September 4th, 2015
By: MJ
The modern game requires more mental fortitude than ever, and it is often said that the pressure lies mainly with the one favored to win. This is the case because the underdog have virtually nothing to lose, and thus the ability to swing freely away in a tennis match translates to an advantage. Today was a prime example of such forces at work, which saw the defending champion pushed to the edge over and over again in a roller-coaster marathon match.
Towering over his opponent at 1.98 meters, Marin Cilic’s game is superior to Mikhail Kukushkin’s in every aspect. But one thing they share is very much the same: the human mind. And for both players today their mental game played havoc throughout their 4 hours, 11 minute match, which is the longest for the tournament so far.
It began routine enough, with both men holding serve. Cilic showed his nerves first by giving the break to the #56 ranked player. In true champion’s fashion, the 9th seed immediately broke right back to level the set. He continued the momentum by breaking again for a 5-3 lead. For those watching in Armstrong, it looked like the champion was going to pass his test easily. Instead, the unseeded Kukushkin battled right back to level the set once more at 5-5. Up to this point, Cilic was a mere shadow of his championship form from last year, choosing to hit rally balls and hope for the error instead of making it happen. This was a classic case of playing not to lose. The only element that kept Cilic in close contention was his big serving on several crucial points. The first set tiebreak continued to reveal both player’s nervous play, until the Croat went for a weak drop shot to gift wrap the set away. Immediately, Marin smashed his Head Prestige in one efficient swing on his way back to the chair.
The 2nd set unfolded to more of the same: uninspired tennis from the Croat, a stark contrast to his coach Ivanesevic’s playing style. Kukushikin looked comfortable and cruised to a 5-2 lead. The champ was going to fail his test after all. Then out of nowhere, Cilic began to serve big for easy hold and break back to 5-5. The crowd was treated to a roller-coaster ride. For Cilic, the ride was on its upswing as he dominated the ensuing tiebreak and snatched the set right out of Kukushikin’s hand.
The 3rd set proved to be more routine. Both players still struggled with finding good form, but the more experienced player managed to make it a 2 to 1 set lead. The test was finally close to being over. Or was it?
In the 4th set the two traded leads with each other as if it were an auto racing event. The low percentage of break point conversions told most of the story. Any momentum gathered by either player quickly dissolved into the humid afternoon. For the fans who stuck around, one could say neither player wanted to hold, or break the other’s serve. So the match went to yet another tiebreak. This time, the 27 year old from Kazakstan prevailed. The roller-coaster ride was not over, and for the defending champion himself, the test as well.
With backs to the fence for both men in the final deciding set, it was as if a light bulb finally turned on inside Cilic’s head as he faced the daunting last portion of the test before him. Rising to the challenge, he proceeded to win 5 straight games. Despite the seemingly impossible, Kukushikin secured himself a moral victory by winning the 6th game. The ball back on Cilic’s racket, there remained one game to ace the test, and he did exactly that. The champ passed his 3rd round test.
