2 Responses to wb91edberg_champion

1. Voo de Mar says:

   July 2, 2023 at 11:17 am

   Points won by each set: | 27-19, 28-17, 41-35 |
   Points won directly behind the serve:
   42 % Edberg – 33 of 78
   22 % Champion – 20 of 89

   One of [1] Edberg’s best service performances in matches he won 3-0, emphasized by two aces in the first and last game of the match. Until he led *3:2 in the 3rd set he had no problem on serve, then a lousy service game occurred. At *4:5 he trailed 0/30, winning four points easily. In the last game of the match, Champion [90] was unable to return the ball onto Edberg’s side.
   

   Log in to Reply
2. Voo de Mar says:

   July 2, 2023 at 11:34 am

   ☆ The Frenchman was a shocking quarterfinalist because he didn’t play the serve-and-volley game which seemed to be a norm at the time to get good results on grass. Admittedly that year Agassi – who didn’t play it either – almost advanced to the semifinal, but he was known as the best returner on the tour (it’s a bit exaggerated given how many free points players could get against him). Champion simply felt more comfortable playing in “the best of five” format. He finished his career with a superb 11-4 record in five-setters, and four of them were substantial for his two unexpected advancements to the Slam quarterfinals despite the lack of an ATP title: French Open ’90 (defeated Forget & Novacek in five) and Wimbledon ’91 (defeated Cash & Rostagno in five). Champion played only one main-level final in his career: St. Vincent ’88.

   Log in to Reply