Dynasty Champ falls to Sopcic!

Another champ bites the dust! 

By Steve England, ESVN - Only two previous champions are still active controllers. Sopcic has dispatched both on his quest for a title!  In today's match against the "Dynasty Champ" - The "Croatian Sensation" benefited from an uncharacteristic performance by JT!  JT displayed a new service style.  A style I feel is improved from the past.  It's not quite the bullet of old, but resembles a slicing kick serve with moderately high velocity.  This style is more consistent, and should serve him well into the future.

Players were generally true to their games.  JT relied on his power forehand, while Sopcic liked to pressure the net.  There were several exchanges where JT would fire power forehands from near the service-line, only to have them volleyed back from an omni-present Sopcic at the net.  Players were on serve in the 1st tied 3-all, until unforced errors by JT gave Sopcic a break to lead 4-3.  Sopcic holds at 5-3, then another unforced error by JT gives TB a double set-point.  Sopcic slices a backhand to the left sideline to take the 1st-set 6-3.

Sopcic begins the 2nd-set with reduced energy.  He seems noticeably winded in the 1st-game of the 2nd-set, but slams a service winner to take a 1-0 lead.  Again, players are on serve until Sopcic powers a forehand down the sideline for the break at 3-1.  JT begins to show frustration as Sopcic volleys into the open court extending his lead to 4-1.  Players return to holding their serves, as JT makes another unforced error at deuce to give Sopcic the advantage, followed by a Sopcic drop-shot for the win and a 5-2 edge.  In the final game Sopcic rushing toward the net hits the net-cord.  The ball dribbles over onto JT's side for match-point.  After a lengthy rally, a strong JT forehand sails long, and Sopcic knocks off another former champion.

Frequently during matches, players think that they are having a bad game.  In reality, it was their opponent applying increased pressure which forced them to poorly execute.  That was not the case in this match-up!  JT was indeed plagued by unforced errors.  These errors made the difference in this match!  These two giants could likely face each other again in the semifinals.  Remove JT's unforced errors, and the "Dynasty Champion" will have his redemption!