LONDON – With temperatures exceeding 30C at the Queen’s Club on Monday, two former finalists were determined to prove their title credentials in the brutal heat.
In what was the first main draw match to kick-off this year’s tournament, 2011 finalist Tsonga utilized his experience and power to tame his 28-year-old compatriot. Meanwhile 2014 champion Grigor Dimitrov frustrated and silenced his with some fiercely aggressive play.
In light of the absence of the top four seeds on Monday, Tsonga was out to prove a point after suffering a disappointing first round exit at the French Open. Overcoming a tentative start against fellow countryman Adrian Mannarino, he cruised to a 6-2, 6-2, victory.
“For me it was really important to have the victory.” Tsonga explained. “On clay it was difficult. I didn’t play really well in Roland Garros and I was out in my first match”
“It’s good to win, good to play also because I haven’t played since Roland Garros, so it’s good to be back.”
Seeking to avenge his loss to the world No.62 earlier this year, the pivotal moment in the match occurred in the sixth game after both players traded breaks. A marathon eight-deuce game went in favor of the fifth seed, who eventually broke for a 4-2. From that moment on, it was a one-way show with Tsonga dominating the majority of the rallies against his rapidly faltering opponent.
Tsonga’s winning start to the tournament almost went without any comments from the man himself. Following his match, he forgot to attend his press conference and went home instead. Fortunately a phone call saved the Frenchman from embarrassment and potentially prevented him from facing a fine.
With three ATP titles to his name this year, Tsonga has already won more trophies this season than any other. He hopes to extend this winning streak onto the grass at Queen’s. Questioned about how he would do it, the Frenchman believes his enjoyment of the game is critical to his chances.
“Usually I’m better in the second part of the season, so hoping I will do the same (this year). This is the best start of the season for me, and hopefully we will be able to continue like this.” He said.
“The most important thing is to take pleasure on the court, and when I’m like this, I’m able to do some good things. Yeah, really happy to be here in London, to play on grass.”
Dimitrov races through
Former champion Dimitrov muscled his way past Ryan Harrison 6-3, 6-1, in his opening match with the help of some superior serving, dropping only four points on his serve throughout his opening set. The Bulgarian was the more alert and aggressive of the two, pushing his American opponent around the court with ease. Dimitrov’s tactics pushed Harrison towards the brink as he threw a ball into the air in despair after being broken at the start at set two. The way no way back for the rapidly frustrated American, as Dimitrov continued applying the pressure before sealing the match with the help of a Harrison forehand error.
“It’s nice. Nice to win. Coming out on the grass courts I always have high expectations from myself.” Dimitrov said following his win. “This match just proved that I have practiced, I have done a lot of work on the court,I felt confident, which is very good.”
Dimitrov’s clinical 54-minute performance saw him produce 21 winners compared to only eight unforced errors. His desire to succeed on the grass goes back to 2014, when he triumphed at The Queen’s Club. Chasing after title number two in London, the world No.11 is relishing him time on the grass.
“Every tournament you play on grass, I just want to win it.The grass court season is pretty short, so you just need to make sure that you get the most out of it.”
Few can dispute the positivity of the former Wimbledon semifinalist. Last week at the Stuttgart Open, he crashed out in the second round to Jerzy Janowicz. It was a far from perfect start for his campaign on the grass, but Dimitrov believes it has helped elevated his own game. Illustrated by his dominant performance against Harrison.
“I didn’t have such a good match in Stuttgart for which I was obviously quite disappointed because I kind of felt like a wasted tournament.” The 26-year-old explained.
“I didn’t get discouraged. I kept on playing, kept on practicing, arrived here and just pushed through the days of work in practice.”
