Gulbis Powers through Federer at the Rome Masters

I clearly have nearly been left for blogging dead, but perhaps I've found enough inspiration through one match to re-join the league of random writers across the globe.

In a stunning upset at the Rome Masters, Mr.Gulbis, the big Latvian kid who I've critisized for some time for underachieving in epic proportions, takes out Roger Federer in the opening match of his clay season.

7-5 in the 3rd, and there we go. Gulbis finally has a HUGE win, and one that could possibly give the kid enough confidence to start charging (again). Folks, Gulbis is the real deal, make absolutely no mistake. Big serve, MONSTER ground strokes which can overpower the likes of Fernando or even Soderling if summoned on a good day...He can hit is flat and brutally heavy.
Relentless attacking.

I've called this kid a future top-5'er...months later as his confidence spiralled from poor showing after poor showing, I left him for top-50 wandering. What is he now? Who knows, it's one win, early in a tournament, and he's not going to turn heads this clay season...but it's still a big one which should go a long way in his (mental) development and could be reflected upon when grass/hard courts are being played on.

Not sure Federer was really Federer in this match, but I say, who cares. You show up...you take your lumps, and that's what took place for Mr.Roger.

I want to see Gulbis figure this all out. He's a headcase, can sorely lack confidence, not care, nearly tank, and worst of all, he sometimes forgets that there are other things possible in an on-court strategy then "Kill the ball".

It's all there though for Gulbis, the physical make-up, and the heavy weapons...Once the kid figures out true mental toughness, the sky is the limit (!)

Enjoy Rome folks!
Mark Oskar