Here comes that other crazy guy again!

Do you remember his celebration when he won after Shapovalov retired?

It was last year right here, even though he was a lucky loser. Since then, he hasn’t done anything special, and he quickly went back down to Challengers and ITFs. So we’ve got a young player (18 years old) whose main asset here will be giving his whole life in this match against an Italian who’s a bit hot-headed at the moment. From what I remember, Dedura is a pretty complete player, but without any particularly big weapon (Marcos? Jerem?).

On the other side, Cobolli is still talking about his motivation and physical issues in the middle of a packed schedule. Indeed, the level wasn’t there in Monte Carlo. Nor in Miami, nor in Indian Wells. In general, I wait to see during his matches if things start clicking again. That’s what happened this year with Delray Beach, which hinted at a good Acapulco. If we manage to read his resurgence in time, it’s a jackpot because he’s often underrated by the bookies and the market.

Today, on this heavy clay, he’s going to struggle, just like in Monte Carlo, to make the difference from the baseline. His wide kick serve, his heavy topspin forehand… all that will have less impact, and it will allow Dedura to play more balls, extend rallies, and ask a few questions. It reminds me a bit of that Cobolli vs Pacheco Mendez match in Acapulco, won 7–6 7–6 by the Italian. Doesn’t it for you too?