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2/16/11 8:48 PM | Ricky Dimon
Gilles Simon takes out Nikolay Davydenko on Wednesday in Marseille. Simon is joined in the second round by Philipp Petzschner, who defeated Ernests Gulbis.
Gilles Simon d. Nikolay Davydenko 7-6(6), 6-4
Simon improved to 5-1 lifetime against Davydenko with a straight-set win in the first round of the Open 13 on Wednesday. A competitive first set saw a total of four breaks take place, as service percentages were dismal and baseline rallies were the norm. In fact, all four break points were converted (each man went two for two) en route to a tiebreaker. Simon faced a set point on his own serve at 5-6, but he won the final three points to take it eight points to six.
Having squandered his opportunity, Davydenko collapsed at the start of set two. The 39th-ranked Russian won just a single point while falling behind 3-0, dropping serve twice. Davydenko started to battle with a break for 1-3 and he took the 2-3 game to deuce, but he could not get all the way back. Simon maintained the lead and served out the match to love at 5-4. The 33rd-ranked Frenchman advanced after one hour and 38 minutes to set up a meeting with No. 4 seed Mikhail Youzhny.
Philipp Petzschner d. (7) Ernests Gulbis 7-6(2), 6-1
Playing one week after withdrawing from Rotterdam due to illness, Gulbis saw his dismal slump continue with a straight-set loss to Petzschner in the Marseille first round. The 22nd-ranked Latvian managed to be competitive in the opening set, as neither player could break. Both men had chances, but Gulbis saved five break points and Petzschner fought off three. When Petzschner dominated the ensuing tiebreaker, though, it was all over.
Gulbis completely disappeared in set two, winning only one of five second-serve points and just three total return points. Petzschner held easily the entire way and finished off the proceedings with a routine hold at 5-1. The 60th-ranked German finished with 11 aces and three double-faults while setting up a clash against Marin Cilic. Gulbis, with semifinal points to defend from last year in Memphis, is on the precipice of a free-fall in the rankings.
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Simon was so quick around the court! Poor Davy can't match him. I like both players, good for Simon to win on home ground. I hope Davy does better at Dubai ( I think he will be playing there) and gain some much needed points. Best wishes to both players.
luckystar , 2/17/11 4:40 AM