The Tallon Enigma

Three matches on European clay and three straight-set defeats for Dutchman Talon Griekspoor. Beyond the score, the quality of play is worrying for Griekspoor because he really struggles to maintain a decent level of play for more than one set. The Dutchman, as we know, is going through a rough patch. He lacks overall consistency and gets frustrated easily. Yet, he is capable of playing at a very high level on the surface, and even more so in the conditions in Madrid. Facing him is a real trap for players lacking confidence and with a profile like Griekspoor, who is attack-minded. I have mixed feelings because the Bosnian Dzumhur has been able to force this type of opponent into errors. He leads them into difficult approaches, into clever passing shots, but he also knows how to tense up and get frustrated under the pressure these players generally apply. Admittedly, the Bosnian just won his first-round match easily, but it was in a fairly comfortable matchup for him. I mustn't forget that he's coming off three consecutive losses right before the Madrid tournament.