Gulbis to Challenge Nadal in Rome

Well, I'm excited as I've been in some time about tennis. Sure it's in my blood, once breathing it hours a day...but as you get older and adult life kicks in, passions can sometimes become fleeting.
But I have found new excitement. The intercounty league tennis season starts shortly, the weather is great (in Toronto), and my one-time pick of the "new generation" is finally making some tracks. Ernests Gulbis, the lanky but big Latvian with a power game that sicken even the most deft defensive players. Unfortunately, the Gulbis ascent hasn't quite happened as most expected. He has struggled horribly over the last many (many) months. From tough draws, to poor tennis, including a mental struggle that is brought about generally by a lack of confidence, and pure imaturity.

His victory against Federer could be a turn though. It's the kind of victory that can give a young player the confidence to start really moving forward.

So he plays Nadal now. What's the scoop here? Gulbis may just get romped out there. Set-back? No, not at all. The Latvian needs wins, he needs to get deep in some draws, and he needs to walk before he can run. I'd be horribly surprised if he manages to over-power Nadal on clay...It's clay! When healthy, there is no greater magician on the durt than the Spaniard. If Gulbis starts slow, it'll be over quickly folks.

I like this result though for Gulbis. It's money, points, and a tournament taking out a big big gun (Federer).

Grass season comes quickly, and this is what Gulbis should realistically be trying to work toward. Win some rounds, get your ranking back to where it should be, and start turning heads on the fast stuff.

I will be glued to the TV tomorrow watching this one.
Enjoy the tennis!

MarkOskar