Ernests Gulbis is trying again!
The Latvian is desperate for winning his first title of the season as he is playing one of the best tennis of his career. Seeded no.2, Ernest had a difficult opener against world no.51 Bautista-Agut.
These two had a bit of a controversy going on last year in St. Petersburg semi-final as the Spaniard complained for Gulbis’ squeaky shoes (off course Ernests go full advantage out of it… see article)
This year there was no controversy…only Gulbis smahing a racket after losing the 2nd set (normal stuff!). These two were separated by just 1 break for each set. So Ernest broke Roberto in the 4th game of the opener (3-1), he surrendered a service game in the 12th game of the 2nd set (to lose it 7-5) and finally the Latvian won the decisive break in the 9th game of the 3rd set. The match ended after 2 hours and 15 minutes.
One of the key points of the match was Gulbis’ service that blasted 23 aces. Match Stats.
Next vs. Mahut
Ernests will play for the first time Nicholas Mahut in the quarters.
Here he full quarters line up
Gasquet – Dodig
Gulbis – Mahut
Struff – Llodra
Roger-Vasselin – Tsonga
Gulbis’ late racket….
