Think it was rather interesting to see how pumped up the kids were for Halle. Fist-pumping and screaming like it was a Grand Slam final. And what’s with this boy Rublev having “intimidated” players like Verdasco on court? What is with their manners?
Both Borna Coric and Alexander Zverev are up and coming stars and belief shone in their eyes all through their matches against Berdych and Karlovic. Still, Berdych was way too good for Coric, winning 6-3 6-2 and Karlovic edged out Zverev 6-7 6-3 6-3. The younglings are coming, but they still have lots to learn.
Same went for Kokkinakis and Kyrgios in Queens. Both lost fairly easily to Simon and Wawrinka respectively. It takes a lot to be on top of the men’s game in tennis and experience is a key factor. As they work on their games and acquire less “artificial” confidence, great things might happen.
But then you do wonder how far they can go and what makes the difference even between a player like Wawrinka and Berdych. Berdych consistently beats less good players. Very consistently. But he always falls short of a slam title. Wawrinka, on the other hand, does lose to lots of players, but has won two slam titles. I think Berdych would trade career with Wawrinka any day.
So who becomes a Berdych, who becomes a Wawrinka and will anyone become a Federer or a Nadal? (Doubt it).
Talking about youngsters and careers, what is going on with Dimitrov? ATP has hailed him as the game’s next big fix star for years, but despite a slam semi-final and four titles (none this year though), there hasn’t been the kind of progress people have expected. Maybe he wants to play too much like Federer, but doesn’t have the mental strength or the fighter’s attitude? Maybe a coach like Roger Rasheed, typically focused on physical development of players, is a bad match for his style?
Whatever is going on, things are not looking too bright for Dimitrov who earlier today was beaten by semi-journeyman and up-and-down player Muller. Obviously there is always a risk going up against a big server on grass, but you still need to win those matches in the end more consistently to deserve a top ten ranking.
Let’s see what happens in Wimbledon. I doubt Dimitrov can make a run, but I would predict a fourth round for one of the younglings – Kokkinakis, Kyrgios, Zverev and Coric.
