Does anyone like serve-fests? - 4/8/2011

Date: 4/8/2011
Result: Houston QF, Ivo Karlovic def. John Isner 7-6 6-7 7-6
Why it matters:
- It might not get any closer than this, but do we care?  Sure, the final set tiebreak was exciting, and match points were saved which usually thrills the crowd.  But think about the inevitable string of 12 service holds just to get to a (potentially) interesting tiebreak. I say potentially because 7-2 tiebreaks, like in the first two sets, are rarely incredibly entertaining.  Granted, there was a flurry of action at the end of the 2nd set also, where the players traded breaks at 5-5 to set up the tiebreak.  But even in that case, the point stands that it took 10 service holds until something exciting happened.  I don't blame the scoring system - I think shorter sets would be more problematic in most matches - and I don't blame the guys for using their natural gifts (they teamed to be the tallest doubles pair ever in 2008) to develop devastating serve games, it's just an unfortunate circumstance when they have to meet, because I don't find the matches compelling.  This one is over at least, and Karlovic will play on.
-Speaking of Ivo, the 2007 champion on green clay, is having great success on the unauthentic red clay this time around too.  The Har-tru in play in 2007 is similar to the synthetic red used in Houston now.  For those who haven't played on it, it's faster than true red clay, and also slipperier to move on.  Given that description and thoughts of how Karlovic plays, it's not too surprising that he's had success in Houston.  Add that to the fact that he seems to love being in the US, and is enjoying the Rockets' home games and Final Four while in town, Ivo seems at home in Houston.
- For Isner, another loss where he clearly had chances to win.  These ones sting for someone pushing to become a fixture in the top 20.  Isner will never be a clay court stalwart with his game style and mobility issues, but his serve and forehand should be impactful enough to wrap up matches once in awhile.  We'll see if Isner can round into form and put together a run at one of the Masters Series or at the French.  My money is on the tournament in Madrid, where altitude could help his serve be even more difficult to return.
Honorable Mentions:
- Marbella QF, Victoria Azarenka def. Dinara Safina - 51 ret. - If this back injury is a recurrence of the injury that (at least partially) triggered Safina's massive plummet down the rankings, then this could be the beginning of the end.  She's already said she considered retirement this year.  Let's hope for her sake - especially given her recent momentum - that she'll be back soon.  For Azarenka, a short match has got to feel good.  She's still riding her win streak following her title in Miami.

- Casablanca QF, Potito Starace def. Gilles Simon - 64 36 64 - These are the matches that keep Simon from getting back to the top 10.  He has the talent, but not always the focus to finish off matches.  If you only "get up" for the big tournaments, that's fine, I guess.  But he enters so many small ones and loses matches he shouldn't so often, that one wonders if he should be better about selective scheduling.  For Starace, almost the opposite story.  He seems to be able to win some good matches in smaller events, but never puts it together when it matters most.  Hopefully he can show the home crowd something good in Rome later this year.