(August 7, 2013) -- When you combine two of the game's most expressive players along with an umpire known for getting his piece of the spotlight as well, you expect such a show - yes, it can only be described as that - to be televised for fans worldwide.
But perhaps due to the local Canadian guys getting their time on the show courts this week at the Rogers Cup in Montreal,
Ernests Gulbis versus Italy's
Fabio Fognini was instead scheduled on Court 9 - a smaller venue well away from the cameras. Add in the fact that Mohamed Lahyani, one of the sport's more colorful umpires was in charge of this must-see second round match, and those crammed onto the tiny bleachers knew they were in for something.
That "something" would turn out to be an encounter just as blustery as the swirling wind that frustrated Gulbis right from the first ball. Each man traded early breaks in the opening set. Gulbis found his big serve soon enough to earn some cheap points. After taking a 3-1 lead, he gave his team a nod of confidence.
Gulbis' swagger soon gave way to audible cursing as the Latvian's high ball toss moved with the wind. That's when the "show" many expected really began. Down break point, Lahyani docked Gulbis with a time violation. Gulbis responded by serving underhand and winning the game for 4-1.
Perhaps both amused and perturbed by Gulbis' tactic, Fognini on the changeover shared an amiable conversation with his opponent that even made Lahyani laugh.
When the wind died down along with the laughs, both men created some excellent rallies. Fognini hit a backhand overhead that Gulbis chased down to smack what looked like a backhand winner, only to see Fognini chase it down. Gulbis ended up hitting a short crosscourt forehand to end it, which sent several fans on their feet to applaud.
Gulbis soon sealed the first set 6-3 with more big serving. As another flat serve from the Latvian whizzed by, Fognini cursed in Italian. But Lahyani knew what he meant and issued a verbal abuse warning.
The warnings from the chair continued in the second set. Gulbis, who hit two double faults to hand Fognini a 3-1 lead, calmly walked over to the fence bordering the court and cracked his racquet three times. Going back to his chair to get another stick, Gulbis heard Lahyani issue an almost chiding unsportsmanlike conduct warning.
"What?" said Gulbis in response that earned a few laughs from the crowd who heard him. With Gulbis' confidence shot, Fognini easily wrapped up the second set. The winner of this one was anyone's guess.
Gulbis found his serve again when he needed it to save two early break points in the third set. With his personality almost in sync with the calmer wind, Gulbis found himself winning the bulk of the rallies. When Fognini sent a forehand long to give his opponent the 3-1 lead, the third act of this entertaining duel looked headed to its conclusion.
Big serving down the stretch allowed Gulbis to open up a 4-1 lead. By now, Fognini looked resigned to the ending not going his way. A loose game gave Gublis another break. In the final game, Fognini shared yet another smile with Lahyani as if to say "it's been fun man."
A last winner from Gulbis wrapped up the 6-3, 1-6, 6-1 win that sent him into the third round.
When asked later about the match Gulbis said, "I wanted to get more free points with my serve, but I was frustrated because I couldn't do that with the wind. I think the conditions suited him (Fognini) better. Third set I pushed myself not to cry about the wind and keep all my thoughts together and to fight through it mentally."
He may not have gotten any screen time today, but Gulbis will get center stage in his next match. Next up for him is
Andy Murray - a man he has failed to beat in five tries. Then again, they last met on the court three years ago. As usual with an Ernests Gulbis match, anything could happen.
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