On this children’s day, the morning starts off badly. Very badly. Gloomy atmosphere, dreary weather, and no autographs. Enough to dampen our young guests’ spirits. Indeed, it’s pouring rain on the Nice tournament. The courts are not covered. Spectators are already expecting the program to be canceled. However, by noon, the ball boys are busy, and the organization accelerates. It’s time for the matches. Special mention to the field staff.
Robin Soderling out of place
Magnus Norman, the Swedish player’s coach, knew it, “it’s going to be difficult.” Soderling surely would have dreamed of a better preparation. Five days before Roland Garros, the number 1 seed falls right away against the Belgian Olivier Rochus 2/6 6/4 6/4. Like last year, the finalist of the last French Open will arrive without much confidence at Porte d’Auteuil. For those who may not know him, Soderling is certainly one of the least appreciated players on the circuit, but he is above all the 7th player in the world. Thus, it won’t be in Nice that the Swede will boost his popularity. Giving a performance well below his capabilities, the player disappoints.
A divided public
Dilemma for the spectators. In the middle of the afternoon, a choice must be made. Due to the ranking, Fernando Verdasco, the number 2 seed of the tournament and the 9th player in the world, faces Florent Serra on the Central court for a place in the quarters. At the same time, there’s a big crowd on court number 1. Never has the “secondary central” seen such a celebration. And it’s understandable. Richard Gasquet goes up against the bold and unpredictable Ukrainian Alexander Dolgopolov. The latter gave Rafael Nadal a tough challenge last week in Madrid. The atmosphere is electrified, the setting intimate. One can even catch sight of Leonardo Mayer, who earlier in the morning defeated the Brazilian Bellucci, sitting among the spectators, quite anonymously… or almost. On the Central court, “game, set, and match” for Verdasco. The Spaniard starts strong. Here, Richard has the crowd on his side. Yet the player from Béziers struggles to close it out. His opponent is dangerous, the match can swing at any moment. After a disjointed encounter, Gasquet pulls through and also secures his ticket for the quarters. In the next round, Rochus awaits him… Again! (fifth meeting in six weeks for the two men).
Gaël Monfils warming up.
Closing match on the Central court and a challenging beginning for the Frenchman, the world’s 15th against the Swiss Chiudinelli. After suffering a disastrous first set, losing 6/1, the French player likely hasn’t recovered from the previous evening. He racks up unforced errors but is keen to entertain. Monfils then relies on the fully supportive crowd and manages to win, thanks to sheer mental strength, in three sets. To justify this match, which he himself describes as “bad,” the player cites personal problems and a lack of training. So, what can we expect from Gaël Monfils at the Nice Open? “I will try to win it,” he had declared before the tournament began. Initial signs will come tomorrow against Potito Starace….
