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Old 05-29-2016, 08:41 PM   #371
Brian Swartz
Grizzled Veteran
 
Join Date: May 2006
US Open, Second Week

Overall the quarterfinals were pretty much a dud of a round, going only one set past the minimum. Straight-set matches for Iglar over Caratti, Girsh over Bereznity, and Trulsen over Marcek to reach his first-ever Slam semi. Then there was the 'rubber match' between Anil Mehul and Mugur Kinczllers, who have the misfortune of meeting at this round for the third straight tournament. The previous two in Canada and Cincinatti were very tight and split. The first set was more of that, a long tiebreak eventually won by Mehul. He would drop one set, but prevail 7-6(9), 6-3, 3-6, 7-5 to complete the final foursome. Another tough loss for Kinczllers who was right in this one, but it was another case of not getting it done in winning time. The Italian was 3 of 12 on break points, Mehul a very opportunistic 4 of 6, and combined with squeaking out that first set it was just enough.

In the first semifinal, Iglar got up 4-1 on the first set against Girish Girsh -- but uncharacteristically choked, dropping the last four games from serving for the set at 5-3. Girsh broke in the last game of the second to take that as well ... and then proceeded to do a repeat of last year's WTC Final. Faced with his best chance yet to win a slam, he lost a two-set lead to Iglar for the second time in less than a year, 5-7, 5-7, 6-3, 6-2, 6-4. It would really be nice if he'd lose the 'choke' trait. Mehul took his chances once again in the second semifinal, and while Trulsen put up more of a fight that he has in their more recent encouters, Anil advanced in four sets there. The Madrid loss earlier this year remains his only blemish in seven meetings.

Antonin Iglar was then given the chance to avenge Mehul's upset win in Australia. They've met in only one other final here, Iglar taking it in four sets a couple of years ago. The Czech was just a bit on the tired side by the time the final rolled around. It was still a surprise though to see him go down two sets early. As he had against Girsh he took the third, but couldn't come up with the goods in a fourth-set breaker and Mehul stunningly took his third Slam of the year, 6-3, 6-4, 3-6, 7-6(3)! Iglar's serve(only 8 aces, 4 DF) deserted him, and Mehul was at his best on break points as he has been all fortnight. He converted 3 of 5, while saving 10 of 12 against him. For most of the match Anil was outplayed, but he found his way through.

In winning here, Anil Mehul has once again wrested the #1 ranking away from Iglar by a narrow margin. Last time that happened he won five Masters in a year. This time he did it on the biggest stage, winning three Slams and reaching the final of all four. Incredibly, only his RG final loss to Caratti kept him from a clean sweep. I'll look at the Race in a bit but it certainly looks like he'll stay on top for the end of the year.


Elsewhere ...

Ritwik Dudwadkar exited in the first round of doubles at his lastest event in Netanya. He was an unseeded winner in singles though, his second win in his last three events. It would seem the rough start to his juniors career is behind him.


Coming Up ...

WTC Quarterfinals against France, which should be a comfortable win for Sri Lanka.
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