Ernests Gulbis d. Mardy Fish 5-7 6-4 6-4

Today in the LA final, Ernests Gulbis defeated Mardy Fish in three sets, 5-7 6-4 6-4. This is his second career title. By winning the title, Gulbis will also be jumping up 33 spots in the ATP rankings. Read on for my analysis of the match.



Although Gulbis entered the tournament on a five match losing streak, he showed the tennis world that he is a force to be reckoned with. Gulbis has always been considered one of the most promising tennis players. Like Marat Safin though, he is inconsistent on court. However, at the Farmers Classic in LA, he beat one of the favorites, Juan Martin del Potro in straight sets en route to the title.

Gulbis has great groundstrokes, particularly his backhand. He also has a great first serve which he used to get himself out of trouble numerous times during the match. However, the thing about Gulbis's game that really stands out is his shot selection. Throughout the match, Gulbis used dropshots off of both wings. Gulbis's dropshot is well disguised, and he used it at surprising moments to throw Fish off.

The first set of the match was very close. Both players guarded their serves well, but both players also had some opportunities to break. Fish only broke Gulbis once, but it was in the final game of the set. Gulbis double faulted on set point.

The second and third sets of the match were similar in play to the first set. There was quality shot making from both players, and Fish showed his prowess at the net. However, Fish started to feel pain in his right leg, and Gulbis got up to a 5-1 lead in the third set. At this point, Gulbis's lack of mental strength really started to show. He threw away his lead, and at 5-4 30-15, Gulbis hurt his groin striking a backhand.

At this point, it looked like Fish would comeback and win his second straight tournament. At 30 all, Gulbis hit a terrible forehand into the net which gave Fish a break point. On his break point, Fish tried to get Gulbis to choke by hitting a ball to his forehand. Instead of netting another forehand, Gulbis hit a forehand dropshot. Although Fish got to it, he hit his return slightly out and brought the game back to deuce. On the following point, Fish tried to mix it up by looping a ball to Gulbis's forehand. Gulbis replied by hitting a monster forehand followed by a forehand dropshot to secure match point. Gulbis won the match on another great forehand winner.

Some things to note:
I think Mardy Fish was using the BLX Pink version today. That shows some security...
I like Gulbis's ball juggling skills.

Directed at the crowd:
Seriously? Clapping when Gulbis faulted? That's not cool at all. I understand that Fish is from LA, and he's the crowd favorite, but that's just rude.