Dolgopolov's Beast Mode Is Back

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It’s been a few years since we saw Alexandr Dolgopolov threaten the top guns in the major events but the highly talented Ukrainian was very impressive in yesterday’s dominant blowout of Horacio Zeballos, 61 62 in Brisbane.

After the win Dolgopolov noted his rediscovered passion and intensity, almost boasting that he “was flying around the court.” And by the end of the match, the confident 29-year-old flexed his muscles again, saying “I felt like I couldn’t miss a ball.”

It’s been a while since we last saw Dolgopolov at his best, pushing peak Djokovic to his limits, or beating the likes of Nadal at Indian Wells. Although Dolgopolov won his first title in five years last year in Buenos Aires (def. Nishikori), he has been a non factor on the ATP Tour, bordering on journeyman status.

Currently ranked 38 after finishing 2016 at 62, Dolgopolov has clearly regained his zest and hunger to be an elite player. The lackadaisical, going through the motions attitude are gone now, replaced by a desperation and urgency in his step, inspiring the former star to regain his lost status.

Back in 2012 when Dolgopolov was ranked 13 in the world, he appeared destined to be a major ATP star and a mainstay in the top ten. Instead, Dolgopolov became more of a sideshow type player, exciting to watch but hopelessly unable to find the level of consistency in his results to challenge for majors titles and Masters 1000s. The semifinal in Cincy in 2015 was his best result but it’s a lot less than what many tennis observers expected.

Now it appears Dolgopolov is driven to alter his image as a spectacular court artist who just can’t win the big one. He said his off-season training was the best of his career because he had no injuries to slow down his progress and hard work. This time he was able to train at high intensity through the entire block.

The results are showing now. Dologpolov, wearing his new Diadora kit, looks super fit, as if he could play fifteen sets. And he’s as quick as a cat on the court and when he arrives at the ball, the power kill shots are just exploding off the strings. Dolgopolov’s demeanor is all intensity and speed and you get a sense he wants to destroy everybody. There is no time to waste now.

In the first round in Brisbane, Dolgopolov dispatched world no. 26 Diego Schwartsman 64 76. And if Nick Kyrgios isn’t ready for a war, he could get blown out as well.

Keep an eye on Dolgopolov, who looks as good as ever, if not even better.

 

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Scoop Malinowski writes:

Other results: Nishioka lost in straight sets to B Schnur in Challenger. Kozlov lost to seeded french player Motet in three sets. Opelka has won two straight matches 76 in third in Challenger. Fritz has won two rounds in Challenger.

 

[Horsa]

It’s been a few years since we saw Alexandr Dolgopolov threaten the top guns in the major events but the highly talented Ukrainian was very impressive in yesterday’s dominant blowout of Horacio Zeballos, 61 62 in Brisbane.

After the win Dolgopolov noted his rediscovered passion and intensity, almost boasting that he “was flying around the court.” And by the end of the match, the confident 29-year-old flexed his muscles again, saying “I felt like I couldn’t miss a ball.”

It’s been a while since we last saw Dolgopolov at his best, pushing peak Djokovic to his limits, or beating the likes of Nadal at Indian Wells. Although Dolgopolov won his first title in five years last year in Buenos Aires (def. Nishikori), he has been a non factor on the ATP Tour, bordering on journeyman status.

Currently ranked 38 after finishing 2016 at 62, Dolgopolov has clearly regained his zest and hunger to be an elite player. The lackadaisical, going through the motions attitude are gone now, replaced by a desperation and urgency in his step, inspiring the former star to regain his lost status.

Back in 2012 when Dolgopolov was ranked 13 in the world, he appeared destined to be a major ATP star and a mainstay in the top ten. Instead, Dolgopolov became more of a sideshow type player, exciting to watch but hopelessly unable to find the level of consistency in his results to challenge for majors titles and Masters 1000s. The semifinal in Cincy in 2015 was his best result but it’s a lot less than what many tennis observers expected.

Now it appears Dolgopolov is driven to alter his image as a spectacular court artist who just can’t win the big one. He said his off-season training was the best of his career because he had no injuries to slow down his progress and hard work. This time he was able to train at high intensity through the entire block.

The results are showing now. Dologpolov, wearing his new Diadora kit, looks super fit, as if he could play fifteen sets. And he’s as quick as a cat on the court and when he arrives at the ball, the power kill shots are just exploding off the strings. Dolgopolov’s demeanor is all intensity and speed and you get a sense he wants to destroy everybody. There is no time to waste now.

In the first round in Brisbane, Dolgopolov dispatched world no. 26 Diego Schwartsman 64 76. And if Nick Kyrgios isn’t ready for a war, he could get blown out as well.

Keep an eye on Dolgopolov, who looks as good as ever, if not even better.

I guess you could say he's on the ball in more ways than 1 then or that he's on a roll.
I

 

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Scoop Malinowski writes:

Istomin is a world beater down under. His best tennis happens down under. Lots of bad losses so far this year for a lot of good players. Tough business.

 

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Scoop Malinowski writes:

Harry Hopman must be spinning mad watching this clowning. This is not the spirit of Aussie tennis, this is turning tennis into a WWF joke. As a purist traditionalist, this is blasphemy to the game. No seriously, that was incredible fun to watch. Wish this would happen more. This is why Hopman is so special. You can see ultra serious tennis and then you get this magic. I saw a code violation in an earlier match, also several come ons and super serious tennis. Only Hopman Cup can show this kind of tennis magic we see here by Fed, Sock, Coco and Bencic. This is why Hopman Cup is one of my favorite events. When two greats like Fed and Sock play it two years in a row you know it's something very special and dear to their hearts.

 

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Scoop Malinowski writes:

Hartt, Tsitsipas was so impressive today. I'd say he is the most impressive of all the NEXTGEN players and will be the first to win a major. This guy is a special player and personality, he has the athletic part and the cool, the natural comfort for being in the battle. Nothing bothers him. Thiem survived but barely. No doubt Tsitsipas will win at least a 250 this year.

 

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Scoop Malinowski writes:

Kyrgios looks dead serious now to win Briasbane and Melbourne. Excellent win vs a top form Dolgo. He's ready to make history.

 

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Scoop Malinowski writes:

Andrew, the clues are surfacing all over the place. Kyrgios, Fed, Dimitrov, Nadal, Sock the big favorites

 

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Scoop Malinowski writes:

Zverev has not been super impressive since Cincy.

 

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Scoop Malinowski writes:

Kerber vs Bencic is the key match. Winner of this could be favorite to win Aus Open. Fed will toy with Zverev. Could come down to mixed. Both Kerber and Bencic are very impressive this week.

 

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Scoop Malinowski writes:

Kerber looks in top form and she can win again. Bencic at her best is also right there - ask Serena. I think both look highly motivated and driven and confident.

 

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Scoop Malinowski writes:

Catherine; You have to respect Kerber. You can never count out the great champions. She had a down yr last year. Great players have them especially on the womens side. Kerber has looked better so far in 18 than any pundit expected.

 

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Scoop Malinowski writes:

Catherine; Glossy magazines means good exposure for the sport and Kerber. No expectations, just saying Kerber looks like she is back to the form of winning majors. Which does not equate to winning majors. Because a little luck always is involved.

 

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Scoop Malinowski writes:

Federer clearly loves Hopman Cup. As most all tennis purists do because it is a very special event. It's also good to see Bencic back in top form, as she has struggled with bad results and injuries since beating Serena a few years ago. Zverev has lost his mojo and confidence.

 

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Scoop Malinowski writes:

I disagree Catherine. Tennis transcending publicity is a good thing. A lot of players want it. These players arre insulated and live in cocoons anyway. There are no tangible consequences to doing a fancy photo shoot. It's a new, unique experience for players to enjoy. I don't understand how you can determine Kerber doing a fancy schmancy photo shoot for a glossy magazine is a detrimental activity? Only in that it takes away from time on the court but most top players enjoy and need the release.

 

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Scoop Malinowski writes:

Catherine; I'm sure Kerber is an alpha female and she could care less what people think. "Be the best, f*** the rest." "People are gonna talk, might as well give em something to talk about.' Bottom line is it's a good thing to be well rounded and to experience and try new things. I strongly feel that Kerber is on her way to her next major title.

 

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Scoop Malinowski writes:

Johnson is pent up frustrated too, having lost badly this week to De Minaur. Rubin also beat Moutet in three sets on the way to the final. Some people, who shall remain nameless, were writing off Rubin in the later months of last year. A win like this vs Fritz in a loaded draw is a career changing win for Rubin, who evidently is back to full health again.

 

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Scoop Malinowski writes:

Chazz; I agree, DeMinaur is capable of ANYTHING. There is no limits on what he can achieve. Yes he is that impressive. Not sure what it is that has sparked so many teenagers to be showing such good results in ATP main draws, maybe it's Felix. Felix was the first one to breakout at 14.