Monday in Montreal

Today, I've decided to try something different, I'm going to post a review on the matches that I saw and rate them based on how enjoyable I thought they were.

Mikhail Youzhny vs Marin Cilic

Unfortunately, I missed the first set of this match, so I can't say much about it, other than Marin won it fairly comfortably 6-3. The second set was much closer, Youzhny and Cilic exchanged breaks of serve late in the second set, then Youzhny broke serve again and went to serve out the set at 6-5 but despite having 5 set points, Youzhny wasn't able to do it and Cilic broke him to take the set to a tie-break. Once, in the tie-break Youzhny seized command and ran away with it 7-4. In the final set, Youzhny got an early break against Cilic, and never looked back, he closed out the final set easily 6-1.

Winner: Mikhail Youzhny 3-6, 7-6, 6-1.

Thoughts on the match: While, I enjoyed this one, I would have preferred some more consistent play from both of these guys. Cilic, pretty much self-destructed in the third set and it was kind of sad to see. He may be a good player with a lot of talent but he's going to need to work on his mental strength if he's going to be a serious force on tour. Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

Kunitsyn vs Niemeyer

This one was really good, even despite the large number of unforced errors. Both of these guys came up with jaw dropping winners and Niemeyer's huge serve was especially impressive, which he used to bail himself out of trouble against Kunitsyn. The first set of this match was very close, with Niemeyer just edging out Kunitsyn 7-5. Then, Niemeyer, on the verge of a massive upset, dominated Kunitsyn in the second set and took the second set and match 6-1. Niemeyer, now 33 years old, plans to retire after this year, his opponent in the next round is Roger Federer. Niemeyer, is ranked outside the top 400 so his match against Roger could be his last one.

Final thoughts on the match: Good quality stuff, no real complaints although I was hoping it would go to 3 sets. 4 out of 5 stars.

Bruno Agostinelli vs Peter Polanski

Polanski, dominated the beginning of the match, going up 3-0 but Bruno broke back at 1-3 and held serve to level the set at 3-all. Polanski, then re-gained control and took the first set 6-3.
A rain delay occurred early in the second set and forced a time delay. Once play resumed, the players took the second set to a tie-break which Polanski won 8 points to 6, to seal the victory.

Final thoughts on the match: I enjoyed this one as well. Especially the second set. Polanski, seems like a good player and his fore-hand is nice. He's scheduled to meet Djokovic in the next round, be sure to watch that one it should be an exciting match. Rating: 3 1/2 out of 5 stars

Stanislas Wawrinka vs Nicolas Kiefer

This one was a good match too. Wawrinka, had some great shot making and was always in control of this match. Once the first set was over, so was the match. Wawrinka, easily defeated Kiefer 6-4, 6-1.

Final thoughts on the match: Stan played a near flawless match. His shot making was just incredible at times and Kiefer was completely out-classed. 4 out of 5 stars.

There were a lot of good matches today. Oh and I forgot to mention, Nadal made a successful return to the tour, winning his doubles match against Djokovic and Vemic. Although, I wasn't able to see the match, I was glad to hear that he made it through without his knees bothering him. Hope they hold up well during the rest of the week.