Long Duels Expected

Will Tien take control once again?

Because that was totally the case when they faced off at the end of last year in Paris, on indoor hardcourt. Now it's outdoor hardcourt and in a slam. Who does that benefit? I'm not so sure, both players have done well in best-of-five sets, perhaps Borges being a bit more proven across the years. Conditions look quite nice tomorrow, with around 25 degrees and less wind than the previous days. Neither player can generate a lot of power on their own, which also means they are less likely to be rushed, which is a weakness for both. In their last meeting, it was Tien who was able to be the player in control for almost the entire match, more or less isolating Borges in his backhand corner, which really frustrated the Portuguese and made him go for some tough shots in unfavorable positions. What can Borges do to change this? Because he will need something to break the pattern. Can he do what Michelsen does, going down the line, rushing the net, and injecting pace to rush Tien's forehand? Well, it doesn't come as naturally to him, so it will be hard to do consistently. Could he turn it into an endurance battle, with Tien having played a five-setter in his first round against Giron? Not impossible, Tien has looked a bit more physically fragile than what we are used to seeing him... although the quick round against Shevchenko will have helped. It also feels like his overall level has dropped, at least slightly, compared to last year. Is there some hope for Borges this time?