Simon Outlasts Delpo, Wins a New Fan

Simon’s match against del Potro yesterday was the greatest match that I have ever had the pleasure to see live. I wish that I could adequately describe the experience to you guys. I can’t really, but I’ll give it a try.

The crowd was mostly pro-Delpo for most of the match. Partly because they were Argentine fans, and partly because no one there wanted that match to end. I certainly was hoping and praying that it would go to 5 sets.

But Gilles was just too good to let the match go that long. I have always liked Simon’s game, but I don’t think I ever appreciated how well-rounded it is. Of course it was no surprise how solid he was at the baseline, but I never knew how good he was at net. Now that I know he’s so good up there, I have to wonder why doesn’t he volley more.

Delpo ran out of stream midway through the 3rd set. He tried to pump up the crowd to energize himself. It seemed for a brief moment he might just will his way to a 5th set. And the volley he hit on one knee (which he topped off with the most expressive fistpump I have ever seen from the same position) was most definitely the best shot of the match.

But the insane amounts of errors Delpo sprayed left, right, and right into the net sealed his fate. Simon faces will play Isner in the next round and, as my Dad incessantly pointed out to me, if Simon plays at the same level, John is going to have his work cut out for him.

Speaking of my Dad, I think this may have been the match that has turned my Dad into a tennis fan. He’s already asked me when the Simon match is on tomorrow, and he got in trouble with my Mom (who hates all sports) for trying to watch the tennis after he got back home today. So while I really enjoyed the tennis, this match will always be special to me for making my Dad a fan too.

Check out more pictures I took of the match on the facebook page.

(Pics via Racquet Required)