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Dudi and Goliath

Dudi versus Goliath: Israel's Sela topples US' John Isner to reach Wimbledon third round

The unseeded Israeli records his first victory over the 23rd ranked American in a five set battle to advance to the third round at Wimbledon; Sela posts 17 unforced errors against Isner's 50 to stay alive in the grand slam race.

Israel's top men's singles player, Dudi Sela, forced a decisive fifth set against the second highest ranked US tennis player, John Isner, beating the American 6-7, 7-6, 5-7, 7-6, 6-3 to advance to the third round at Wimbledon on Thursday.

 

 

With his victory Thursday, the 32-year-old Sela, currently ranked 90th in ATP standings and unseeded at Wimbledon, recorded his first win against the 21st ranked American. The duo previously met four times prior to Thursday's second round match, with Isner winning all four meetings.

 

Isner and Sela (Photo: AP)
Isner and Sela (Photo: AP)

 

The 5'9" Israeli faced a gargantuan challenge in the 6'10" Isner, who played to his strengths and blasted a staggering 45 aces compared to Sela's five.

 

However, the wiry Israeli held his own and utilized his advantages in speed and agility—as well as a strong baseline game—to keep himself in a tight match.

 

Dudi Sela (Photo: AP)
Dudi Sela (Photo: AP)

 

Photo: Getty Images
Photo: Getty Images

 

The 23-seeded Isner appeared to be winded throughout the match, posting 50 unforced errors, compared to Sela's 17. Isner appeared to lose all remaining steam in the crucial fifth set, going 0-for-6 on break points.

 

Sela will meet 13th seeded Grigor Dimitrov in the third round, hoping to tie his career best performance in a grand slam. The 26-year-old from Bulgaria, who is currently ranked 11th in the world, looks to put a stop to Sela's run.

 


פרסום ראשון: 07.06.17, 19:24
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