So...today's victory was expected, and Mariano had no problems in the first set. However in the second one, after he made his first set break, he lost his serve. He was a little bit upset because of the public who was a little bit noisey, but he did Ok, and he made another break and won the match. However, the thing was not easy at all, and at a certain point, we heard a crack and Mariano was shouting because of his left knee. The problem was solved in about 5 minutes, but I thought that was the end for him. I hope he fully recovers, he is lucky 2 because his next match is on friday, against Igor Andreev, a former finalist at the Open. I am afrais of this match, because Mariano's game is not working right. I can feel it. He is nervous all the time, makes many unforced errors, and now on top of all, might have an injury.
Good luck for him! Because he will need it. Tomorrow I suppose it will be a practice day, so I guess I'll see him after all, and I'll be able to tell you some news about how he feels. He is 3 matches away from the final victory, and he was sooooo happy at the end of this match, as if he would have won the open.
P.s.: good news: Volandri is out, so one of the 2 players Mariano fears is no longer in the competition. I think that the only player he shoul be afraid of is him.
Glad to say also that his service has improved, or at least so I see it. All he has to do now is be very confident. He must find the motivation that made him advance into the RG final.