knightsgal85
Juniors
- Messages
- 500
What an epic and captivating match of tennis we were fortunate to witness today. A fitting way to conclude the 2003 Davis Cup final, with a five-set marathon, 7-5, 6-3, 1-6, 2-6, 6-0 (in Mark's favour).
Mark's serve and volleying in the first two sets were top-notch, despite the numerous times his shots fell wide of the line. Even though his first serve percentage was steady at 46% in the first two sets, his winning percentage on his first serve was a high 83% and 72% respectively. He also managed to serve 13 aces in total within the first couple of sets. Undeniably, there is little wonder how he consolidated break point opportunities to claim the first two sets.
Perhaps fatigue and his apparent shoulder pain overshadowed his performance in the third and fourth sets, as we witnessed virtually the other side of the equation.
Mark's first serve winning percentage fell dramatically in the third and fourth sets to 56% and 43% respectively. There was no signal of his lethal serve apparent, and his accuracy interrupted his game plan immensely, leading to copious double faults at critical points, in which Juan Carlos capitalised upon.
Double faults overall stood at 16 - 2 in Mark's favour. This was mainly because he wanted to serve at such speed, in order to trouble Juan Carlos from making a return, and hence, slow down the rally, as clearly his court movement and footwork also started to weaken from the third set onwards.
However, I should not forget the effort and determination Juan Carlos Ferrero displayed in his courageous comeback, but unfortunately he could not withstand the distance. We were fortunate to see moments of Juan Carlos at his brilliant best in the third and fourth sets, with shots taken with precise pinpoint accuracy. Juan Carlos' first serve winning percentage in the third set was miraculously 100%, and in the fourth a commanding 71%, compared to Mark's dismal percentages, so it is not foreign as to why he managed to convincingly win both sets. Juan Carlos, despite losing both his reverse singles matches, can hold his head up high.
Mark took an injury time-out before the commencement of the deciding set, but Juan Carlos also capitalised with this short interruption, receiving treatment from the trainer courtside as well. I do not believe the time-out was a distraction for either player, but moreso which player would use their 'extra rest' to their advantage. It clearly was an opportunity for both of them to have a little rest and treatment, and obviously Mark was in pain from shoulder trouble, and rightfully indicated he was in need for treatment. I believe it was more of a factor of fatigue that let Juan Carlos down immensely in the final set, rather than a distraction on the part of the injury time-out disrupting his concentration.
Once the fifth set began, all that was required was for Mark to maintain his serve, and after a little hesitation in the first game of the decider; he attained the first game on offer. Juan Carlos, perhaps struggling from fatigue with two 5-setters in a space of three days, lost his momentum and thrust, unable to maintain serve once.
Clearly, Mark's performance was still hampered by his shoulder pain, as reflected in the grimace on his face throughout the final set. However, he managed to secure a resounding comeback, with clever volleying and tactical, quick plays.
As mentioned in his on-court interview, the Australian crowd lifted his spirit and furthermore, onto victory.
Mark maintains his long-standing record intact of never losing after claiming the first two sets consecutively.
Congratulations must go to both sides, as we would not have been fortunate to witness one of the greatest Davis Cup finals, if it was not for the players shear grit and determination towards their tennis and the pride they have in their country.
Australia has now attained its 28th Davis Cup title, and furthermore, is now No. 1 in the ITF Davis Cup Nations Ranking.
It was also pleasing to hear Todd Woodbridge will also continue on our Davis Cup defence in 2004. As Mark revealed in his courtside interview, the current Australian team have "now gelled into a formidable combination."
Australia, once again, World Champions - 2003 Davis Cup victors.
Mark's serve and volleying in the first two sets were top-notch, despite the numerous times his shots fell wide of the line. Even though his first serve percentage was steady at 46% in the first two sets, his winning percentage on his first serve was a high 83% and 72% respectively. He also managed to serve 13 aces in total within the first couple of sets. Undeniably, there is little wonder how he consolidated break point opportunities to claim the first two sets.
Perhaps fatigue and his apparent shoulder pain overshadowed his performance in the third and fourth sets, as we witnessed virtually the other side of the equation.
Mark's first serve winning percentage fell dramatically in the third and fourth sets to 56% and 43% respectively. There was no signal of his lethal serve apparent, and his accuracy interrupted his game plan immensely, leading to copious double faults at critical points, in which Juan Carlos capitalised upon.
Double faults overall stood at 16 - 2 in Mark's favour. This was mainly because he wanted to serve at such speed, in order to trouble Juan Carlos from making a return, and hence, slow down the rally, as clearly his court movement and footwork also started to weaken from the third set onwards.
However, I should not forget the effort and determination Juan Carlos Ferrero displayed in his courageous comeback, but unfortunately he could not withstand the distance. We were fortunate to see moments of Juan Carlos at his brilliant best in the third and fourth sets, with shots taken with precise pinpoint accuracy. Juan Carlos' first serve winning percentage in the third set was miraculously 100%, and in the fourth a commanding 71%, compared to Mark's dismal percentages, so it is not foreign as to why he managed to convincingly win both sets. Juan Carlos, despite losing both his reverse singles matches, can hold his head up high.
Oswin said:
Mark took an injury time-out before the commencement of the deciding set, but Juan Carlos also capitalised with this short interruption, receiving treatment from the trainer courtside as well. I do not believe the time-out was a distraction for either player, but moreso which player would use their 'extra rest' to their advantage. It clearly was an opportunity for both of them to have a little rest and treatment, and obviously Mark was in pain from shoulder trouble, and rightfully indicated he was in need for treatment. I believe it was more of a factor of fatigue that let Juan Carlos down immensely in the final set, rather than a distraction on the part of the injury time-out disrupting his concentration.
Once the fifth set began, all that was required was for Mark to maintain his serve, and after a little hesitation in the first game of the decider; he attained the first game on offer. Juan Carlos, perhaps struggling from fatigue with two 5-setters in a space of three days, lost his momentum and thrust, unable to maintain serve once.
Clearly, Mark's performance was still hampered by his shoulder pain, as reflected in the grimace on his face throughout the final set. However, he managed to secure a resounding comeback, with clever volleying and tactical, quick plays.
As mentioned in his on-court interview, the Australian crowd lifted his spirit and furthermore, onto victory.
Mark maintains his long-standing record intact of never losing after claiming the first two sets consecutively.
Congratulations must go to both sides, as we would not have been fortunate to witness one of the greatest Davis Cup finals, if it was not for the players shear grit and determination towards their tennis and the pride they have in their country.
Australia has now attained its 28th Davis Cup title, and furthermore, is now No. 1 in the ITF Davis Cup Nations Ranking.
It was also pleasing to hear Todd Woodbridge will also continue on our Davis Cup defence in 2004. As Mark revealed in his courtside interview, the current Australian team have "now gelled into a formidable combination."
Australia, once again, World Champions - 2003 Davis Cup victors.
