This year's Champions at Wimbledon have not been without drama and excitement but the first week's most enticing match came from a few very unusual suspects. Both at 29, born and raised on clay, 10th seed Fernando Gonzalez and former world #1 Juan Carlos Ferrero fought for a spot in the final 16 this Saturday. Gonzo, with his almost frightful forehand, has just recently come onto the radar as a true contender at the majors and was concerned the favourite over Ferrero who many concern to have peaked six years ago when he won Roland Garros.
The level at which these two were playing was fantastically high from the onset with many beautiful serves (though especially lovely from JCF's super smooth motion), 20+ shot rallies and quintessential one-two punches. Gonzo, as expected, captured an early break and though he did allow Ferrero into his own service games the Chilean held his own and was able to take the first set 6-4.
JCF, who had played superb lawn tennis to enter the third round, relied on his years of experience to overcome any discouragement. He kept the second set supremely tight by running Gonzo to every corner of Court 1. Finally, at 5-6, Ferrero was granted a break point and somehow got his racquet on a remarkable serve, continued to construct the point to Gonzo's backhand before charging the net for a winner and the second set. The third set seemed to find Juan Carlos very much at ease, holding with little trouble while Fernando was a bit more sluggish but still took care of his serve. As almost a repeat of the last set, Ferrero found an opportunity at 4-5 to break and to up a two to one set lead.
Gonzo, clearly frustrated, took JCF's first game of the fourth set to numerous deuces before snatching it away from the Spaniard. He went on the grab the fourth set, 6-4, despite an unruly public announcement which alluded to the completion of this match on Centre Court. Both players were put off by the rude interruption though, luckily, did not end up exchanging courts for their fifth set.
Ferrero apparently enjoyed the way he closed out his prior two sets and instead of securing an early break, he waiting until Gonzo was serving at 4-5. Sadly, the Chilean double faulted to hand over the game, set and match but otherwise put on an extraordinary three-hour match with his fellow, charming, Spanish-speaking opponent.
The level at which these two were playing was fantastically high from the onset with many beautiful serves (though especially lovely from JCF's super smooth motion), 20+ shot rallies and quintessential one-two punches. Gonzo, as expected, captured an early break and though he did allow Ferrero into his own service games the Chilean held his own and was able to take the first set 6-4.
JCF, who had played superb lawn tennis to enter the third round, relied on his years of experience to overcome any discouragement. He kept the second set supremely tight by running Gonzo to every corner of Court 1. Finally, at 5-6, Ferrero was granted a break point and somehow got his racquet on a remarkable serve, continued to construct the point to Gonzo's backhand before charging the net for a winner and the second set. The third set seemed to find Juan Carlos very much at ease, holding with little trouble while Fernando was a bit more sluggish but still took care of his serve. As almost a repeat of the last set, Ferrero found an opportunity at 4-5 to break and to up a two to one set lead.
Gonzo, clearly frustrated, took JCF's first game of the fourth set to numerous deuces before snatching it away from the Spaniard. He went on the grab the fourth set, 6-4, despite an unruly public announcement which alluded to the completion of this match on Centre Court. Both players were put off by the rude interruption though, luckily, did not end up exchanging courts for their fifth set.
Ferrero apparently enjoyed the way he closed out his prior two sets and instead of securing an early break, he waiting until Gonzo was serving at 4-5. Sadly, the Chilean double faulted to hand over the game, set and match but otherwise put on an extraordinary three-hour match with his fellow, charming, Spanish-speaking opponent.
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