Week 16 - Challenger ($100,000) - Sarasota, FL, USA (clay)

korriban · Challenger level

RE: Week 16 - Challenger ($100,000) - Sarasota, FL, USA (clay)

The Magician Santoro · Top national player

Zverev holds to 30, finishes it up with an average S&V. Not been impressed by Zverev tbh, his game isn't very entertaining, hard to believe he used to be top 50.

JW *0-1

The Magician Santoro · Top national player

James holds to deuce, getting annoyed at himself mid-game 'really? really?' he shouts. Commentator also noting that Zverev doesn't really do much rather than he's consistent and waits for his opponent to make a mistake

JW 1-1*

The Magician Santoro · Top national player

Wardy starts to come into court more a bit, rips a winner past Zverev, then delicate volley to get break point. Zverev who had been serving at 93% for the match although his serves were not particularly strong, DF's to give Wardy the break

JW *2-1

korriban · Challenger level

James breaks *2-1. Thank God, because in that game Zverev attempted not 1 single forcing shot. Nothing. Just like tennis in the park from 65 year old ladies (sorry). For intent alone, that's sad.

The Magician Santoro · Top national player

These points are becomingly increasingly long, Zverev just keeps getting them back, give him his due, he is consistent, James changes it up with a drop shot to get to game point but then hits long for deuce. Ward wins the next two points and holds.

JW 3-1*

The Magician Santoro · Top national player

Zverev holds to love

JW *3-2

The Magician Santoro · Top national player

Ward holds to deuce

JW 4-2*

korriban · Challenger level

*5-2 James. Honestly, what Z is doing is precisely what works in juniors - pushing the ball back (with some skill of course) and waiting for an error. I note that he was a worldbeater when a junior and rookie pro, then it never really happened for him. Perhaps he has an aggressive game, but felt this tactic would work to make James beat himself, and will go to plan A in the final set. If not, well, it could explain why he never made it

The Magician Santoro · Top national player

Couple winners from Ward, a DF and a wild S&V from Zverev makes Ward break to 30.

JW *5-2

steven · Tennis legend

So Zverev takes 7 games in a row then James wins 6 of the next 7. Are they bidding to join the WTA tour? wink

the old ones are the best / igmc

The Magician Santoro · Top national player

2 aces and Ward seals the 2nd set with a hold to 15. 1-6, 6-2.

steven · Tennis legend

Mad serving stats - Zverev hasn't won a single point on his 2nd serve BUT he's serving at 89% and has only missed 5 1st serves, double-faulting all but one of those times.

The Magician Santoro · Top national player

Zverev fails with two S&V's, James has two BP's, Zverev saves the 2nd with a double S&V, a DF then a wide forehand sees James break to deuce.

JW *1-0

The Magician Santoro · Top national player

Points are becoming really long, Ward sees it out though, holds to 30.

JW 2-0*