Age Is Just a Number
Taylor Dent also played three sets in his victory over James Blake the day before
Shaking off the Rust
John Isner looked noticeably rusty during the first half of his match against Gilles Muller in his first singles match since Wimbledon, where he won the longest match in tennis history. Isner was groaning and shaking his head constantly as he watched more of his forehands and backhands end up in the stands than inside the lines. Isner slowly gained more confidence as he saved six break points during the second, most of them with aces. The American saved one match point in the second set tiebreak at 5-6 with a nice forehand touch volley. The third set was much more competitive. Isner found more of a rhythm on his forehand and was able to go toe-to-toe with Muller from the baseline on a more consistent basis. The third set ended with the inevitable tiebreak. Muller started the tiebreak very well with beautiful volley and passing shot winners, but the nerves showed up when he double-faulted at 5-3 in the tiebreak. Just before Isner served at 6-7, match point down, a spectator yelled, “70-68, baby!” in reminiscence of the historic Wimbledon match. Isner saved the match point with a service winner and eventually won 9-7 in the tiebreak. Isner said himself that it was an “ugly match,” but was happy that he still fought and won despite not playing his best. He also admitted to being a little nervous in his first appearance since Wimbledon. He said he did not want to disappoint his home fans, family, and friends who came out to watch him including the former University of Georgia Head Tennis Coach Dan Magill.
Isner is also playing doubles with Blake in Atlanta
Battle of the Americans
Mardy Fish started off very well against Atlanta local Robby Ginepri and easily won the first set, 6-1. Ginepri picked up his play in the second set and Fish started to become more frustrated. Fish yelled to himself, “That was terrible!” several times after he committed unforced errors during the end of the second set. I thought the third match on the Stadium Court would also go three sets, but Ginepri was not able to capitalize when he had two set points at 5-4 on Fish’s serve in the second set. In the next game, Ginepri double-faulted on break point and Fish served the match out for a 6-1, 7-5 win. Ginepri went zero for six on break point chances while Fish was able to convert three out of four break opportunities. Fish slipped and fell while serving at 4-5 in the second set. But in the on-court interview, he said that, while he was worried about his ankle when he fell, it felt fine by the end of the match.
Ginepri didn't take his chances and lost to Fish in straight sets
Looking to Thursday
The last four second round matches will be played on Thursday. Donald Young will try to capitalize on his great play in the first round match when he faces the big serving South African, Kevin Anderson. Anderson beat Young in their only previous meeting in Houston this year. Xavier Malisse and Illya Marchenko, as well as Lleyton Hewitt and Lukas Lacko, will meet for the first time. Andy Roddick will play Rajeev Ram, whom he beat in the First Round of Wimbledon this year. Roddick and Hewitt will be playing singles for the first time since both lost in the Fourth Round of Wimbledon.
Photos: Christina Ward