del Potro today at Wimbledon.
A year ago Gulbis was ranked in the 60s and reached the fourth round at Roland Garros, losing to Goffin. Since then it has been a disaster for the 28 year old Gulbis who before this week had not won a single ATP Tour level match all year and since Paris last year.
Somehow the now bearded Gulbis, still sponsored by Adidas and Wilson, gained entry in the Wimbledon main draw despite his ranking of 589 and boy has he maximized the opportunity. The veteran has restructured his forehand again and used it to blast out Estrella, losing a total of five games in three sets.
Today was the real test though, with a resurgent Del Potro coming off a strong win vs Thanasi Kokkinakis in the first round.
But Gulbis was up to the daunting task and overpowered Del Potro, a former semifinalist at the All England Lawn and Tennis Club. Gulbis served big and showed off his baseline power to win the first two sets 64 64.
Gulbis rolled to a 4-2 lead in the third but Del Potro rallied with a challenge and leveled it at 5-5. It would have been reasonable to expect Gulbis to crack under the heavy pressure of the situation – playing a major again against a top player but Gulbis showed no signs of withering.
There was even one rally late in the set where Gulbis traded blows with his backhand cross court against the vaunted Del Potro forehand inside out. It was Del Potro who blinked and went for too much of an angle missing it just wide.
In the tiebreaker it was Gulbis’s serving and power which kept Del Potro off balance. On his first match point at 6-3, Gulbis fired an unreturnable serve down the tee.
Del Potro dipped his head. He was clearly the inferior player on this day. Gulbis showed no reaction given the importance of the situation. He shook his right hand holding his Wilson and brought the racquet head to his chest. As subdued a reaction as you will ever see of a thought to be destroyed player who just proved again he can be a contender for major titles.
The former French Open semifinalist who has won six ATP singles titles in six tries, will play Djokovic in the third round. The same Djokovic who beat him in the Paris semi and who owns a 6-1 record against him, though Gulbis did have a match point in one of those losses in Cincinnati.
Gulbis has the power and the weaponry to cause Djokovic problems on the grass, just like Sam Querrey did last year. So it will be most interesting to see if Gulbis can continue this astonishing and inspiring rejuvenation at Wimbledon which no expert or pundit saw coming.
Del Potro · Ernests · Gulbis · Wimbledon
130 comments
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« Previous 1 2 3 Next »Andrew Miller · July 7, 2017 at 7:40 pm
Andrew Miller writes:
Ostapenko over Giorgi. Svitolina. Konjuh through. Dan's Paire through. Cilic DOMINANT. KAnderson through! Sheesh.
Andrew Miller · July 7, 2017 at 7:43 pm
Andrew Miller writes:
Sure, Gulbis could win much as Cilic won the 2014 us open and Tom Johannson won the Aussie in 2002. It's not impossible. Just a long shot.
Andrew Miller · July 7, 2017 at 7:45 pm
Andrew Miller writes:
Is the court slow?
Andrew Miller · July 7, 2017 at 8:29 pm
Andrew Miller writes:
Hantuchova retires. I liked Hantuchova, especially in doubles. She had the confidence in doubles that would desert her in singles. Her two Indian Wells title stand out. But I definitely saw doubles differently after seeing her partner with Chanda Rubin in NYC. Special dubs player.
catherine · July 8, 2017 at 2:37 am
catherine writes:
Who said they changed to a heavier ball ? And Wimbledon courts, being grass, natural surface, is affected by the weather which has been unusually hot and dry here for the past few weeks. That's life I'm afraid. Rain next week – all's different. And someone will be complaining about that no doubt. That's life too.
catherine · July 8, 2017 at 2:40 am
catherine writes:
I was replying to Front 242 BTW. Who seems to think grass isn't even grass.
catherine · July 8, 2017 at 9:16 am
catherine writes:
Angie on the way out. Looks as though this is the way it's going to be.
Front242 · July 8, 2017 at 9:46 am
McEnroe, Dustin Brown and Peter Fleming. Mac and Fleming had a hit around with balls from last year and balls from this year and said the ones this year are much heavier. Hence why the grass is playing like a slow pile of crap.
catherine · July 8, 2017 at 9:53 am
catherine writes:
Doesn't mean that they are officially a heavier type. We haven't beed told.Just subjective. And some years the grass is slow, sometimes fast. No reason for you to refer to it as a 'slow pile of ****'. It's just a surface. Up to top players to perform on it, whatever. Maybe nothing to do with the type of ball.
Scoop Malinowski · July 8, 2017 at 10:20 am
Scoop Malinowski writes:
Kerber suddenly awoke at 3-4 in the second at 30 all she played a stellar point -big passing shot then scrambled up to shovel a winner forehand scooper shot by Rogers. Suddenly Kerber got fired up out of her slumber and showed that double fist move she does when elated after a big point. Rogers did not blink though and they battled to the breaker which Kerber won. No guarantee that Kerber wins this but I think she will. And it will be the little match capsule that could turn around her career. She was like a zombie out there before that one point at 3-4 30 all. Good to see the real Kerber back and not that zombie impostor.
Scoop Malinowski · July 8, 2017 at 10:21 am
Scoop Malinowski writes:
Q Ball is the American tennis hero right now. Huge huge win vs Tsonga. He can beat Anderson next round.
catherine · July 8, 2017 at 11:04 am
catherine writes:
Angie – 6/4 in the 3rd. I was being superstitious forecasting her going out. Reverse jinxing 🙂 Thanks for the detail Scoop – I believe it was that point that turned things around for her – maybe she said to herself, I'm not flunking out of ~W'don this way, and she didn't.
catherine · July 8, 2017 at 11:25 am
catherine writes:
Plays Muguruza next – Garbine has been playing a lot better with Conchita Martinez in her coaching box so this could be a tough one for Kerber. Still – Angie's reached Wimbledon 2nd week which I did at one time think would be beyond her.
Andrew Miller · July 8, 2017 at 1:25 pm
Andrew Miller writes:
France's top players officially stinks at tennis. Tsonga, Monfils both lose, join Gasquet and Pouille as early exits from Wimbledon. What a win from Querrey over Tsonga. I've been hoping Tsonga has something in the tank and whatever is in the tank these days is watered down. Maybe Querrey likes this surface! Donaldson squaring off against Thiem. So far so good. Berdych sails on to round four.
Andrew Miller · July 8, 2017 at 1:28 pm
Andrew Miller writes:
Djokovic obliterates Gulbis at least for a few sets. I think Scoop saw the Agassi interview, Ancic and Agassi seem to be suggesting that Djokovic is finding more of his champions form. Who else? Coco d. Riske, Coco and Cash must be clicking. Raonic marches on. Muguruza too. Wozniaki pulls out her match.
Andrew Miller · July 8, 2017 at 1:31 pm
Andrew Miller writes:
Catherine, Kerber's not playing great to my eye. Getting to rd 4 is better than losing in rd 3, but that is as far as I'm willing to go on Kerber's form. I hope she turns up the dial a bit. Muguruza isn't tricky but she's consistent and aggressive. Whereas Kerber's been so so in all areas. I'm negative on both players.
Andrew Miller · July 8, 2017 at 1:52 pm
Andrew Miller writes:
Dan's players Mannarino, Paire!!!
catherine · July 8, 2017 at 2:11 pm
catherine writes:
Andrew – I didn't say Angie's playing that well – just a lot better than she's done so far this year – I seriously expected her out in the 1st week of W'don. But I agree with Scoop – she's a bit more lively – and more yelling and screaming a la Serena W might help with that shaky confidence. Simona's been under the radar so far – can she beat Azarenka ? Big match for her.
catherine · July 8, 2017 at 2:14 pm
catherine writes:
Oh and if Simona and Konta both win they'll meet – can't wait for that 🙂
Duke Carnoustie · July 8, 2017 at 3:03 pm
Duke Carnoustie writes:
Some amazing matchups on the women's side, with Angie versus Mugu and I think he Svitolina-Ostapenko showdown is must-see TV. Dom Thiem is smoking Donaldson in this third set.
Andrew Miller · July 8, 2017 at 3:44 pm
Andrew Miller writes:
I see Azarenka pulling it out. Grass favors big games and athleticism, so Halep would have to go for it. Always a question mark. Catherine, I'm glad Kerber survived week one. If we look for a comparison, Djokovic seems more solid out there as for some time he and Kerber have been tracking each other this down and out year for both. But this is tennis, so something could spark her. She could try playing to win rather than not to lose. So tentative, flat. Not great.
Andrew Miller · July 8, 2017 at 3:46 pm
Andrew Miller writes:
Agree, Svitolina Ostapenko is must see, maybe Svitolina will be motivated by her French open loss? Dunno…
catherine · July 8, 2017 at 4:14 pm
catherine writes:
Andrew – agree with you there but it's hard I think to shed tentativeness when your track record recently has been so poor. I suspect Angie knows this, from what she has said. Instinct is to be conservative. She'll have to be fast out of the gate v Muguruza or she'll be swept away. I like it when she talks about 'feeling the ball' when she means she's starting to play well. I wonder what Agassi's doing for Djoko ? Also, how much scouting Cahill's doing for Simona. It'll be interesting to see her tactics.
Dan Markowitz · July 8, 2017 at 6:00 pm
Dan Markowitz writes:
I'm officially changing Sam's name from QBall to Sam I Am. I like watching him play now. He goes about his business with confidence. And dare I say some fire. He could beat Anderson, but I don't think he will.
Scoop Malinowski · July 8, 2017 at 6:23 pm
Scoop Malinowski writes:
Dan; QBall has a winning record v K Andy -Querrey will win that one.
Scoop Malinowski · July 8, 2017 at 6:29 pm
Scoop Malinowski writes:
Catherine; It was exciting to see Kerber's spirit come back to life in the second set today. That one point sparked her emotional adrenaline and she was the real Kerber again. I also noticed Halep grunting – not sure if I recall her grunting ever before?
Andrew Miller · July 8, 2017 at 6:31 pm
Andrew Miller writes:
Radwanska vs Bacsinsky a fine match for the most part. Some clever play.
Scoop Malinowski · July 8, 2017 at 6:34 pm
Scoop Malinowski writes:
Catherine; What happened was Kerber played that one incredible point at 3-4 30 all and it ignited her passion and fire. One sensational point like that can spark the joy and fill the confidence tank. That one point could be the turning point and it seriously could win her this title. Kerber was a dead spirit until that one point – now she is alive. I actually believe Kerber is now the favorite to win the title. Konta is the second favorite.
Andrew Miller · July 8, 2017 at 6:35 pm
Andrew Miller writes:
Querrey to make another QF? Sheesh, that would be something. He has become the only USA player to make a QF of a slam in last six years for USA men. The only guy since Fish and Isner managed it at US Open 2011. In this era of put a Sock in it, Tiafoe it up, Fritz, Harrison coming back, Isner still got a serve, and Johnson I will fight to the bitter end, and of course Donald Young, that of all of them it's still Querrey, last man standing for team USA.
Andrew Miller · July 8, 2017 at 6:47 pm
Andrew Miller writes:
Rd of 16 looks good. Raonic vs Alex Zverev should be a tough one. Muller will throw the kitchen sink at Nadal. I think Djokovic has a fair draw for a few more rounds. This tournament should make him believe in his game again.
Andrew Miller · July 8, 2017 at 6:48 pm
Andrew Miller writes:
Kerber the favorite? If only she knew…
Scoop Malinowski · July 8, 2017 at 7:05 pm
Scoop Malinowski writes:
Andrew; Deep down Querrey knows he can beat just about anyone on grass. I think he can beat anyone but Fed though he could blast Fed off the court but he probably is too nice to commit that blasphemy. Q Ball can blast Rafa off the court – he showed it in Acapulco. I wonder what exactly sparked Querrey. Was it the US teenagers? Did Lloyd Carroll call him a journeyman? There has to be explanation for what was the catalyt to turn mild mannered Q Ball into The Samimal 🙂
Scoop Malinowski · July 8, 2017 at 7:08 pm
Scoop Malinowski writes:
Djokovic handling Gulbis like he did from the early break down was major. Djokovic also roared like a lion late in the first set which suggests he's the peace and love BS. Hopefully Djokovic send Pepe home because peace and love is not needed during this fortnight. Big win for Djokovic and I was impressed because Gulbis is RED hot and had nothing to lose but Djokovic found a way to break his will and spirit.
Hartt · July 8, 2017 at 7:25 pm
Hartt writes:
Scoop, Simona has been grunting for a long time now. It is an aspect of her game that I could live without. On another topic, today was a big day for coaches who are also parents. With Sascha and Mischa both playing today their parents were kept busy. And fortunately Ofner's match finished before Thiem's began because his coach is also Dominic's father.
Andrew Miller · July 8, 2017 at 7:27 pm
Andrew Miller writes:
Scoop, when Sam playing like Samurai and Sam I Am, he's the legitimate top USA men's player and plays like a top ten player at the heights. And he's a joy to watch. I actually saw him blasting a few formidable opponents in practice post Wimbledon last year, and the way he was playing was out of his mind. So he has it in him.
Andrew Miller · July 8, 2017 at 7:29 pm
Andrew Miller writes:
Think things off court were going well for him. He cam get down on himself, big fella syndrome – playing small not playing big. Not as notable as when say Murray goes after himself or DY or Kyrgios etc, but still notable for the big guy.
Scoop Malinowski · July 8, 2017 at 7:53 pm
Scoop Malinowski writes:
Hartt; Ofner's slick back hair makes him look like Fred Perry or on of those old bygone era guys. Would you rather Halep play silent and lose or grunt like Sharapova and win majors? maybe the louder she grunts the better she plays?
Scoop Malinowski · July 8, 2017 at 7:56 pm
Scoop Malinowski writes:
Andrew: Querrey has the capacity to hurt great players with his power. The ten aces in a row vs Blake. Blasting out Rafa this year and Djokovic last year. Passive Sam can choke and lose to people like James Ward in Davis Cup. Samimal can slay dragons and shock the world.
catherine · July 8, 2017 at 8:54 pm
catherine writes:
Scoop – don't think Angie in her wildest dreams would see herself the favourite but she did find the key to unlock something in herself v Rogers – we haven't seen her so demonstrative for a long time. Start off on fire v Muguruza though or she's done. Just keep up the self belief and express more emotion on court. Angie's too well brought up. Hartt – yes, Simona's been grunting for a while – should be a gruntfest v Azarenka.
Andrew Miller · July 8, 2017 at 11:24 pm
Andrew Miller writes:
Scoop, agree Samurai Sam has it in him. He came out of nowhere back in 2005, 2006? Played serious tennis right away. It's good to see him going for his shots.
Andrew Miller · July 8, 2017 at 11:26 pm
Andrew Miller writes:
Muguruza… I don't see it.
catherine · July 9, 2017 at 2:48 am
catherine writes:
Andrew What don't you see in Muguruza ? For me, her style doesn't appeal, no more than Konta's, but she's won some matches and I think she'll win this one. Mug in 2. Angie's cautious – she says 'we'll see' a lot in her interviews. Won't commit herself when the press want her to. And her English often features tortuous German word order which makes me laugh.
Hartt · July 9, 2017 at 7:12 am
Hartt writes:
Scoop, if Simona grunted like Sharaopva I would stop watching her matches. I only watch Maria when it is a compelling match, and that means turning down the sound. But I resent not being able to hear the sound of the ball, the line calls and the umpire. With Simona, I do watch but don't find it as enjoyable as if she did not grunt. And it's not just the women players – I wish some of the men did not grunt so loudly as well. I understand making a sound when you hit the ball but does it have to be that loud? Lots of good players manage just fine without it.
catherine · July 9, 2017 at 7:47 am
catherine writes:
Hartt – I suspect someone suggested to Simona that she try grunting as a way of getting rid of her emotions rather than having tiny tantrums and throwing racquets around 🙂 Or it's her saying to her opponent: 'look how hard I'm hitting the ball !' BTW – my comment above on Angie's English – my attempts long ago at German word order must have sounded pretty funny and would have made any German laugh 🙂
Scoop Malinowski · July 9, 2017 at 7:49 am
Scoop Malinowski writes:
Grunting really helps with timing the ball and the louder you exhort the better and more violent the contact. I believe it truly helps a player reach a higher level. A few abuse it but not many. Grunting expressed passion fury desire focus and a locked in mindset and it can intimidate. I feel the Non players just can't/dont understand.
Scoop Malinowski · July 9, 2017 at 7:51 am
Scoop Malinowski writes:
Andrew; I recall seeing rookie Q Ball test Rafa in Cincy with a wildcard way back when. Q Ball showed early on he has the arsenal to compete with the best. He could pull a Wawrinka or Andres Gomez or To Jo.
Dan Markowitz · July 9, 2017 at 8:29 am
Dan Markowitz writes:
Scoop, You know how I hate to disagree with you, but I've got to go with KevAnd against Qball no matter what their h2h is. Both Kev and Sam have been impressive this year, but Kev has been really good. I just think he has a little more firepower than Sam and his game/technique is cleaner.
Scoop Malinowski · July 9, 2017 at 8:34 am
Scoop Malinowski writes:
Querrey is taking out Anderson Dan, four sets.
Hartt · July 9, 2017 at 8:59 am
Hartt writes:
Scoop, so if Federer grunted he would be even better? Sorry, I don't buy that. And some players do use it for gamesmanship. Yesterday I saw a woman player, already I forget her name, it was the first time I'd seen her, who only grunted sometimes – she would go for a few points without grunting and then would grunt for a couple points. It had to be distracting for her opponent because it was not consistent, you never knew when it was coming, and her grunts were very loud.
Chazz · July 9, 2017 at 9:11 am
Chazz writes:
Loving what QBall is doing. Also looking forward to the Fed-Baby Fed matchup. That will be some beautiful tennis to watch.