John Isner vs Marcos Baghdatis – 1st Round Preview: US Open 2011
US Open 2011 starts off with a draw of 128 top world players competing for the prestigious title. Some succeed other continue to struggle for it again and again. The 2011 US Open was scheduled with its 1st round matches
to be played on Monday, 29 August 2011.
Playing at the magnificent USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, John Isner has made it to New York after conquering the Winston-Salem hard court. The 26-year-old has his 1st round challenger from Cyprus, the
former world No.8, Marcos Baghdatis.
Historically, the Cypriot has struggled in all of the head-to-head fixtures against the world No.22. The two first played each other back in 2011 in the 2nd round of the Countrywide Classic in Los Angeles. After that
the two came head on earlier this year at the Rogers Cup, Montreal and in Winston Salem, USA.
Surprisingly, Isner has been the dominator in all of the three fixtures. The strong and extremely huge young American has plays fast compared to his size. Considering all tall people are comparatively slower than the medium heighted
player, Isner converges’ his speciality from being fast to smashing lightening fast forehands and aces that come down as rain.
Although the 26-year-old has a 7 to 3 win loss ratio regarding his last 10 fixtures, however, he has always made it to the major rounds of most of the tournaments he played. Isner has had a better performance when he was ranked
as world No.18 back in 2010 bagging 3 titles and with a win loss ratio of 112-84.
However, Baghdatis, currently world No.59, has had a tough time competing with the local lad. The first two times Baghdatis went against Isner result in a straight set loss, however, the quarter-final match at Wake Forest University
gave the Cypriot some hope as he might as well win the next fixture. Nevertheless, the Cypriot trails 0-3 in his head-to-head against the American giant.
Considering the previous records of the two, Baghdatis has stood at world No.8; however, his last 10 matches have been disastrous. Having a 50-50 win loss record is his past 10 matches do not convince the gurus to predict a win
for the 26-year-old.
Nevertheless, if the Cypriot is considered in relation to his core abilities he might as well get away with a win. The relaxed and smooth playing style in tacked with natural talent for placement helps the might former world No.8
to easily out run his opponent in no time.
Bearing in mind that the two have somewhat equal capabilities professionally, we cannot undermine the fact that the gigantic 6’9” American has blistered the Cypriot in all three fixtures and also has gained 6 places to stand at
world no.22 after his big win (Winston-Salem 2011).
Tags: