Norbert Gombos defeats Marius Copil 7-6, 4-6, 6-3.
What a few weeks it has been for Norbert Gombos. The 6’5 Slovak did not win back-to-back matches at any tournament this season until July. In the last six weeks however he has reached a Challenger semi-final in Izmir, a runner-up in Orleans, and has now added the Bratislava title to the Brest title he took just two weeks ago.
Gombos had struggled for form and fitness earlier this year, but none of those struggles were evident in Bratislava as he battled through the rounds, finally defeating Marius Copil in a enthralling final 7-6, 4-6, 6-3. Gombos edged a tight first set in a tie-break saving a set point before winning through eight-six.
Copil levelled up with the second set, securing the only break before serving the set out. As was expected between two tall servers, the match was dominate by the serve, with Gombos hitting eighteen aces to Copil’s sixteen.
The third and final set will be a particularly frustrating reminder for Copil in the days to come. He had five break points, but was unable to capitalise on any of them. Gombos meanwhile, earned his single break point of the entire match, and took it to steal victory when arguably the play of Copil deserved more.
Copil may have felt the situation harshly but it shows as a stark reminder that tennis can be a cruel sport and that taking and not just creating the chances to win crucial games are what wins tennis matches.
Both men will move up well in the rankings. Gombos, who was ranked outside the Top 300 less than two months ago now edges closer to his career high ranking of no.103. Copil this week was just fourteen places removed from his career-high ranking and could move into a new career-high ranking if things go his way.
Special mention: This tournament must acknowledge the play of Alex de Minaur. The seventeen year-old Australian was afforded a special exemption into the tournament and won two rounds, including an impressive win against fifth seed Radu Albot.
