Djokovic denies Gulbis a semifinal spot; Queen’s next

The world #3, Novak Djokovic, narrowly defeated Ernests 7-5 7-6(3) 7-5 in a tight, albeit good-natured match, to advance to the semi-finals of Roland Garros.

This quarterfinal clash between the two young players promised much by way of entertainment, and delivered on that right from the first set where Ernests saved an astonishing 11 out of 12 break points. (It’s up to you to decide which was more shocking: the number of break points he saved or the fact that he offered 12 break opportunities in the first place.) The first set went on serve until Djokovic finally managed to convert a break point with Ernests serving at 5*-6.

The players traded a single break each in the second set, which culminated in a tiebreak. Ernests lost the first point on his serve in the tiebreak, and did not manage to recover from that deficit as he also dropped the second set, 7-6(3).

The rain, which had fallen intermittently over the course of the match, began to recede at the start of the third set. Earlier on, Djokovic had repeatedly requested for the chair umpire to suspend the match but Cedric Mourier was adamant that the match could not be halted without specific instructions.

Ernests’ prospects of plodding out a five-set win began to look as bleak as the weather when he was broken in the third game of the third set. Djokovic led by the one-break advantage for most of the set, and looked like the certain victor as he served for the match at 5*-4.

However, Ernests showed his utter irreverence for the occasion and rattled off two successive points to go up 30-0* on Djokovic’s serve. The Serb managed to nick one point but promptly lost the following one to set up two break back points. At 40-15*, Ernests produced a punishing passing shot to level the score at 5-all, and was greeted with thunderous applause from the crowd.

Alas, he did not retain the momentum as he played a poor game to lose serve immediately afterwards. With a lead of 6*-5, Djokovic served for the match again and there was no such hiccup this time as the third seed thundered down a service winner on match point to catapult himself into his second Roland Garros semi-final.

The match was a testament to both Ernests’ talent and inexperience. He impressed with several flashy winners, but displayed his fondness for drop shots a tad too frequently and Djokovic was able to read his tactics by the middle of the match. He also committed unforced errors at the most unfortunate of moments – including a couple of double faults to set up break points.

Nonetheless, it was a tremendous showing by this nineteen year-old in only his fifth Grand Slam appearance and a cause for celebration all around. He heads to the grass courts of Queen’s Club next, in preparation for The Championships at Wimbledon which will begin on June 23rd.

Congratulations clay monster – and good luck!

ROLAND GARROS QF: (3) Novak Djokovic (SRB) def. Ernests Gulbis (LAT) 7-5 7-6(3) 7-5

Photos by Francois Guillot

~ by Zahirah on June 4, 2008.