Dudi gave it his best shot
WIMBLEDON UNLIKE last year’s David and Goliath victory against six foot ten John Isner, Dudi Sela had no weapons to conquer another giant, world no. one Rafael Nadal on Centre Court, bowing out in the first round.
The Israeli admitted to being “a bit nervous” on his first appearance on Centre Court after a battling performance
“It’s tough to play the first match on grass against Nadal on this prestigious court,” he remarked. “I hadn’t played for one month and came into the match with an injured wrist. I came here hoping for a good draw because I know I can play well on the grass.”
Conceding four inches in height and 20 kilos in weight in something of a physical mis-match, Sela put up a brave battle in the first two sets – which he lost 3-6, before he was eventually overpowered by the Spaniard 2-6 in the third.
“I think I played okay,” commented Sela. “I wasn’t expecting to play so well, it’s such a big arena. It’s not like court 15 when the crowd is on top of you. It felt more difficult for me to serve on a in such a big arena.
“It’s not about the atmosphere, it’s more the vision. It’s a completely different game to the outside courts. But I played better than expected before fatigue kicked in and I started thinking too much.”
Asked about the Wimbledon experience, Sela commented: “I like these conditions, when the ball is quicker, skids and stays low. But I think the ball is bouncing much higher here this year.
“I started the year very well in Australia but then I injured my wrist and couldn’t play very much.
“I want to come back next year, but it’s difficult. I’m thinking of other things I can do. I would like to coach but in Israel it is very difficult.”
Diego Schwartzman, the 14th seed, expressed relief after claiming his firstever win at SW19. He made easy work of Bosnian Mirza Basic and said: “I’m really happy with my first win here. It has maybe played on my mind a little but I know I can improve.”
Admitting grass isn’t his favourite surface, he feels right at home in London and he insists Wimbledon has unique qualities. “The big difference with this grand slam tournament is the club, the site, it’s big and it’s beautiful to be here.”
Camila Giorgi of Italy is also a big fan of the tournament. “I love playing at Wimbledon and coming to London - the most beautiful city,” she said.
“I am always warmly received by the crowd and it helps me raise my game.”
Giorgi reached a career high ranking of 30 three years ago and, currently lying 52nd, she insists she has the firepower to return there. “The level between the top 100 players is very close,” she said after her second-round victory over Madison Brengle. “Sometimes the difference is mentality.”
Israel’s Jonathan Erlich and Marcin Matkowsk of Poland made a winning start in the Men’s Doubles.