Sony Ericsson Open: Jo-Wilfried Tsonga Does Not Fulfill Promise - Dolgopolov Does

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga failed to deliver at Miami going down 7-6, 4-6, 5-7 to Alexandr Dolgopolov in the third round of Sony Ericsson Open at Miami. It was a clash between two players labelled as future of tennis, Tsonga so a few years ago when he reached finals of the Australian Open 2008 and Dolgopolov, at present. It was a clash between different styles of play, both equally exciting in their own way. The one that succeeded need not be called the better style though the victor was the better player on the day.

Dolgopolov has a raw style, something that does not strictly conform to the widely prevalent percentage play. This is one of the reasons for the surprises he has thrown on tennis players as well as fans. Tsonga plays a different game too. It is so refreshing to find someone who was not afraid to rush to the net now and then, confident enough to make a volley. Perhaps his weight and big build comes in the way of making quick adjustments, or he would have been an unstoppable player in the mould of Roger Federer, but with a different playing style.

Dolgopolov exhibited a great foot work. He changes his body weight very quickly while preparing to meet the incoming ball. This is in sharp contrast to big built players like Tsonga, who take time to change the physical momentum that their body carries. Tsonga can be caught on the wrong foot more often than Dolgopolov. Forced error was induced from his racquet by an unorthodox shot from Dolgopolov. Tsonga moved fast on court, but not with short steps. He could be a better runner than a quick dancer. Playing tennis requires quick steps of dancer as well as the athletic speed of a sprinter. Dolgopolov fared better in this combination, but he did not have Tsonga’s power in the shot. He reminds of Gilles Simon in this regard.

A very  casual game while serving for the set cost Dolgopolov the first set. Lapses in the later games, particularly committing unforced errors on return of serves on break points cost Tsonga the second set.

Tsonga has attack in his mind all the time. He has ability to stay in the rally and be patient about constructing a point, but he went on to attack at the earliest half opportunity. He faltered after six - seven shots in the rally. He missed two simple overheads since he could not get into position at the spur of the moment on account of his big build. He has a build similar to Marat Safin and a game better than him, but he has been less successful. Injuries have put him in the cold for most of the time.

On this day, the talks of Dolgopolov being a future prospect will gather momentum but the talks of Tsonga being a future Grand Slam champion will die down further.