Jerzy Janowicz knocks out the 14th seed Lucas Pouille 7-6(4) 7-6(5) 3-6 6-1 to advance to the third round at Wimbledon.
Heading into this tournament the World number 141 had lost to Franko Skugor in Eastbourne qualifying and started the match very well. It was clear the Pole had serious focus today as he whipped a forehand down the line in the first game. The two men had met once before in 2015 where Pouille won in two tiebreaks. This was expected to be no different as Pouille’s first serve was accurate and his net game was even superb. Pouille was the one threatening on return however no break points were created from the Frenchman as Janowicz continued to hit his powerful forehand groundstrokes. At 6-5 down, Janowicz twisted his ankle at the back of the court and looked in discomfort. However his confidence was restored as a couple points won meant a first set tiebreak was confirmed. The Pole came back from a mini-break early on, to claim the breaker 7-4.
The Second was pretty much the same as Janowicz increased his level in the second set as several opportunities were created for the Pole. Pouille’s shot making was better than his opponent though as the 14th seed managed to hang on despite the Janowicz pressure. Last year’s quarterfinalist was helpless on the Pole’s serve as Janowicz didn’t let any distractions get the better of him. A fourth consecutive tiebreak loomed between the pair as Pouille was cool and collected . Jerzy who was full of confidence, dominated most of the tiebreak and eventually sealed the set with a big serve. A two set lead, could Janowicz keep his nerve?
The third set saw Pouille change his style of play and tactics as he tried to unnerve the big Pole in front of an electric Court 3 crowd. His hardwork and determination earned him the first break of the match in the eighth game for a 5-3 lead. The big serving Pouille sealed the third set 6-3. Was this Dejavu of where Janowicz lost to Cilic in Melbourne from two sets up? Apparently not a focused Janowicz broke in the second game and roared to the crowd in attendance. Every point won had a different roar and scream about it this was a passionate and determined Jerzy Janowicz. A break of serve in the sixth game secured the Frenchman’s fate as Janowicz served for the match at 5-1. The Pole successfully served out the match to earn a famous victory.
The win means that Janowicz will climb to 109 in the world and his new focused attitude has earned him a third round match with Benoit Paire. A win seals his place in the second week and a possible match with Andy Murray.
