Mercedes Cup, Stuttgart, Germany, ATP 250, 2019

[herios]

Berrettini is in good form. He took out today second seed Khachanov.

 

[don_fabio]

Berrettini is in good form. He took out today second seed Khachanov.

Impressive win in 2 easy sets. Monfils also downed by Kudla, but at least they battled in close 3 sets. Zverev now struggling against Dreddy.

 

[Murat Baslamisli]

DB is like one of those animals that get aroused for like 2-3 weeks of the year, ready to make life miserable for the unsuspecting...

 

[herios]

This event looked loaded, when it started. Not anymore. The top 5 deeds all gone.

 

[herios]

DB is like one of those animals that get aroused for like 2-3 weeks of the year, ready to make life miserable for the unsuspecting...

I like his unpredictable game.

 

[Moxie]

I like his unpredictable game.

He's entertaining to watch, unless he's playing your fave, but he makes fun shots...then sprays them wild, too.

 

[herios]

He's entertaining to watch, unless he's playing your fave, but he makes fun shots...then sprays them wild, too.

Yeah, I know what you mean.

 

[GameSetAndMath]

DB is like one of those animals that get aroused for like 2-3 weeks of the year, ready to make life miserable for the unsuspecting...

He is ranked 153 or so. They don't give him wildcard at Wimbledon anymore (as he takes out top players early which is against the interests of the tournament). He needs to qualify to make it into MD. Last year, he failed in the second round of qualifiers, IIRC. There is no guarantee that he will make it into MD of Wimbledon this year. Even in Stuttgart, he needed to qualify to get in.

I often wonder as to why someone like Dennis Brown, who possesses all kinds of trick shots, cannot even make himself a permanent fixture in top 100. Hey, I am not asking for top 10, top 20 or even top 50. Should not top 100 be something doable for him (not talking getting in there once, but being there in top 100 as a fixture for a considerable length of time). I really don't understand why he cannot do that.

Apparently, Dustin has not played a tour level match this year before Stuttgart; Go figure. Is he not able to get in or is he trying to avoid travel and hotel costs. I have no idea.

 

[Moxie]

He is ranked 153 or so. They don't give him wildcard at Wimbledon anymore (as he takes out top players early which is against the interests of the tournament). He needs to qualify to make it into MD. Last year, he failed in the second round of qualifiers, IIRC. There is no guarantee that he will make it into MD of Wimbledon this year. Even in Stuttgart, he needed to qualify to get in.

I often wonder as to why someone like Dennis Brown, who possesses all kinds of trick shots, cannot even make himself a permanent fixture in top 100. Hey, I am not asking for top 10, top 20 or even top 50. Should not top 100 be something doable for him (not talking getting in there once, but being there in top 100 as a fixture for a considerable length of time). I really don't understand why he cannot do that.

Apparently, Dustin has not played a tour level match this year before Stuttgart; Go figure. Is he not able to get in or is he trying to avoid travel and hotel costs. I have no idea.

I don't think Wimbledon would deny him a WC because he's a danger to "top players." (Read: Nadal, I guess.) He's 34, and as you say, ranked...I looked it up...170. He does make some noise in the grass season, but they likely have young players to give opportunities to. But I agree with you, that he's a bit of a mystery. He looks to have a game that could put him top 100 and a more regular fixture...not just cameos during 3-4 weeks of the year. He does seem to travel. Mexico, Australia, I've seen on his activity list. But does tend to stay in Europe, I'd say. Lack of commitment? Who knows.

 

[herios]

Berrettini gets easily into the SF by beating Kudla, 6-3, 6-3.
A few days ago, I still thought that Matteo is a good clay court player.
But after reviewing the highlights of his matches here in Stuttgart, I saw he got some good skills on grass as well.
Return of serve, slice, volley, ALLL look good.

 

[isabelle]

Struff in semi too

 

[kskate2]

Yay! Pinup doll in the SF

 

[kskate2]

FAA is ballin right now. Got 10 aces already in the first set against Dreddy

 

[Moxie]

FAA is ballin right now. Got 10 aces already in the first set against Dreddy

And FAA wins the first in the TB.

 

[herios]

Nicely done by Felix.

 

[herios]

Dustin wins the second TB. 1 set all.

 

[GameSetAndMath]

But, Dreddy wins the second set TB.

 

[GameSetAndMath]

Dreddy up a break in 3rd: 4-2

 

[GameSetAndMath]

Brown to serve for a spot in SF.

 

[GameSetAndMath]

Brown had an MP, but FAA breaks the serve. It is 5-5 now.

Brown serving and volleying on almost every point.