Matt's Match Picks
This is a page where I choose a great match from my collection and give a little insight into it. I pick matches that I personally enjoyed and will try to pick a new one as frequently as possible.
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5/17/08 - Rafael Nadal vs Novak Djokovic: Hamburg 2008
After having held the #2 spot in the ATP rankings for 147 consecutive weeks, Rafael Nadal was well aware of just how important this match would be. He had already made an out for himself by stating that it would be likely for Djokovic to take the number two spot away, but there was no doubt that he desperately wanted to stay exactly where he was - cemented as the best player in the world behind Roger Federer.
On this chilly Saturday evening the center court of Hamburg was as slow as ever, prompting long and grueling rallies between two of the most physical players on tour. The evening could not have started any better for the Serbian players as he raced to a 3-0 lead behind big forehands and bullying baseline play. Things were looking grim for Nadal as he offered up a chance for Djokovic to take a commanding lead with a second break. In what he later called one of the most important games of the match, Nadal fought hard during the back-court exchanges to force Djokovic into errors. Showing the spirit that has brought him so far over the last few years the Spaniard eventually held to put himself on the scoreboard. No doubt this was the turning point. Nadal began to play more aggressively as Djokovic was being pushed back. Despite a lapse in concentration after umpire Jerry Armstrong gave a time violation warning, Nadal was able to break back and wrap up the set with some brilliant, strategically timed forehands.
As the match entered the second set the momentum shifted back into the Serbian�s favor. Djokovic was able to return far more effectively in the second set and thus constantly pressured the Nadal delivery. This strategy coupled with more aggressive hitting allowed Novak to wrap up the second set 6-2.
At the beginning of the third set there was little to chose between the two champions. Both players had been producing magic all day. Nadal rushed into the lead with a break, and just when Djokovic had a chance to level the set he popped a string. In a fit of rage, the Serbian hurled his racquet to the ground after missing his opportunity to break back. As the set progressed it was apparent that Djokovic was simply unable to maintain the physical and mental level necessary to stay even with the king of clay. The last game of the match was a thriller, going to 8 deuces before Djokovic put a failed drop shot into the net and handed the match to Rafael Nadal in three hours, three minutes.
What bearing will this magnificent match have on future matches between these two rivals? The fact that Djokovic was able to push Nadal to the limit on the red clay will bode well for the Serbian as Roland Garros approaches. But was this a performance that could be replicated over 5 sets? The fitness of Djokovic has been questionable in the past, and the terre battue is one of the most unforgiving places on the ATP tour. With the French Open only a week away and the number two ranking at stake again, the tennis world will be watching closely as these two youngsters battle on.
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3/10/08 - Andy Roddick vs Rafael Nadal: Dubai 2008
Andy Roddick started his premier Dubai campaign in unexpectedly brilliant form. With an average first serve speed of over 140 mph, the American was able to blast through his first two opponents in swift fashion. Upon facing his highest ranked challenger of the year in Rafael Nadal, Roddick was able to maintain his composure while staying consistently aggressive. In a surprising twist, the extended rallies seemed to favor the 2003 New York champion. His ability to flatten the forehand and transition to net put heavy pressure on the Spaniard on the fast courts of Dubai. After winning a close first set tiebreaker, Andy seemed to relax while Nadal felt the pressure. Falling down a break in the second set, the Spaniard was simply unable to pose a challenge during the Roddick service games. Andy succeeded in keeping the match out of Rafa�s hands by taking his chances and refusing to submit during rallies. It was the powerful yet intelligent performance by Andy Roddick that garnered him my match pick this time.
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1/25/08 - Roger Federer vs Janko Tipsarevic: Melbourne 2008
Confidence seems to be a great attribute of the recent Serbian tennis players. 49th ranked Janko Tipsarevic walked onto the court against Roger Federer with unbreakable belief. With early, flat ballstriking, Janko was able to pester the backhand of Roger consistently. The Serb was also able to serve big and play solid on the break points that he faced. With a shocking running forehand, Tipsarevic was able to steal the first set. The battle ensued until the players found themselves in a second tiebreaker. This time Roger stepped up his game and leveled the match. After nearly two hours, the resolve of the Serbian was as strong as ever. He was able to break Roger to take the third set. It was at this moment that the intensity dropped a bit, and Federer pounced. The fourth set went to the Swiss 6-1. At this point it looked like Janko would be too deflated to carry his amazing form into the fifth set. Much to the surprise of the spectators, he persisted. Though Tipsarevic played great tennis in the fifth set, Roger did not face a break point and eventually took the set 10-8.
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1/5/08 - Rafael Nadal vs Carlos Moya: Chennai Semifinal 2008
Two Spaniards. Two friends. Two sleeveless shirts. When it was slated for Rafael Nadal and Carlos Moya to meet in the semifinal round of Chennai, tennis fans around the world anticipated drama. Being close friends and frequent practice partners, these two players know exactly how to play each other. It showed in this match more than any other. With great movement, heavy forehands, and a formidable serve, Carlos Moya was able to grab the first set in a close tiebreaker. Playing at the same intensity, the two players battled each other for another hour and found themselves in a second set tiebreaker. Moya was able to earn 4 match points in the tiebreaker, but Nadal showed his fighting spirit sprinting from side to side and forcing errors from Moya. When Nadal reached his own set point, he grabbed it and pushed the match into a decisive set. As if it were the third act of a play, the match continued at a high level. Moya found himself up a break in the final set, but Nadal fought back. Again the players found themselves in a tiebreaker. It was at this point that Nadal sank his teeth in and did not let up. The younger Spaniard dominated the tiebreaker and took the match in 3 hours and 55 minutes. "It was one of the most emotional matches of my career," Nadal said. "It was unbelievable."
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11/01/07 - David Nalbandian vs Roger Federer: Paris AMS 2007
David Nalbandian saved his best for last in the 2007 tennis season. Having compiled some of his worst results in years, Nalbandian surged through Madrid, defeating Djokovic, Nadal, and Federer. The Argentine rode this wave of confidence into the Paris AMS tournament and found himself yet again across the net from the world number one. With a solid strategy in mind, David was able to recall some of his best form. Standing firm at the baseline Nalbandian hit the ball early and hard, robbing Federer of time. In two straight sets, David Nalbandian put in his best performance of the year.
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9/05/07 - Roger Federer vs Andy Roddick: New York 2007
It has been argued that if Roger Federer had never come along, Andy Roddick would have been at the very top of the game for years after his New York win of 2003. But Roger did come along, and Roddick has never been the same. Andy has modified his technique, his strategy, and his coaches, all in an effort to bring himself to a level high enough to beat Roger Federer. Federer has slammed the door in the American's face time and time again, and the night of their 2007 New York match was no different. Roddick came out firing and was playing some of his best tennis in years. Federer rose to the occasion and had answers for everything - passing shots, great returns, and superior movement. The fact that Roddick's best was not enough to take even a set off of Roger that night is what makes this match so special.
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8/13/07 � Novak Djokovic vs Roger Federer: Montreal AMS Final 2007
Novak Djokovic has been the most outstanding performer on the men�s tour this year behind Federer and Nadal. He won Miami and reached the semis of two of the three Grand Slams played so far. In Canada he played brilliantly, defeating Roddick and Nadal back to back before taking on the world number one Roger Federer in the final. Federer seemed to be off to a great start. Serving for the first set, he reached 40-love before Djokovic played solid tennis in order to wrestle the break back and push the set to a tiebreaker. It was at this point that Djokovic shined, allowing the Swiss player only two points. In the second, Federer found another level and evened the match by taking set 6-2. With an impressive display of maturity, Novak Djokovic was able to keep his head and push the match to a third set tiebreak, where again he dominated.
Novak Djokovic was able to fully showcase his greatest strengths against the toughest opponent on the ATP Tour. He played close to the baseline, making very few unforced errors while keeping great depth on his shots. He was patient, waiting for his opportunities before unleashing several 90+ mph forehands. Above all of this, he was able to stay very focused and positive at the most vital points in the match. When Federer had several set points on his serve in the first set, the young Serb never panicked and stayed relaxed.
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7/18/07 � Richard Gasquet vs Andy Roddick - Wimbledon Quarterfinal 2007
Many have been eagerly anticipating the breakthrough of young French prodigy Richard Gasquet on the biggest stages in tennis. When he found himself down two sets and a break to one of the best players on grass, it looked like it would be another timid and disappointing performance from Gasquet. At that moment, something switched on in the head of Richard, and he dug deep to break the giant serve of Andy Roddick and push the match into a tie-break. After winning the third set, Richard Gasquet�s window opened. With belief in his eyes, the Frenchman fired up his famous backhand, blasting winners with little effort. Roddick did his part and held his own serve, but Gasquet kept neck-in-neck in the ace department despite the much slower delivery. Once the match entered a fifth set, fans watching knew that it was in the hands of the fired up Richard Gasquet. Would he continue his confident game play and simply hold out until he could manage a break, or would the intimidation of facing Roddick�s big serve with no tie-break in sight be too much too handle? In the end, it was the famous one-handed backhand on match point that halted Andy Roddick�s effort in the quarterfinals and placed Richard Gasquet into the semis of a grand slam event for the very first time in his career. This is without a doubt one of Gasquet�s most important victories.
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5/16/07 - Rafael Nadal vs Nikolay Davydenko - Rome Semifinal 2007
Rafael Nadal has set the bar higher than anyone imagined this year in terms of clay court proficiency. Until his semifinal match against Nikolay Davydenko in Rome, Nadal had not lost a set on clay all year, cruising through even his toughest rivals with alarming ease. Berdych, Youzhny, and even Federer could not find the answer. Not many would have expected that the one man to push Nadal would be the Russian number one Nikolay Davydenko. After the first few games of the match, it looked like it would be smooth sailing for the Spaniard, but Davydenko recalled his form of last year and managed to garner set point. Nadal, as usual, kept his focus and took the first set. The second set was a brilliant contest, with Nadal playing defense as Davydenko remained firm at the baseline taking the ball incredibly early. When you take into factor the uneven bounce on clay and the enormous topspin of Nadal, Davydenko�s ball striking was truly extraordinary. After a very tightly contested tiebreak, the Russian was finally able to level the match. In the third set Nadal solved the puzzle, and began playing less defensively and more aggressively. This brave change of tactics seemed to do the trick as he took the match after three hours and thirty-eight minutes in what was surely this year�s match of the tournament.
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3/19/07 - Andy Murray vs Tommy Haas - Pacific Life Open Quarterfinal 2007
When two top 15 players meet in the quarters of a Masters event one can expect for some quality tennis, however no one could have predicted the twists and turns that this particular match would produce. After losing the first set 3-6, Andy Murray was able to break his opponent in the start of the second and was up 2-0. It\was at this time that Murray took a bad fall. While lunging for a forecourt ball, Murray turned his ankle and fell hard. Seeing his opponent writhing in pain, the sporting Haas was quick to help out, elevating the youngster's leg and applying ice. After the trainer was summoned for some on the spot treatment, it was unclear as to whether Murray would be able to continue. Once it was realized the injury was not serious, and much the suprise of a bewildered Haas, Murray continued to close out the second set with a bandaged ankle and a bloody knee. The third set was a close as it gets, with the match ending in a tense tiebreak. Haas began to suffer leg cramps and was unable to serve correctly. After saving two match points, Murray was able to close out the nearly 3 hour endeavor much to the surprise of everyone in attendance. Don't miss this dramatic match!
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2/14/07 � Marat Safin vs Pete Sampras - New York Final 2000
This match is one of the highlight moments of Marat Safin�s career. In 2000 Marat Safin went on a tear winning 7 titles � 2 of which were Masters Series tournaments and 1 being the New York. In this match, Marat Safin was clearly at his best. Every aspect of his game seemed to be better than his opponents � the server was faster, the backhand was stronger, his touch was superb. The casual manner in which Safin played this match is one of the reasons why so many people still consider him one of the most talented and dangerous players on the tour.
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2/14/07 � Tursunov/Petrova vs Robredo/Medina Garrigues � Hopman Cup 2007
I chose this match this week based purely on the entertainment value. This match took place directly after the trophy ceremony where the tournament victors had already been decided. It was a dead match (meaningless) but since the players had previously agreed to play in order to please the fans it was a perfect opportunity for a relaxed and hilarious exhibition. This is probably the funniest tennis match I have ever witnessed so if you want a few laughs this is the perfect choice.
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2/01/07 - Roger Federer vs Juan Carlos Ferrero - Dubai 2005
Former world number one Juan Carlos Ferrero has been striving to return to the top level of the men's rankings ever since illness ripped him from the top 10 back in 2004. While some may regard his remaining potential as nothing special, it only takes one great performance to remind us what this grand slam champion is capable of. Ferrero put on such a display against Roger Federer in Dubai 2005. Breaking serve in the first game of the match, Juan Carlos was sending a message that he is no easy opponent. Cracking his classic forehand and using his 'mosquito' quickness, Ferrero was able to keep Roger pinned at the baseline and rob the world number one of any rhythm in the first set, taking it 6-4. Ferrero continued to keep his game at a high level in the second set, and early on it looked like Federer may have received more than he bargained for. But he is not regarded as the best for no reason - Roger weathered the Ferrero winners and took the match to a decisive set. With niether man willing to go home early, the match headed to a tiebreak, where the fun really started. Ferrero was able to obtain two match points - two points that if won could have seriously aided his overall confidence for the upcoming season. However Roger Federer kept his nerve and did what he did best. Federer wins 4-6, 6-3, 7-6. If you enjoyed the clash between these two men in Madrid 2003, you will love this match as well!
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12/21/06 - Gustavo Kuerten vs Roger Federer - Roland Garros 2004
2004 will go down in history as one of Federer's best seasons of his career. Yet one man prevented Roger from accomplishing the coveted feat of winning all 4 slams that year. Clay court king Gustavo Kuerten, though his hip was ailing, made an impressive run at Roland Garros. In his match against the world number one, his classic clay court prowess was clearly evident as he out-maneuvered, out-hit, and out-classed Federer on the terre battue. The match ended with Kuerten the victor with a score of 6-4, 6-4, 6-4. Hopefully Guga will be able to make a full recovery and climb his way back to the top of the ATP tour.
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9/24/06 - Dmitry Tursunov vs Andy Roddick - Davis Cup 2006
On day 3, it was a suprise to see the Russian captain put Tursunov in the singles match against Roddick instead of Youzhny. But after Tursunov showed brilliant play to take the first two sets it seemed that the captain had made the right decision. Knowing the hopes of his teamates and his country were on the line, Roddick turned up the heat, and hit aggressively in the next two sets to bring the match to a standstill. But the match was far from over. Tursunov and Roddick played on and on. Roddick valiantly saved 3 match points and pushed the fifth set until 17-15, when Tursunov won the match and a place in the Davis Cup final for his country after a 4 hour and 48 minutes.
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7/30/06 - Maria Sharapova vs Tatiana Golovin - Miami 2006
At first it may seem strange to choose a match in which one of the players retires because of injury. However not often do you find a match so drama filled that it feels like you are at the cinema. This was such a match.
The match started as one might expect. Sharapova won the first set and cruised in the second, fufilling her obligation as the higher ranked player. Her underdog opponent Golovin was not about to go down without fighting until the bitter end. Using her powerful forehand and shotmaking ability, Golovin played out of her mind to overcame a 5-1 deficit and save four match points to push the set into a tiebreaker, but not before a dramatic twist.
Sharapova took a lenthy bathroom break at 5-4 in the second - an action seen by most of the crowd as lowly gamesmanship due to the fact that she was losing her tremendous lead and had no answers to her opponents spectacular playing. When she returned to court Sharapova was greeted by loud jeers and boos from a majority of the crowd.
With Sharapova undoubtedly thinking of all of her missed chances, Golovin was able to take advantage of the crowd and the momentum to win the second set.
The changeover between the second and third set was punctuated by yet another extended bathroom from Sharapova. Again, she was greeted by loud booing from the crowd. The match continued the quality play until it abrubtly ended at 4-3 when Golovin, chasing a shot, rolled her ankle and fell to the court in pain. The horrific replay was shown and it was clear this was no little thing. Golovin, with tears in her eyes, was being attended to in the corner of the court. On the other side of the court was Sharapova, hopping around and shadowing groundstrokes paying no attention to her injured opponent. After having her ankle taped Golovin amazingly tried to continue. However the injury was too serious and was only able to play one point until having to stop. Being the most dramatic match every played at the Nasdaq, this match is not to be missed.
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6/05/06 - Andre Agassi vs Andy Roddick - Cincinnati 2004
Andre Agassi has been a source of concern for the last couple of years due to his age. The media and fans alike constantly question his ability to play with the younger players. He answered the question in a dramatic fashion as he stepped up his level of play to beat two of the modern champions of the game and win the Cincinnati title. In his match against Andy Roddick, Agassi looked sharp returning serve aggressively. The match itself was an extremely close 3 setter, with Agassi finally coming out on top. Some great shotmaking and high quality of play under the lights make this match my pick of the week.
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5/23/06 - Juan Carlos Ferrero vs Roger Federer - Madrid Masters 2003
In 2003, Andy Roddick, Roger Federer, and Juan Carlos Ferrero were the best 3 players in the world and were at each others heels in the rankings. When Ferrero met Federer in Madrid, he had a chance to become number 1 in the world with a victory. Federer began the match serving like a robot, looking nearly invincible. One would think that on a fast court like Madrid, Federer would have the advantage. However, Ferrero used his great ability to take the ball early and made sure that he was the victor in his home country on that day. In this tightly contested 3 set match it was hard to determine the winner until the last moments. Don't miss this classic clash between two of the best players in the world!
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5/14/06 - Rafael Nadal vs Roger Federer - Rome Final 2006
Every time the number one player in the world meets the number two in the world there is major excitement. Today was no exception. Federer, thirsty for revenge after losing to Nadal in Monte Carlo, started the match superbly. The world number one seemed to be at his best for most of the match. His backhand was solid as a rock unlike his previous matches against Nadal and he was nearly invincible at net. However his opponent, undoubtedly the best clay court player in the world, was not going to go down without a fight. After splitting two tie break sets, the players were well into this epic battle. Nadal took the 3rd 6-4, but his play dropped a bit in the fourth and Federer was fantastic, dominating the second set 6-2. Federer broke Nadal early in the fifth set and with his dominant play looked like he would come out on top and end Nadal's historic run. But Nadal fought hard for every point, and made Federer play that extra ball as always. Federer held 2 match points but faiiled to capitalize as he commited 2 unforced errors. After pushing the match to a tiebreak, Nadal needed only one match point to take the match in just over 5 hours time. Perhaps the best match between these two!! Dont miss it.
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2/21/06 - Lleyton Hewitt vs Rafael Nadal - Melbourne 2005
Everyone will remember the 2005 AO for the epic match between Safin and Federer. However, the second best match of the tournament is arguably the 4 hour dogfight between a pumped up Hewitt and a hungry Nadal. The momentum shifted constantly as both competitors ran down impossible balls and made incredible shots that made the crowd erupt. It wasn't until the fifth set that a decisive victor could be seen. Nadal began to lose a step due to fatigue under the hot Australian sun, and the fit as a fiddle Hewitt was able to capitalize after nearly 4 hours of intense rallying.
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2/12/06 - Richard Gasquet vs Tommy Haas - Davis Cup 2006
In a rematch of the Melbourne 2006 first round match, the red hot veteran Tommy Haas and the talented youngster Richard Gasquet faced off against each other in Halle for the 2nd rubber of the first round of Davis Cup. At 1 set all, Gasquet served for the 3rd set and earned a point to go up 2 sets to 1 on a controversial call. The crowd erupted and was furious over the close call. Gasquet tried to play his set point but the crowd was not to be subdued and disrupted play, prompting the chair to call the point null. It took only the words of the German davis cup captain to calm the crowd. He said some words into the chair's microphone and the crowd was finally tamed. Add a verbal abuse warning, great shotmaking, and 5 tight sets and you've got the intense, drama-filled match of the week.
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1/29/06 - Srichaphan vs T.Johansson - Nottingham Final 2004
With Paradorn Srichaphan you never know what you are going to get. The last year has been unkind to the Thai, with him losing early in most of the tournaments he entered. However his great forehand, superb fitness, and likable attitude make him a fan favorite worldwide. In the 2004 final of Nottingham, Paradorn fell behind as was all but beaten when he rallied to comeback and win in 3 sets in this very exciting match that showcases all the talents of this great player. For anyone that enjoys the classic comeback during a match, this one is a perfect example of such a case.
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1/16/06 - Hewitt vs Coria - Davis Cup 2005
In this highy dramatic Davis Cup rubber, fiesty competitors Lleyton Hewitt and Guillermo Coria faced off against each other down under. Coria, like many, began to get annoyed by the antics of Hewitt. The players began to mock each other and send rude gestures across the net which included an obsene gesture by the Argentine. This tension culminated with an overhead by Coria that was aimed at Hewitt. The following point the Australian was able to ace his opponent and had a couple of rude words to say. Coria was able to put up enough of a fight to take the third set but Hewitt found his game again and won in four.
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1/09/06 - Federer vs Santoro - New York 2005
When you have two of the most unique and consistent talents in the game playing each other in grand slam it is bound to be a classic. This match was no exception. If you enjoy out of the ordinary points and trick shots this is a match for you. The incredible 'magician' Fabrice Santoro put up a great fight and was constantly showing his unique style and outlandish shotmaking. Some of his shots in this match included great drop shots, lobs, his famous two handed forehand, tweeners, and behind the back volleys. This was one of the most entertaining matches of the New York 2005 and is not to be missed!
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1/02/06 - Federer vs Bagdahtis Melbourne 2005
When Roger Federer is trying to defend his title he means business. Marcos Bagdahtis experienced this first hand in his match against the world #1 at the Melbourne. The youngster showed his talent but Federer was too much for him. It wasn't until the third set that Marcos relaxed and made things competitive. The youngster used his great ability to change pace and was rocketing forehands. At least three times Marcos hit running forehands for winners that would teach Sampras a thing or two. Surely just a glimpse of the great talent that will come from the talented youngster.
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12/26/05 - Roger Federer vs Marat Safin - Tennis Masters Cup 2004
Roger Federer stormed through the 2004 masters cup playing some of his best tennis. In a round robin encounter with Marat Safin, he took the first set completely overwhelming the Russian with his incredible shotmaking and stunning consistency. Fortunately Safin rose to the challenge and gave a run for his money in the second set. With both players playing at such a high level, it seemed fitting for the set to end in a tie break. That it did, and it was one of the longest tie breaks ever played. Incredible shots and close calls kept each player in the tie break until it reached 20-18, with Federer enjoying the victory. The quality of play and record setting tie break are what makes this match my pick of the week.
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12/19/05 - Fernando Gonzalez vs Taylor Dent Athens Olympics 2004
Playing for the glory of your country on the biggest stage in the world will put some serious pressure on you tennis playing ability. Perhaps this is why the results of the mens tennis event in the olympics of 2004 were so suprising. In the bronze medal match, Fernando Gonzalez played Taylor Dent in an extended three set thriller. Both players succumbed to heavy pressure in this match. The third set was an incredible 30 games long, with the Chilean gaining the final break and winning the match.
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12/05/05 - Roddick vs Chang Roland Garros 2001
In the twilight of his career, Michael Chang met an 18 year old Andy Roddick at Roland Garros in an epic 5 set match. A young Roddick was able to pound his serve through the clay and hold with authority, whereas Chang used his great experience and nimble movement to keep himself in the match. The match was pushed to a fifth set and Roddick began to feel cramps. Those who remember Chang cramping in the fifth set of his match against Lendl in 1989 will appreciate the irony here. Roddick, barely able to move, was writhing in pain after each point. He was still able to miraculously pull off the win against the former Roland Garros champion, and ripped his shirt in half after winning the dramatic fifth set 7-5.
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11/28/05 - Roddick vs Nadal New York 2004
Andy Roddick began his New York 2004 run with the confidence to defend his grand slam title. After easily rolling over the young Scolville Jenkins, Roddick met the talented 18 year old Rafael Nadal. Perhaps on another day this would have been a contest, but Roddick was too confident to allow Nadal to get his teeth into this match. Roddick came out blasting his serve and forehand completely overwhelming Nadal. En route to losing the first set 0-6, Nadal was hit twice by Roddick's awesome serve, rattling him to the bone. The youngster managed to get a few more games in the next couple sets but was still no match for the defending champion. If you want to see Roddick at his absolute best, I highly reccomend this match.
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11/21/05 - Henman vs Chela Roland Garros 2004
The year of 2004 was a great one for Britain's Tim Henman, who suprisingly made the semi finals at Roland Garros. In this quarterfinal match against the Argentinian clay courter Juan Ignacio Chela, Henman was absolutely brilliant. He outplayed his opponent is every aspect, hitting accurate winners from the baseline. His super aggressive tactics brought him to net where his volleying skills were top notch. In perhaps the best match I have ever seen Henman play, he defeated Chela easily in straight sets. The sheer fact that he played so well on clay is astounding. This is a must have for Henman fans, and anyone else who appreciates the skill of the dying chip and charge style of tennis.
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11/14/05 - Roddick vs Ferrero Cincinnati 2005
In a rematch of the 2003 New York final, Andy Roddick faced off against Juan Carlos Ferrero in the best match of the tournament. The quality of play was astounding, as both players had exceptional winners to unforced errors differentials and high 1st serve percentages. With both players playing such tidy tennis, it was only fitting for the first two sets to be decided by tie breakers. Although the quality of play never slipped, Roddick was able to capitalize on the important points in the last set to take the match. The remarkable quality of play in this match is what makes it my pick for the week.
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11/06/05 - Agassi vs J.Johansson Melbourne 2005
The best returner of all time faces off against one of the best servers on tour. The giant 6'6" Johansson came into the match exhausted from a 5-set win over Lopez the day before. With his movement hindered, Johansson played the match with a go-for-broke mentality. He hit every stroke as hard as he could, using his extreme power to smack winners off both sides. He even hit a couple 130+ mph second serves. Agassi began the match without any idea how to handle his opponent's giant serve, which J. Johansson used to hit a record 51 aces. Agassi tried to stand close to take the serve, he tried standing back, he tried it all but couldn't figure it out. At one point Agassi leapt several feet inside the baseline and hit an amazing backhand return off a huge serve. This match was highly entertaining, and is my pick for the week.
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10/31/05 - Gasquet vs Federer Monte Carlo 2005
A young Gasquet shows of his flashy talent in this extraordinary match handing the world number one a rare defeat. The skilled youngster used varying tactics and his beautiful but powerful one-handed backhand to keep Federer on his toes. Gasquet would sometimes return serve from 10 feet behind the baseline or 5 feet inside the baseline. His stronger backhand kept him in the upperhand during crosscourt rallies. Gasquet was even so bold as to hit a drop shot return of serve for a winner. In the 3rd set tiebreak, Gasquet fired a running backhand down the line pass from far behind the baseline to win the match.
