1 Response to wb91stich_volkov

1. Voo de Mar says:

   October 18, 2023 at 4:56 pm

   Points won by each set: | 30-35, 39-31, 44-35, 14-29, 38-35 |
   Points won directly behind the serve:
   37 % Stich – 56 of 150
   30 % Volkov – 54 of 180

   Court no. 2 witnessed a captivating match between two players who coincidentally sported the same Reebok attire, a spectacle that etched itself into tennis history. Stich [7] was seen donning a headband from the second set’s commencement until the fifth set’s opening game. In the 3rd set, he found himself trailing at *3:4 (0/30). Stich’s redemption arrived courtesy of a series of colossal serves that pulled him back into contention. The final set was a roller-coaster of emotions, with Stich appearing on the verge of defeat. However, at 1:3 (30/40), he unleashed a daring second serve that fortuitously transformed into an ace. 2:4 and 3:5 afterwards. Volkov [25] serving at 5:4, led 30/15 – Stich played a brilliant backhand retun. The following point was crucial for the entire contest: Stich executed a forehand passing-shot that appeared destined to sail wide, only to see the ball clip the net, vault over Volkov’s head, and land squarely on the line. The Russian grabbed his head in disbelief. He was broken, and couldn’t hold trailing 5:6. Stich capitalized on his third match point, producing four forehand winners during this final game, including the match-sealing point.
   In retrospect, Stich’s most challenging match on the path to claiming his solitary Grand Slam title. It’s intriguing to note that he encountered such resistance from Volkov (lived 1967-2019), a player known for his laid-back approach to the game. Volkov’s unorthodox style, where he frequently hit his approach volleys inside the no-man’s land rather than from the service line, defied the norm for grass-court play. Remarkably, he reached the Wimbledon fourth round on four occasions and initially had made his mark at Wimbledon in 1987 when he advanced to the Round of 16 as a 503rd-ranked qualifier! His left-handed prowess and effortless ball-striking ability could be likened to Marcelo Rios, although the latter enjoyed a more accomplished career.

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