Match Reports
Safin Sees Off Srichaphan
c EPA/ F.Coffrini
Monday, June 20, 2005
Marat Safin sent a warning to the rest of the Wimbledon field as
his high speed serving beat off the challenge of Paradorn Srichaphan
of Thailand in their first round match on the Centre Court.
Safin, whose best Wimbledon in five previous appearances was a
quarter-final place in 2001, beat Srichaphan 6-2, 6-4, 6-4 in one hour
and 45 minutes to give his campaign as fifth seed an encouraging start.
Safin used his serve as the basis of a high quality victory but it was
Srichaphan's retrieving and thirst for the contest which enthralled a
packed Centre Court crowd. For every thunderous serve by Safin - many
of them approaching 140 mph - came an occasional deft touch by the Thai.
Safin served 10 aces against four. He got 70 per cent of first serves
in court and won 80 per cent of first serve points. On those statistics
it was no surprise that Srichaphan was always chasing the match hoping
to change the pattern. But that hope was never justified.
Two factors make the 25-year-old Safin an even more compelling candidate
in the 2005 draw. First, he began the year by winning the Australian Open
with wins over Roger Federer and Lleyton Hewitt in the semi-finals and
final. Secondly, he reached the final of the pre-Wimbledon grass court
tournament in Halle, Germany, losing to Federer in three sets.
It was evident against Srichaphan today that Safin had plenty of confidence
for the task. His control from the baseline was nearly always reliable and
he hit to a consistent length in most of the important rallies, often
winning points outright with pinpoint driving.
Although Srichaphan was on the wrong end of a power game he intended not
to be subdued, cutting angles deftly, trying to change the rhythm with
drop shots, and creating as much of a mixture as he could achieve.
Sometimes the tactics paid off but mostly this was Safin in charge and
heading for victory.
There were a few difficulties for Safin-but some did threaten his authority.
Safin had to save three break points at 4-3 behind in the second set when
Srichaphan's two fine passing shots and a Safin error put him in danger.
Safin climbed out of trouble and took the next two games for a two set
lead.
In the third set Srichaphan was broken in the third game and then survived
three break points in the fifth game during which he did the splits behind
the baseline. His recovery from that position delighted the crowd - and drew
beaming smiles from Safin.
Serving for the match Safin had to save two break points before winning
through in style with aces on the last two points.
"I made the final in Halle which helped me to get confidence in the bag for
Wimbledon," said Safin. "That helped me a lot."
Written by Barry Newcombe
http://www.wimbledon.org/en_GB/news/reports/2005-06-20/200506201119290388563.html
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