Today's match was no different! When JM's serve is hitting, he can dominate the action. A serve and volley tactic works quite well for the 6'1'' monster at the net. JM is quite accomplished with both the volley, and the overhead slam! Only a perfectly executed lob, or fast paced passing shot down the line seems to work against his net game. On a perfectly executed lob by SV nailing the baseline. JM running at full speed ahead toward the fence - reaches the ball hitting it backward toward the heavens, as he crashes into the fence. SV can only exclaim disbelief as he sees that the rocket launch trajectory will reenter into play. Although SV returns this incredible shot by JM - his disbelief lingers, destroying his concentration as he puts a subsequent shot into the net.
Once again heat was a factor, as both players approached the brink of heat exhaustion! Fortunately for SV - an energy bar in the 2nd-set rejuvenates the aging Champion. Although SV seemed to outlast JM in the heat. JM revealed late in the 3rd, that he could strike back almost at will. JM aces SV, followed by three service winners in rapid fire succession to hold serve in a dominant fashion. Then suddenly, JM returns to a less forceful game, making numerous errors, as SV survives the late assault 4-6,6-4,6-2.
