A good result for both players? - 5/19/2011

Date: 5/19/2011
Result: Nice QF, Alexandr Dolgopolov def. David Ferrer, 6-4 1-6 7-5
Why it matters:

- Dolgopolov needed to prove that he's a threat again.  His recent string of losses, having not won a set let alone a match since Miami in March, prior to Nice were embarrassing for someone included as part of the "next generation", and also sent him back below .500 for his career.  A good performance here, even if it's a smaller event, can put him back in the right frame of mind for the French.  He had a decent QF run in Sydney the week before the Australian where he made it to the Quarterfinals also.  He'll be seeded, so the top guys will be able to avoid him for awhile, but there are many preferable opponents than Dolgopolov people will want to see in their section of tomorrow's French Open draw.

- Ferrer is such a fighter that I'm sure he'll never see a positive out of a loss.  But this was a good week.  He got to get two matches in since his sickness in Rome, including a nice win and a gritty fight today against a good player which tested his fitness.  Given Ferrer's form in Monte-Carlo, Barcelona, and even Madrid, (not to mention Acapulco in February) he's done enough to feel great about his chances in Paris.  If he didn't miss Rome I would've been very against Ferrer playing here - he needs to peak at the right time - and I was concerned about him playing to the end of the week as well.  By losing here, he can get used to the conditions in the capital and ready to fight soon.  He, too, should have his fingers crossed for the draw tomorrow.  Avoiding Nadal and Djokovic could mean a second consecutive semifinal of a major for David.

Honorable Mentions:
- Brussels QF, Vera Zvonareva def. Alexandra Dulgheru - 60 61 - This was laughable.  Zvonareva just dominated from start to finish and Dulgheru looked a mess.  Zvonareva could use an injection of confidence, but winning against weak competition might not do the trick.  Fortunately for her, the field in Brussels is strong, so she'll likely get at least one tough match before beginning her campaign in Paris.  Dulgheru must want to strangle whoever ultimately pulled Warsaw (see her career titles) from the calendar in favor of Brussels.
- Strasbourg QF, Marion Bartoli def. Lucie Hradecka - 62 63 - Well done for Bartoli who has been at her worst on clay this year to beat someone who has been at her best on everything this year.  Bartoli has always been an outcast, so performing well in front of her home fans has to feel good, but doing well in Paris would mean a LOT more than a good run in Strasbourg.