So if all the top players were looking to sharpen up their game for the Aussie Open, their not doing such a great job of it. With all of the action this week, there have been quite a few notable upsets in the early rounds. Not to mention a few interesting matchups, that have or will take place.
Ernests Gulbis def. #3 Novak Djokovic 6-4 6-4
This is definitely not the way Djokovic wanted to prepare for the defense of his first major title. Despite the fact that Gulbis is an extremely talented young player which I have noted before, this is not a match Djokovic should’ve lost. Djokovic switched from Wilson to HEAD racquets in the off season, which off course he threw out as a partial excuse. But the real culprit was hit first serve percentage which was a pedestrian 48%. Djokovic has since asked for a wild card to the Sydney event next week in order to get some more matches in before the Aussie. His play will definitely be under the microscope next week.
Flavio Cipolla def. #16 Stanislas Wawrinka 6-4 6-1
Again first serve percentage killed Stan in this one where he registered a 47% for the match. This will be an important year for Stan as he has showed he has the talent to compete with solid results last year. If he wants to avoid a sophomore slump losing to someone ranked #138 in the first round is not the way to do it.
Somdev Devvarman def. #42 Carlos Moya 4-6 7-5 6-4
Despite Moya’s ranking slipping the past few years, he is still a talented player. He was the #6 seed at this tournament, which he has one twice. Devvarman made the most of his wild card from his home country advancing to his second ATP level quarterfinal in his short career. Moya complained that tournament organizers played the match in the middle of the day in the heat to favor the younger, fresher Devvarman. Maybe so, but how do you go to a tournament, and not expect to play in the afternoon?
#13 Gael Monfils def. #1 Rafael Nadal 6-4 6-4
This comes as quite the upset as Monfils had never won more than 3 games in a set against Nadal in their three previous matches, and he was able to win in straight sets. Monfils served very well hitting 7 aces, no doubles, and only faced one break point. Last year was by far the best of Monfils’ career, and I am excited to see if he can finally realize his potential. He sort of snuck into the top 15 last year, with his best result coming at the French Open reaching the semis. If can become more consistent week in and week out, he has the talent to reach the top 10 easily. As for Nadal, hopefully this is not a sign of a problem. This is the first time he has lost before the semis since the Rome Masters in May of last year. Funny because a day before I commented on his change out outfit to go away from capris and wear a collared shirt now and how I wouldn’t change a winning formula. Just a little irony I guess.
