Copa Argentina: Sunday Review

(Note: download links for the final added at the end of this post.)

One year ago, after the lost Davis Cup final and all the turmoil that went with it, an injured and disgruntled David marched into the BALTC stadium, greeted by some half-hearted applause. He lost his first match against Chela and that was that (no round-robin system back then).
Twelve months later, at the same stadium and event, the crowd celebrated David's successful comeback - or at least the successful conclusion of its first stage. And that was important for David...

"I don't know whether it was because of the expectations about my return, because of my career, or because they missed me but the crowd was spectacular in its support for me and that means a lot to me. I know that many are aware of the sacrifices I had to make for the sake of playing again. It's good to enjoy the support and these things because when you retire, you don't get any of this anymore. I think one gets more mature. I've used this time to take a look at these things from the outside and with the feeling of wanting to enjoy those last years on the Tour, beyond the maelstrom you find yourself in for most of the year."

After due to bad weather, all matches got cancelled on Saturday, David had to play what would be the first of his two matches on Sunday against Gaston Gaudio at noon. The same Gaudio David had defeated easily a week ago in San Juan.



Apart from that, David went into that match, knowing about the situation in his round-robin group and the possible consequences. Still, the match turned out to be tougher than expected.

"Already in the morning I knew that winning a set would be enough to make it to the final. It was difficult, Gaston played very well and made it hard for me but then I relaxed and didn't care anymore whether I won or lost."

"In the evening I felt much better that during the match at noon against Gaudio. We're both in the middle of pre-season and we suffered a bit because of the heat and the humidity. But this is a good way of finding my rhythm, playing matches and achieving the main goal, which is to return to the circuit in best shape."

With Gaudio up a set and double-break at 6-3, 4-0, the match seemed virtually over. But at that very moment, David suddenly began to find his range with his groundstrokes and, helped by various double faults and unforced errors from Gaudio, eventually managed to take the second set 7-5. - All that was required from him in that match.
As soon as it was over, David positively fled from stadium, trying to not waste any more time then necessary, getting at least some rest and preparing for his second match of the day...
The final against Marcos Baghdatis.



The question was of course, how David would handle having to play two matches on one day, with the first one going the distance. But while he had struggled with his timing against Gaudio (36 unforced errors in that match), against Baghdatis David seemed completely focused from the start and much more determined to take control of the rallies.

"I took more risks in the final. I wanted to keep the points short. Some shots I made, others I didn't. But I think I hit more winners than unforced errors."

(Photos above: Fotobaires)

David broke serve in the very first game but Baghdatis managed to get the re-break and level the score at 3-3. David immediately broke again for a 4-3 lead and eventually served out the set without difficulty, 6-4.

In the second set, it was Baghdatis who broke first for a 2-0 lead but David got the break straight back. At 2-2, David secured what would turn out to be the decisive break in this set and therefore the match, going up 3-2. Serving for the match at 5-4, David went down 0-30 but eventually converted his second match point.

Whereas the Gaudio match had been an error-fest, David quickly found his range and his rhythm against Baghdatis, who seemed to struggle more with having to play two matches than David (but had of course also far less time to recover).


(Charly Díaz Azcué)

After the match, a very happy David confirmed once more that he didn't feel any pain, playing. And that he simply enjoys being back on court again. While even for him, it's difficult to believe how much he has already achieved, how far he has come in these last few months.

"It's important to keep playing, keep going on. Four months ago, I was on crutches. So this is incredible."

"I'm content because I feel that with each match I played a little better. It's always great to play here in Argentina."

"I didn't feel any discomfort, which is the most important thing and shows that the recovery process continues. What I may still lack in terms of tennis, will follow."

(Charly Díaz Azcué)

Quotes from La Nacion, Óle, Infobae.com & MundoD.

Here's an interview with David from ESPN...



He's content, eager to play again. The rehabilitation process was tough. And the most important thing for him this weekend is that he's feeling well.
It was a tough year for him, though it started well in Sydney. But then the problems with his hip made it a very difficult year. His victory will hopefully be a good impulse for having a good start, next year.
The doctors always encouraged him, gave him hope, though there were many restrictions about what he was allowed to do and what not. But he never felt pain or discomfort and that was important for his mind, so that there's no anxiety about playing again and coming back.
Today, he felt "practically normal" on court, maybe a bit slow but "normal".
He was surprised by how well Gaudio played, it was a tough match but after winning the second set, the outcome didn't really matter.
The victory over Baghdatis is something special, also because it was his second match on that day. And it's pre-season, they were both tired.
Tournaments next year: Auckland, Australian Open, Buenos Aires, Acapulco. And about Davis Cup he'll have to see what kind of form he's in.


Update
Although there were problems with the stream, Andvari has managed to make a recording of the final and uploaded it (thank you for your troubles!). It comes in several parts and a couple of games are missing, due to the stream freezing up several times. But it's at least something. :)

Part 1: http://www.megaupload.com/?d=FG9Y0MHN
Part 2: http://www.megaupload.com/?d=8YTJH301

Part 3: http://www.megaupload.com/?d=S7FT9CV8
Part 4: http://www.megaupload.com/?d=U9M3TH8T

Of the last part there are two versions.
This one, though not a proper flv file, works on the VLC player:
Part 5: http://www.megaupload.com/?d=TO5KJLKT

But there's also a version in mp4 format, for Windows Media Player etc.
Part 5: http://www.megaupload.com/?d=V5SB3F4B