Wolmarans defeats Sijsling in exciting three-setter
Fritz Wolmarans became the third South African to get to the second round of the SA Tennis Open, after he defeated the Netherlands’ Igor Sijsling in a hard fought three set victory.
The match, held in Johannesburg at the SA Tennis Open, concluded today after an hour and a half of play.
One of several South Africans with wild cards in the draw, the 24 year old defeated an opponent ranked almost a hundred places above him in a remarkable display.
So far, it seems like the home crowd has inspired South African crowds to amazing heights, as 2 of them posted victories over much higher-ranked opponents. In this case, there was a difference of almost 130 places between Sijsling, ranked 133, and Wolmarans,
ranked 261.
The first set belonged to the higher ranked player, who, despite serving worse than his opponent, kept control of the set throughout. He won 85 per cent of his first serve points, compared to the South African’s 82.
His return game was also better, as he won a staggering 80 per cent of the points off of Wolfmarans’ serve. This dominance led to two break points, one of which was availed, and the set ended 6-4 in Sijsling’s favour.
The second set was Wolmarans’ opportunity to strike back, and that was exactly what he did. Almost as close as the set before it, this one saw a rather sharp decrease in the quality of serving by the winner.
Whereas the 24-year-old was landing 80 per cent of his first serves in the first set right, he only managed to get 54 per cent in this time. This was made up for by the 13 points he won on that serve, compared to his opponent’s 11.
Returning well this time, he created one breaking opportunity, and availed it, to level the score at 1 all.
The third set went much like the second, only with Wolmarans serving much better. He posted 87 per cent of his first serves correctly, and won an amazing 9- per cent of the points that followed.
His opponent, while good on his serve, gave up one breaking opportunity, which was snatched up by the South African for a well deserved victory.
The home crowd will definitely be delighted by all the home grown talent finally shining through. Whatever else, this tournament is certainly a show case for the level of tennis players coming out of South Africa, and it seems quite likely that one of these
talented players shall take the trophy this time round.
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