Steve Johnson surprises Ernests Gulbis in round two – US Open 2012
Local wild card recipient, Steve Johnson, stunned the Latvian contender, Ernests Gulbis, in a four-set nail-biter at the Flushing Meadows 2012 on Friday. He hit back to clobber a 6-7(3), 7-6(5), 6-3, 6-4 victory against the former Top 25 to power into the
third round at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York City, United States.
Johnson, who reached his second Grand Slam main draw here, showed brilliant tennis to overpower the world number 145 in their first encounter. After recording the victory in three hours and 11 minutes, the American comfortably secured a place in the round
of 32 and edged in the FedEx ATP (Association of Tennis Professionals) Head 2 Head Series by 1-0 against Gulbis.
"Feels pretty good," said Johnson in a post match press conference. "All the hard work I put in since last year losing in five sets really has paid off. I'm very happy to see that it has paid off. You always come out here thinking you're going to win. I
had a great couple of weeks leading up to the Open. I got a lot of the nerves out in the first round against Rajeev [Ram] and kind of settled down today as well and was able to play really good tennis."
The Latvian star made quick in-roads at the Court number 13. He fired 15 winners including seven aces to keep his serves with poise. Regardless of failing to get a breakthrough, Gulbis remained calm and dominated in the tie-breaker to clinch the opener with
a 7-6(3) score line.
The 22-year-old on the other hand counterattacked in the following set. He spilled several unforced errors but remained focused to swipe his entire serves. Regardless of failing to capitalise on break opportunities, Johnson prevailed in the tie-breaker to
click the set with a 7-6(5) win.
Johnson kept momentum rolling in the proceeding set. He smoothly bagged his entire serves without facing any barrier. The American cashed in the lone break chance in the eighth game and sealed the set by winning six games to three in 39 minutes.
Ranked 245th in the South African Airways ATP World Tour Rankings, Johnson maintained consistency in his game in the fourth set. He tremendously brushed off both breakpoints he came across to hold his entire serves. The American required a single
break chance in the seventh game to carve out the victory with a 6-4 score line.
Up next for Johnson is the 13th seed, Richard Gasquet, who crushed the local qualifier, Bradley Klahn, with a breadstick to advance.
Tags: