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Miami Masters
In many ways Miami was just a repeat of Indian Wells, which was not entirely a bad thing. A pretty favorable draw for both players. Girsh looked off in his first match but got through it, then blasted through Arsenio Antuofermo easily to set up a fourth-round clash with Perry Hogue. Hogue is off to a good start this year, but if Girsh played well I thought he should have a real chance. This is the kind of opportunity he needs to take advantage of. He was pretty good, but not good enough and Hogue moved on 6-3, 1-6, 6-3. The American veteran was just more consistent really, while essentially sandbagging the middle set once he got behind and saving his energy for the finish. It worked, and it's another decent tournament but once again no breakthrough.
Mehul had a serious case of deja vu when his fourth-rounder was revealed to be Smitala once again. Neither player was interested in a reprise of their classic at Indian Wells, but thankfully that's not what happened as Anil had to survive a tiebreak but was then through in straight sets. After that he really put on a show, decimating both Marcek and surprise semifinalist Perry Mockler(USA), who knocked Benda out. Mehul lost seven games in those matches combined and went into yet another final against Iglar as the fresher man.
It helped, but not enough. He pushed the Czech much harder than in their previous matches this year, but the result was the same: 6-4, 6-7(3), 7-6(1). Another very fine run for Anil Mehul, and the opening hardcourt phase of the season is now complete.
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