Most tennis experts felt Nadal would get a challenge from Robin. Only, they figured it would be Robin Soderling, not Robin Haase. Haase was considered a potential up-and-comer, perhaps not at the level of Ernests Gulbis. Haase had defeated a few top players including Andy Murray at Rotterdam in 2008, Ivan Ljubicic, Tomas Berdych, and Marcos Baghdatis. He had knee surgery in 2008 and then again in 2009. Possessing a big serve and big forehand, Haase won his first round match over a surly James Blake.
In the first set, late, with both players on serve, Haase broke and won 7-5. Nadal then broke twice to take the second set, 6-2. Haase kept even with Nadal in the third set, then broke again and hit 4 consecutive aces to secure the break. Haase eventually served out the third set. But Nadal, being Nadal, came back in a hurry. He took the fourth set at love and the fifth set he broke early and rode that break to a victory.
Sam Querrey was hoping to avoid a long match against a qualifier like his good buddy, John Isner. Unlike Isner, Querrey was playing his second round match against Ivan Dodig of Croatia. Querrey took the first set, but Dodig came back the second 7-5. Querrey took the third, 6-3, and the fourth went to a tiebreak where both players had chances to win the set. Querrey needed to save match point on Dodig’s serve and did so by chasing a shot to his forehand and curling in a passing shot. Dodig then double-faulted to give Querrey the tiebreak and match.
Fognini eventually dashed the dreams of Michael Russell coming from two sets to love down to take the next three sets.
Some upcoming 3rd round matches: Fognini vs. Benneteau seems like a tossup, though Benneteau is higher ranked. Kamke vs. Tsonga should favor Tsonga. Malisse vs. Querrey should favor Querrey although Malisse has been playing well as of late. Simon vs. Murray would have been a tricky match 2 years ago, but Simon is coming off injury and may not be back to tip top shape. Simon may prove a little tough, but Murray should have the advantage.
Soderling vs. Bellucci should be Soderling. Chardy vs. Ferrer is a tough call. Chardy probably plays bigger but Ferrer is sneaking through the draw. Federer vs. Clement should be Federer. Clement used to give Fed trouble, but they’ve played so many times that he shouldn’t bother Fed. Lopez vs. Melzer. This is a tough one. Lopez might have the bigger serve, but Melzer has gained confidence in his French Open semi appearance. Both are lefties.
Berdych vs. Istomin could be tough. Istomin took a set off Nadal recently. Berdych is just the kind of player who can beat anyone and lose to anyone. Expect a tough one, but Berdych to come out as winner. Hanescu vs. Brands is another tough call. Both are big and serve big. Maybe small edge to Hanescu. Djokovic vs. Montanes. Montanes just came off a five-setter. Djokovic won his previous in straight sets. Djokovic should be favored, but Montanes is pretty resourceful. Expect Djokovic to have to work for this one. May resemble the Rochus match.
Monfils vs. Hewitt is pretty intriguing. Monfils leads the head to head, 2-1, but the two have never played on grass. Hewitt is more adept on grass while Monfils is more athletic. Edge to Hewitt. Mayer-Yu is tough too. Florian beat Fish, but Yu is a tough worker. Slight edge to Florian. Kohlschreiber vs. Roddick. Should be Roddick. Kohlschreiber can be tough, but Roddick is a smart player.
