The gem!

Rottgering has just earned himself a good name on paper by beating Machac.

It's a very impressive victory for the Dutchman, but Machac is still recovering and isn't at his best yet. Let's just say that beating Fery, who's playing fantastic tennis this season, would be more impactful in terms of the win, even if his name might not be quite as iconic as Machac's. Rottgering's talent and potential are truly remarkable; he's a complete player. He reminds me of Draper at times because he's physical, can play a strong reception game, and is also more offensive. He serves relatively well, he's well-rounded, and above all, still very young. He'll be able to improve in every aspect of his game, but what he's doing is already extremely solid, and he's gaining confidence. This tournament could really be his breakthrough.

I don't really have a handle on him yet. I'm still wondering if he prefers to dictate the play or wait for counter-attacks. I've seen him adopt several different styles. Perhaps he's adapting. In any case, for me, it's something I need to clarify before this match.

We obviously have much more certainty about Fery's game and also about his recent form. However, in his opening match yesterday, he had a real scare against Hewitt, especially in the second set, which he should have lost. He saved five set points, including three consecutive ones, before watching Hewitt collapse. But on the one hand, I'm not really surprised, because that's not the kind of opponent he likes. I found him particularly good against rather erratic players who dictate the play, because he makes them play, moves very well, counts intelligently, and can also surprise them by coming to the net. He can disrupt this type of player, and that's where I prefer him. On the other hand, when he plays against other solid players and finds himself dictating the play too much, and his baseline solidity isn't enough to break them down, then he immediately finds himself in more difficulty. And that's precisely why I'm not quite sure where I stand tonight, because on the one hand, Rottgering might want to dictate the play and commit numerous fouls, which would benefit Fery, but I've also seen him excel at a patient game and covering the field. If Fery ends up being the aggressor all the time, I'm a little less enthusiastic.