Cincinnati – 2R

This season delivered some good results from players born in the 90s, unfortunately the youngsters are too weak to consider them as a serious threat in the next 2-3 years in my opinion. In the Cincinnati second round, I watched two of them, Grigor Dimitrov [56] and Ryan Harrison [78]. The first one in extremely lucky circumstances (ridiculous net-cord) won the 1st set against David Ferrer, who was playing first tournament match on American hard-courts this Summer. Dimitrov tanked the 2nd, but showed good tennis in the 3rd set, even saved a triple match point in the 12th game with offensive attitude, but experienced “Pics” prevailed 4-6, 6-1, 7-5 winning the next two points. The Bulgarian annoys a bit trying to copy each Federer’s stroke, I have to admit he is talented, but I grasp a lack of fire in his mentality, which might be an obstacle in the future.
Harrison has nice volley and great 2nd serve (tremendous kick), but he doesn’t know which tactics should be implemented in the right moments. I think he should shed weight (3-4 kilograms) and put accent on the more offensive game plan; during a 6-2, 6-3 win, Novak Djokovic exploited mercilessly Harrison’s weaker backhand side. Djokovic comparing the North American ‘Masters’ tournaments said: “It’s totally different conditions from Montreal, so you got to get used to that… it’s much faster here. Ball flies through the air faster, so it’s really hard to control.” At the moment I can’t freeze out a possibility of another Djokovic-Fish final. Mardy Fish impressed me a lot trashing 6-0, 6-2 Nikolay Davydenko [31]. Of course the Russian declines this season, but losing only two games against him arouses respect. As I mentioned last week, Fish has improved his forehand, but looking profoundly into his game we can pick out very solid returns (great depth) and intelligent baseline game, both factors are connected with anticipation, Fish is experienced, fitter and it allows him to read the game very well.
Also the fellow American – Alex Bogomolov, Jr. [50] – plays tennis of his life, albeit on a different level. Yesterday he stunned Jo-Wilfried Tsonga 6-3, 6-4, holding every service game. Now he faces Andy Murray, who came back on the right track after a hiccup in Montreal – the same with Rafael Nadal. I’m looking forward for his potential quarterfinal clash with Fish.