Disqualifications, dramatic decisions and dazzling tennis in the Semi-finals today…
Doubles Semi-Finals
Galloway/Maytin vs Lawson/Withrow
Doubles first up, and no one could have predicted the unfortunate turn of events that led to the disqualification of the Alex Lawson/Jack Withrow team. Alex’s attempt at smashing a ball out of the park in frustration went wrong as he shanked it off the frame. The ball took off at a 45-degree angle four feet off the ground straight into the crowd.
Fortunately, no harm was done as a spectator took it to the back while dishing up a little chicken salad. Nonetheless, the action led to default and the match was over. Alex is a great guy and of course, did not mean for this to happen as it did. Hopefully, we’ll all think twice before reacting in anger.
Aragone/King vs Pasha/Schnur
Next up JC Aragone and the ‘King of Barbados’ brought a higher level of ball striking to the table today than their doubles specialist opponents Pasha and Schnur. First set 6-2 to Pasha /Schnur and they deserved it pleasing the crowd with incredible doubles tactics. The second set was a close affair with King/JC just edging it out 7-5.
Too good in the 10 point breaker in lieu of the third set, and JC /Darian King secure their spot in tomorrow’s finals 2-6 7-5 10-6.
Singles Semi-Finals
Kokkinakis vs Kwiatkowski
And then for the first semifinal singles, we’d all been waiting for!
The big-hitting Aussie came out of the gates like he thought the warm-up was meant to last the entire first set. We all know what he’s capable of, and it was mildly concerning seeing him keep the engine cruising in third gear. Kwiatkowski had no complaints (for now) and came ready to play. He took the first set 6-2 with relative ease.
Bathroom break led to a service break and in approximately 9 minutes it was break-point Kokkinakis to go up, double break. The linesman on the sideline calls Thanasi’s forehand wide, the umpire overrules and awards Kokkinakis the break of serve 3-0. Kwiatkowski erupts! Clearly the pressure cooker had blown its top, and Thai-Son let the umpire know in no uncertain terms the level of his dissatisfaction with the overrule.
Seemingly emotionally drained, perhaps after the two previous rounds where he clawed and battled his way to victory from way behind, Thai-Son conceded the second set 6-2.
By now Kokkinakis had begun to show the crowd glimpses of what he’s capable of. Lighting up forehands, crushing serves and seemingly effortlessly overpowering the weary Kwiatkowski.
And gaining more and more crowd support as the match continued, Thanasi delighted them as he booked his spot in the finals 2-6 6-2 6-1.
Paul vs Gomez
Up next No.1 seed Tommy Paul vs No. 4 seed Emilio Gomez. Paul came out of the gates focused and business-like. We haven’t always seen this side of him, and in no time he had the first set in the bag 6-1! C’mon Emilio, let’s go…
This guy is a strong player and we were just waiting for the response. And respond he did, breaking early and went up 5-3. Paul, showing frustration and losing that laser focus he started with looked ready to go to a third. However, Emilio played a service game at 5-4 that he’d like to forget and handed the break back … 5-5 Both players held and here we go, tiebreak.
The momentum that had lifted Gomez to a 5-3 lead in the second set deserted him and his unforced error tally just go too high to see him over the finish line. A bit of excitement though as Emilio rallied, saved two match points, but then sent a forehand wide to hand Paul his spot in the finals, 6-1 7-6(5)
It could not have been drawn up any better. This is the final we have all been waiting for… Paul vs Kokkinakis! The stage is set for two of the most entertaining players in the 2019 Tiburon Challenger to duel it out for the crown.
Matches start at 12 pm tomorrow, see you courtside!
Full Results | September 28, 2019
Men’s Singles – Semifinals
[1] T. Paul (USA) d [4] E. Gomez (ECU) 6-1 7-6(5)
[8] T. Kokkinakis (AUS) d [14] T. Kwiatkowski (USA) 2-6 6-2 6-1
Men’s Doubles – Semifinals
[3] R. Galloway (USA) / R. Maytin (VEN) d [2] A. Lawson (USA) / J. Withrow (USA) 4-6 6-3 0-0 Defaulted
J. Aragone (USA) / D. King (BAR) d [PR] N. Pasha (USA) / M. Schnur (USA) 2-6 7-5 10-6
