ATP RIO OPEN SEMI-FINAL MATCHES

Saturday night i watched two semi-final matches in Rio Open. First match was between Alexandr Dolgopolov (Ukraine) and David Ferrer (Spain). For this match, my favourite player was Ferrer. Spanish players are natural born clay players and also Ferrer is a very special, diligent and qualified player. On the other hand, Dolgopolov is a good player but not so consistent in his performance and not a good scorecard for the players in top 10. Although both players have a very similar score card for the first set, Dolgopolov broke Ferrer’s service game at 3-2 and after Ferrer could not break back so first set went to Dolgopolov 6-4.

For second set my expectation from Ferrer was that he could focus on game better and play more aggresively. But Dolgopolov broke his opponent service very early in the second set, and Ferrer could not find his rythm somehow. Ferrer made so many unforced errors , his first service points is around %51. Dolgopolov was much better in his service- winning point performance. During all the match, Ferrer could not get a point for breaking Dolgopolov’ service game. Dolgolpolov made different shots, had a good serve, run for every ball, and kept his focus all the match. He sent great paralel forehands, passing shots and stayed cool in important moments. Ferrer couldn’t find a way to break his rival’s service game and hence Dolgopolov took the the match 6-4, 6-4 and reserve a place for the final. Well deserved semi-final match for the young Ukrainan.

Second semi-final match of the night was between two Spanish players Rafael Nadal (1) and Pablo Andujar (8). Although they are from same country, they only had 2 matches with each other and this was the 3rd match. Last month in Aus Open in the final Rafa had a back injury and suffered a lot in the court and lost to Wawrinka. After that it was announced that luckily injury was not serious, he recovered totally.

Both players are very comfortable in clay court. Andujar started to play very aggresively even in the first game of the match against Nadal’s serve. Andujar kept sending high balls to Rafa’s backhand side which forced him to make mistakes but he has many skills which he can do all at the same time such as making a great defense and having good returns. But it is not a good sign for him to be hardened that much in his service game. Andujar broke his service game and had a good avantage at the beginning of the match. When it comes to Rafa, i never get worried easily even he lost his service game because he is very dangereous player and he can break back his rival’s service game easily.  Nadal stayed behind of the baseline mostly, did unforced errors a bit more than he usually does , his service performance is around %50 which is rare situaiton and score is 1-3 in the first set so far. Andujar  kept his motivation at the same level and did very few mistakes and continiue to play aggresively. His backhands were working so good  tonight.He was sending very deep balls, he was good at returns. Just because Andujar was holding his service games easily and broke Rafa’s service, he had a great advantage to win the first set. Andujar made a great return behind of the baseline and broke Rafa’s service once more in the 6th game and made it 5-2! He created his chances and played very good and took the first set 6-2.

I was surprised by Rafa’s first set performance tonight. Although Andujar played really good, if Nadal played like as he always does , Andujar would not break his service game 2 times. This is the good side of tennis, every match you have a chance as a player, you can beat anyone in the world if you focus on the game and do the right things on court.

Second set Rafa found his pace, dominated the game ,took control of the set and passed Andujar 6-3.

Losing a set against Rafa has many side effects for any player in the world. First of all, you may lose confidence and if you can not focus enough on game again, you lose your pace and remembering that you play against the best player in the world, it looks more more difficult to beat him.

Surprisingly Andujar showed a great resistance, he never lost his confidence, fought back as much as he could do and kept his dicipline during the 3rd set. I really respect the way he played. 3rd set went to tie-break. During the 3rd set, Andujar was better at serve, did less unforced errors and made more winning points but somehow Rafa managed to win the match by his experience , his warrior spirit and ofcourse his great tennis skills. Both players have saved match points mutually but the winner was Rafa Nadal .2-6, 6-3,7-6 (10) It was a quite exciting and dramatic match.

On Sunday in the final, Rafa Nadal will play against Alexandr Dolgopolov. I guess everybody’s favourite is Nadal, but i wonder how Dolgopolov will play against him.

One more thing was, Gustavo Kuerten “Guga”, former world number one, 3 times Roland Garros Champion was in the audience. He is a great player with a great personality, audience always love him. I am glad to see him again after all these years.

*Photo taken from Australian Open FB page.