The importance of each and every point.....

Just watched Verdasco take the 4th set from Tipsarevic despite having 2 match points against him. Tipsarevic was serving at 6-5, 40-30 when Verdasco played a phenomenal (mostly defensive) point that culminated in him hitting a running down the line FH passing shot that literally appeared to go through Tipsarevic's racquet as he lunged for a volley. Up to that exact point, Tipsarevic very much deserved to win the match. However, the 1 point completely crumbled his spirit and reversed the momentum (as if a light switch had been flipped). Verdasco showed some energy and intensity (which had been lacking) and went on to win 19 points in a row, including a definitive 7-0 breaker. It was very evident that Verdasco would cruise in the 5th (and did 6-0).

Oh, and I have to state my approval in Verdasco's choice of shoes.

Saw key points in both the Fish and V. Williams matches also that very well may have dictated the outcome. Fish had the 4th set on his racquet in my opinion when Robredo hit a short ball that sat up in the court (on a deuce? point late in the set). Fish stepped up and in, but simply didn't do enough with the ball.....nerves?.....which allowed Robredo to hit a stab volley winner, and go on to win the 4th and final set of the match. Overall, the match result was disappointing to me; expected and wanted to see Fish go further in the tournament to further enhance and build upon his comeback in 2010.

Whether the aforementioned points did or did not change the eventual result of the each match, they certainly were momentum changers. Lesson learned - play each and every point knowing the direction of the match could change based on it!