5/2/08 11:20 AM | Jonathan Morgan
An age difference of 17 years separates the 36-year-old El Aynaoui and the 19-year-old Del Potro, but this match could easily swing either way.
Looking solely at their matches this week, one could not tell which one was the wily old veteran and which was the free-swinging youngster.
Del Potro has been trying to serve big and finish points quickly this week while El Aynaoui has been swinging freely, moving forward, finishing points at net, and generally enjoying himself like a teenager. As well he should. This may be his last hurrah and he wants to make it worth it.
As for the matchup itself, its rather even. Despite the fact that Del Potro is 17 years El Aynaoui's junior, fitness should not be an issue. Del Potro's fitness is notoriously sub-par and he has retired from quite a few matches already in his young career. He has also shown that he simply cannot keep up with some of the big boys in long, grueling matches. El Aynaoui should be running on pure adrenaline and emotion, having not reached this far in any event in 4.5 years.
Expect Younes to serve big and hit aggressive groundies while moving forward. Del Potro might get a lead but lose it along the way. Everyone in Munich will be cheering for El Aynaoui, so that also might be a factor for the young Argie. Younes should take this and continue his dream run.
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Did you know that... Benjamin Becker was given the ATP-tour's rookie of the year award in 2006.
kaitepai, Dec 2, 2008 4:51 AM
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Younes El Aynaoui
Juan Martin Del Potro
BMW Open
