Ernests stretches Nadal in defeat
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Ernests’ Wimbledon campaign was brought to a grinding halt today by the world #2, Rafael Nadal, in a four-set second round loss. For the first 47 minutes of the match another major upset looked imminent as Ernests produced a near-flawless display on serve, in which Nadal was only able to return 33% of his first serves. Ernests earned two break points on Nadal’s serve while leading 6-5* and succeeded in converting the opportunity at the second time of asking to capture the first set, 7-5. |
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However, in the next set, Nadal gradually adjusted into the rhythm of the match and Ernests’ unforced errors count began to mount as he surrendered two service games in quick succession. Nadal won the second set with relative ease, 6-2.
The third set was tighter than the previous one, though Ernests was nowhere near as invincible on serve as he was in the early stages of the match. He lost the first point of the ensuing tiebreak, but reclaimed the minibreak for 1*-2 – only to promptly lose serve again. A gift of two more minibreaks by Ernests helped Nadal to seal the tiebreak, 7 points to 2.
During the break between sets, Ernests had the bandage on his knee – which kept peeling off during the match – attended to by the trainer. Though the knee had been wrapped up since the first round, it did not appear to hamper his movement significantly, bar the several occasions when Nadal’s heavy spin confounded him into being wrong-footed.
Both players clung on to their service games in the fourth set, until Nadal broke the pattern at 4-3* by earning three break points on Ernests’ serve. Ernests valiantly saved the first two break points, but succumbed to the third, enabling Nadal to serve out the match for a berth in the third round. The conclusion of the match was greeted with a rousing ovation by the Court 1 spectators, as they displayed their appreciation for both players’ efforts.
Malacis Ernests!
WIMBLEDON R2: (2) Rafael Nadal (ESP) def. Ernests Gulbis (LAT) 5-7 6-2 7-6(2) 6-3
He did great and I was delighted to see that he had a good time out there on Court 1. A smile was never far away and he kept his cool, which is a good thing against Nadal
I can imagine he can drive you crazy with all his running and his rituals. I’m sure we’ll get a lot more from Ernests. I hope he’ll come to Mons again…
There is a lot to come from Ernests in my view. He showed today that he CAN mix it with the best and he CAN rattle someone like Nadal – who is in supreme form.
The BBC commentators called him a “pretty big boy” lol!!
Gulbis is a great player and he have a great future as a tennis player, he just need a little more experience, he have so much talennt.
and he is so cute!! for moments he was much better than Nadal in fact i think he is much better than Nadal, he just need more experience in this kind of match.
i hope to see him in USopen
Really well done, Ernests. You may not have won the match but you showed us glimpses again of the greatness that you can harness. Learn and live to fight another day.
For Nadal it was the 1st(!!!) 4 set match this year… It was fantastic game from Ērnijs
That was a superb performance by you, Ernie. Even though I was rooting for Rafa, I am still glad that you played a great match. You are my no.2 guy after Rafa…atleast for now. I hope you continue to do well and become a future No. 1.
Well done Ernests for a great showing against Nadal & for giving him a real match! Your serving in the first set was fantastic! This match is part of a learning curve & I know with your huge talent & sweet calm demeanor you’ll be back even better & stronger next time! You have a really attractive game & you’re a breath of fresh air! Onwards & upwards Ernests!
I still can’t believe he lost
He deserved to win
But that was his first game against Nadal
and he’s improving everyday