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by Prip The Moroccan got off to a good start, getting the break and a 3-1 lead, but soon felt the heat of playing a wily veteran. Gianluca's tennis was simply poetry in motion, the Italian looking calm and in full control, but actually playing very aggressive tennis in disguise. He anticipated the ball well, and his movements looked near effortless except for when he dived for a volley. Toying with the Moroccan a little, Gianluca not just chipped, but hacked away the game deficit and took the set 7-5. Using all his experience, Gianluca used the pace of Younes's shots, and mostly blocked the ball back strategically until opportunity to approach the net presented itself, daring the clay court specialist to pass him. Gianluca got the break to go up 2-1, and consolidated for a 3-1 lead. Younes started to become very agitated as the match went on, totally clueless as to how to play the old man of the tour. The only thing that he could do effectively was to serve hard, and serve hard he did. At one point at 3-4, Gianluca had thrown yet another beautiful drop-shot at Younes, and the Moroccan fully ran for it. It turned out to be a stupid move, though, as he not only couldn't get to the ball, but ended up straining a thigh muscle. He paused, leaning on the net, and Gianluca went up to ask if he was okay. Younes decided that he wasn't, and called for the trainer. After a brief treatment, the match went on, and Gianluca did only as much as necessary to close out the match, conserving his energy for the later rounds. To Younes's credit, he served 4 very good serves (that turned out to be winners) at 3-5 to stay in the match, but Gianluca barely went for the ball at all. A classic match in which experience prevailed over power. Next up for Gianluca will be the unorthadox strokes of Fabrice Santoro, who defeated David Prinosil 6-2 6-3. |