American’s are fairing well at the Estoril Open, while that Latvian kid continues his struggles in 2009.

Ernest Gulbis, the young Latvian with loads of potential “took it” at the BMW Open losing to Keifer in 3 sets. OK, perhaps we shouldn’t expect much from this kid on clay, but I’m beginning to think twice about Gulbis. Does he have what it takes to run up the rankings ladder? I will continue to give him the benefit of the doubt, probably throughout 2009, however there’s a time when you have to say, “The kid doesn’t have it”…It being top #10 potential.

In more positive news, Mr. James Blake wins his first and second clay matches of the season at the Estoril Open! “Blake has won! Blake has won!”. Yeah, I know it’s two matches here, but it gives the guy something to work with, some positive direction, and hopefully he can build on it. He’s had a rough start to the season, and has taken all kinds of media hits (from including myself), let’s hope this is the start of a winning run.

Blake’s countryman Mardy Fish was also successful at the Estoril Open beating Ivan Navaro Pastor in 3 sets to advance onward. Mardy Fish, ranked 24th at the moment also has an opportunity to build on something positive here. Early in the year, I speculated his wheels could come right off, and Fish would begin a slow decline into the lower 50 of the top 100. He’s maintaining position, but I’d really like to see him into the top 20, where he probably belongs.

MarkOskar

Original post by Mark Oskar