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By TW Contributing Editor, Ed McGrogan
After a tennis-free day filled with twists and turns (not ideal), Monday represented a return to normalcy. And since I'm at a tennis tournament, that means watching a Richard Gasquet match.
Gasquet's opponent on Centre Court was Michael Llodra, one of the few serve-and-volleyers left on tour. Both men tend to ride the emotional rollercoaster, so I expected a three-setter from the start. I wasn't disappointed – Gasquet won 6-2, 4-6, 6-3.
"The Microwave," as Steve Tignor appropriately calls Gasquet, is known primarily for his picturesque one-handed backhand. But in order to uncork this shot effectively, you need great footwork, which Gasquet also possesses. It's a prerequisite for solid defense and opportune shot making, which helped Gasquet win nearly every point that didn't end with a Llodra serve or volley. Those were rare, as Gasquet also returned very well, eliminating the biggest weapon in Llodra's game. "It was the key of the match," Gasquet told me. "He has a big serve. He's lefty. He's really talented with his serve and after to the net, so it was important for me to return well."
As Llodra struggled early on, something dawned on me about serve-and-volley tennis. While I think that it's still an effective strategy, the problem is that it has to be executed perfectly to see positive results. Any slight mistake leaves you at the mercy of today's archetypal baseliner, who tends not to miss much after an opponent’s poor approach or volley. With almost no margin for error, it's no wonder that this breed of player is now on the endangered servers list. It’s simply a more difficult way to play tennis today. The tactic worked for Llodra in the second set, as he tormented Gasquet with wide, spinning serves. But he couldn't sustain this level of play for the entire match.
Shortly afterwards, rain temporarily halted play. I spent the down time wandering through a parade of retail shops, another tradition of mine at tournaments. Best deal: Complimentary yogurt. (The media dining is also "spartan" here.) Worst deal: Sun block priced at $10.16 CDN. But I had to buy one, which brings me to my two rules when attending a tournament. No. 1: Wear sun block. No. 2: Remember to bring your own.
 After applying liberally, I headed to the side courts for more tennis. I first watched Canadian Frederic Niemeyer battle Tommy Robredo on Grandstand. It's a nice court, but it doesn’t compare to the Grandstand at the U.S. Open – unnecessary metal pillars impair the best baseline views. As for the match, Robredo won it 7-6, 6-1. Thoughts on this match – as well as Frank Dancevic’s two night matches – to come in a separate post tonight.
The other match I took in was a final round qualifier between Jesse Levine and Benjamin Becker. Moved due to yesterday’s weather, it turned out to be one of the best matches of the day. Becker and Levine split the first two sets, and then held serve the rest of the way, in compelling fashion, to force a final set tiebreaker. A packed side court crowd really got into this one – Levine is an Ottawa-born American, and I sat adjacent to the Becker camp, led by Coach Tarik Benhabiles.
The careers of Gasquet and Andy Roddick – Tarik’s former pupils – have flourished elsewhere, but Benhabiles clearly still enjoys coaching. He was always smiling and encouraging throughout this marathon of a match, which Becker lost 3-6, 6-3, 7-6 (8-6) despite saving two match points, and having one of his own. "Come on BB," he'd say, or more frequently, "Don't worry - enjoy." Clearly, Tarik practices what he preaches.
McGrogan’s Matches
Donald Young vs. Gilles Simon (Grandstand, 11:00 AM)
Young got into the main draw through qualifying, and will face another talented youngster (though five years older) in Simon. This U.S. Open Series is where Young has the potential to post some good results, though it remains to be seen if he will. We haven’t heard much from him since last year’s U.S. Open.
Guillermo Canas vs. Robin Soderling (Grandstand, 3rd match)
You’ll be able to find a good seat for this one when the Grandstand crowd empties after the Peter Polansky (CAN)/Jesse Levine match. I’m thinking three sets, and it could be worth your time.
Frank Dancevic vs. Novak Djokovic (Center Court, 7:30 PM)
Rexall Centre was alive during Dancevic’s match against Ancic – it could be electric depending on what happens here. Many pundits are picking Djokovic to win this week. This match should serve as a good barometer of his form.
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