Ernest Gulbis...players should be scared

oneguy21 · Dec 9, 2008

I think Ernests Gulbis has a bright future ahead of him. He has huge groundies off both wings. His forehand is comparable to Gonzalaz's, his backhand is Safin-like, and his serve is just a monster. He also has a nice drop short and pretty good net play. He proved that he has potential by reaching the quarters of the French Open this year, and I believe that once he becomes more consistent he'll blast himself into the top ten.

Djokovicfan4life · Dec 9, 2008

Gulbis is a monster player, for sure. I find it a little funny that he said in an interview that the reason for his improvement on the tour is that he plays much higher percentage tennis though. I can't even imagine what his game was like before. :shock:

I think that Gulbis and Nishikori will really break through next year.

Nadal_Freak · Dec 9, 2008

Gulbis is just a hit and miss player. Those type of players are very dangerous but never find consistency. He'll have to change up his game and add more spin then he currently does.

Winners or Errors · Dec 9, 2008

oneguy21 said:
I think Ernests Gulbis has a bright future ahead of him. He has huge groundies off both wings. His forehand is comparable to Gonzalaz's, his backhand is Safin-like, and his serve is just a monster. He also has a nice drop short and pretty good net play. He proved that he has potential by reaching the quarters of the French Open this year, and I believe that once he becomes more consistent he'll blast himself into the top ten.

Very entertaining player. I think it's a bit early to predict if he'll develop the consistency to be a threat, but I hope he does. At least it will be fun to watch.

J-man · Dec 9, 2008

Gulbis is a prospect that is for sure. He has a lot of talent and a good game. He's still young and has to be come more consistent. Like to see him add some more variety to his game and step it up in the gym, which I am sure he will do.

wangs78 · Dec 9, 2008

He certainly has the potential. Definitely good FH and serve. Not sure how good his BH is, I think it could be more versatile. He's a big guy, so mobility may be an issue as he gets older but he's still young so....

We shall see. I forgot who he lost to at the USO in '08, bc until then he was having a pretty good run.

In)SpiRe · Dec 9, 2008

wangs78 said:
He certainly has the potential. Definitely good FH and serve. Not sure how good his BH is, I think it could be more versatile. He's a big guy, so mobility may be an issue as he gets older but he's still young so....

We shall see. I forgot who he lost to at the USO in '08, bc until then he was having a pretty good run.

Lost to Roddick. Was a good match, Gulbis was hitting great shots... winners everywhere

, but yea, unforced errors as well... Just what I like to see (the winners anyways).

bolo · Dec 9, 2008

Djokovicfan4life said:
Gulbis is a monster player, for sure. I find it a little funny that he said in an interview that the reason for his improvement on the tour is that he plays much higher percentage tennis though. I can't even imagine what his game was like before. :shock:

I think that Gulbis and Nishikori will really break through next year.

lol that's pretty funny if he said that.

He had nice touch on the drop shot but he was quite poor at the net in the couple of matches I have seen of his.

MajinX · Dec 9, 2008

oneguy21 said:
I think Ernests Gulbis has a bright future ahead of him. He has huge groundies off both wings. His forehand is comparable to Gonzalaz's, his backhand is Safin-like, and his serve is just a monster. He also has a nice drop short and pretty good net play. He proved that he has potential by reaching the quarters of the French Open this year, and I believe that once he becomes more consistent he'll blast himself into the top ten.

gulbus is gonna be like a better blake, he will probably hit the 4th rank spot for a bit but will stay drop to 10th and hover around that spot for most of his career and will have some mental problems.

Nadal_Freak · Dec 9, 2008

MajinX said:
gulbus is gonna be like a better blake, he will probably hit the 4th rank spot for a bit but will stay drop to 10th and hover around that spot for most of his career and will have some mental problems.

Gulbis doesn't have the speed Blake possesses. We'll see if he can at least get a little more consistent.

mental midget · Dec 9, 2008

gulbis is more like a mark p. with a little more touch. people forget how hard that guy hit his groundstrokes when he first hit the tour. i would say potentially top 3 all-time.

i remember the sound of his forehand and backhand were just like, 'thwock,' and the ball was at the back fence.

SirBlend12 · Dec 9, 2008

I've been saying it forever. Gulbis + consistency = apocalypse. This kid has more potential to dominate than you can throw a stick at. His shotspeed is ridiculous, his angles are surgical, and his serve is a monster. Beat him viciously with the consistency stick and you have a Top 10 player.

MajinX · Dec 9, 2008

Nadal_Freak said:
Gulbis doesn't have the speed Blake possesses. We'll see if he can at least get a little more consistent.

i mean career wise.. blake is a different player from gulbus for sure.

Vlad · Dec 9, 2008

Nadal_Freak said:
Gulbis doesn't have the speed Blake possesses. We'll see if he can at least get a little more consistent.

But Blake never had Gulbis' weapons, particularly the serve and more solid backhand.

Michael Bluth · Dec 9, 2008

Are you sure it didn't he say he was trying to play higher percentage tennis?
Because if he does that then watch out.

If he can nail that down and get a bit more confidence then he will have a great career.

RoddickAce · Dec 9, 2008

MajinX said:
gulbus is gonna be like a better blake, he will probably hit the 4th rank spot for a bit but will stay drop to 10th and hover around that spot for most of his career and will have some mental problems.

He seems like a Safin kind of player to me. Better mental strength though.

Shaolin · Dec 9, 2008

Oneguy21 has it spot on. Gulbis has an unbelievable game. Huge serve/FH/GREAT BH/excellent dropshot and excellent at the net. He has the potential to be top 10 (or better) within a year if he just starts playing a little smarter and reducing errors.

I think Gulbis is one of the least understood players on these boards. Some of the ignorant posts I see about him leave me shaking my head. Nadalfreak (typical fanboy) in particular but its not just him. Gulbis is gonna be winning majors and people need to wake up to that.

stanfordtennis alum · Dec 9, 2008

he does have a great game and expect this year, he will crack the top 15

NamRanger · Dec 9, 2008

Shaolin said:
Oneguy21 has it spot on. Gulbis has an unbelievable game. Huge serve/FH/GREAT BH/excellent dropshot and excellent at the net. He has the potential to be top 10 (or better) within a year if he just starts playing a little smarter and reducing errors.

I think Gulbis is one of the least understood players on these boards. Some of the ignorant posts I see about him leave me shaking my head. Nadalfreak (typical fanboy) in particular but its not just him. Gulbis is gonna be winning majors and people need to wake up to that.

We said the same thing about Safin too when we first saw him. He only won 2 slams. I'd say we should keep it realistic and say Gulbis has a very high chance of winning 1 slam, pretty solid chance of 2, and after that, who knows.

Michael Bluth · Dec 9, 2008

Gulbis should have at least a Safin style career.

He's very close to breaking through. He was very close to beating Nadal in Madrid, basically a point away from winning the first set where he just barely missed a forehand on break point. Had he won that first set he would have taken the match.

Tony48 · Dec 9, 2008

SirBlend12 said:
I've been saying it forever. Gulbis + consistency = apocalypse. This kid has more potential to dominate than you can throw a stick at. His shotspeed is ridiculous, his angles are surgical, and his serve is a monster. Beat him viciously with the consistency stick and you have a Top 10 player.

I agree. Once he has his screwed on right, Gulbis will dominate the field.

Tofuspeedstar · Dec 9, 2008

Needs to get some muscle on him, he's got a lot of potential.

Gen · Dec 9, 2008

Gulbis looks very technically accomplished. His serve is huge, but I saw many times that good players had no problem receiving it. Maybe his serve is easy to read. His technique is streamlined, very effective forehand, impressive backhand, he is a good volleyer when he does it in the right situation. Don't know why Nadal_Freak says that his speed is inadequate. Very good mover IMO. What he lacks is consistency and champion's mentality, loses too many critical points. But since he is barely 20, there's enough time for him to improve in this department. Of all the young tribe I expect the most from him and Cilic.

Djokovicfan4life · Dec 10, 2008

Nadal_Freak said:
Gulbis doesn't have the speed Blake possesses. We'll see if he can at least get a little more consistent.

Blake also has one of the worst mental games in the history of tennis, and his approach on serve returns is absolutely atrocious. I was watching that match against Nishikori the other day, and Nishikori played like crap in his opening service game of the third set. Blake spayed a forehand return on break point when Nishikori's confidence was down and from then on Nishikori owned the match. The guy needs to get over this all or nothing approach to returning.

Deleted member 21996 · Dec 10, 2008

Nadal_Freak said:
Gulbis is just a hit and miss player. Those type of players are very dangerous but never find consistency. He'll have to change up his game and add more spin then he currently does.

yes... its a known fact that to be sucessful the only way is to be a nadal emulation... that or play real offensive all court tennis...

flyer · Dec 10, 2008

i remember last year somebody came up with a very similar thread around this time, i said it then and i still kind of hold the same opinion he is comparable to safin with not as good movement but hes a bit more a the gun slinger go for broke type, he dangerous when hot or in a one match scenario but im not so sure i see the consistency in his game to win a slam or legitimately scare the top guys when the top players play him they can kind of weather the storm than slowly overwhelm him...

bigsam123 · Dec 11, 2008

NamRanger said:
We said the same thing about Safin too when we first saw him. He only won 2 slams. I'd say we should keep it realistic and say Gulbis has a very high chance of winning 1 slam, pretty solid chance of 2, and after that, who knows.

It must be said though that had it not been for a couple of really bad injuries, safin would probably have won a few more slams

lovecr717 · Dec 11, 2008

His game is quite similar to Safin's IMO. And yes he will be a new threat to the top players fo sho.

purple-n-gold · Dec 11, 2008

I still can't believe he lost that match to Arod at USO,he was completely owning him,although I didn't watch the entire match and heard Roddick stepped it up.If he can get his mental and strategic games together lookout.

JankovicFan · Dec 11, 2008

What I see is flaring for a set, maybe two, but rarely winning matches. His record for 2008 was three QF, period. He also faded into oblivion in the second half. His singles record is only a littlle over .500.

He's interesting to watch, but so far is not going anywhere. If he gets to where he is a threat for more than one set, i.e. all of a match, he might have something. There probably are many other players, about which we could say the same. For a player who is ranked 53, to which he fell rather than rose, 38 at best in early August, he sure gets a lot of attention. Again, I see him winning a set with some drama, but he doesn't win the match.

Zaragoza · Dec 11, 2008

SirBlend12 said:
I've been saying it forever. Gulbis + consistency = apocalypse. This kid has more potential to dominate than you can throw a stick at. His shotspeed is ridiculous, his angles are surgical, and his serve is a monster. Beat him viciously with the consistency stick and you have a Top 10 player.

But how is he going to be consistent if he overhits the ball all the time?
In order to gain consistency he should play a safer game but then his shots wouldn´t hurt his opponents so much. It´s all related.
Great players know when to take risks and when not, Gulbis just overhits the ball all the time. An "all or nothing" game will always be inconsistent.
What is clear is that he needs to improve a lot his mental strength in order to be a Slam contender, that´s his biggest weakness. If he doesn´t improve that it doesn´t matter the style he plays, he won´t be a great champion.

vtmike · Dec 11, 2008

Shaolin said:
Oneguy21 has it spot on. Gulbis has an unbelievable game. Huge serve/FH/GREAT BH/excellent dropshot and excellent at the net. He has the potential to be top 10 (or better) within a year if he just starts playing a little smarter and reducing errors.

I think Gulbis is one of the least understood players on these boards. Some of the ignorant posts I see about him leave me shaking my head. Nadalfreak (typical fanboy) in particular but its not just him. Gulbis is gonna be winning majors and people need to wake up to that.

Yes I agree! Gulbis has a lot of potential....he certainly has the right game but lacks consistency....If he becomes consistent, he has the kind of of game that will upset Nadal

Wondertoy · Dec 11, 2008

Nadal_Freak said:
Gulbis is just a hit and miss player. Those type of players are very dangerous but never find consistency. He'll have to change up his game and add more spin then he currently does.

Wrong, Guilbis is easy top 10. He's just needs experience and better volleys.

Deleted member 21996 · Dec 11, 2008

the inside out fh reminds me of paradorn? vicious speed slingshot... anyone agree?

Cyan · Dec 11, 2008

If this guy overcomes his mental weakness, he could be big. I agree. He's got game. Great game.

matchmaker · Dec 11, 2008

lovecr717 said:
His game is quite similar to Safin's IMO. And yes he will be a new threat to the top players fo sho.

I also see a reissue of Safin in him. He has got absolutely frightening power on both wings. Very few players can generate so much pace. That is an incredible weapon. He also has a good serve and quite some touch at net. But he has to learn to adjust the cannon. I would be surprised if he did not win anything big in his carreer.

Cyan · Dec 11, 2008

Nadal_Freak said:
Gulbis is just a hit and miss player. Those type of players are very dangerous but never find consistency. He'll have to change up his game and add more spin then he currently does.

Obviously or he will end up becoming the next Berdych....

tacou · Dec 11, 2008

purple-n-gold said:
I still can't believe he lost that match to Arod at USO,he was completely owning him,although I didn't watch the entire match and heard Roddick stepped it up.If he can get his mental and strategic games together lookout.

Gulbis isn't a top player, Roddick is. I don't think Gulbis is as inconsistent as he is unable to find ways to win matches.
If hitting as hard as he can doesn't work, he has little options left.

Coaching · Dec 11, 2008

Gulbis need mental toughness and a new coach, his current one is not cutting it anymore. There are too many matches that "he should have won" and did not. New coach will bring a new perspective on his game and all the potentials are in there for him.

Shaolin · Dec 11, 2008

Imagine Gulbis with a top notch coach like Stefanki or Cahhill...

S C A R Y

Michael Bluth · Dec 11, 2008

I agree. A top coach would do him a world of good.

It's not like he can't afford to pay top dollar for the best coaches, I say go for it, see who he can get.

SirBlend12 · Dec 11, 2008

Zaragoza said:
But how is he going to be consistent if he overhits the ball all the time?
In order to gain consistency he should play a safer game but then his shots wouldn´t hurt his opponents so much. It´s all related.
Great players know when to take risks and when not, Gulbis just overhits the ball all the time. An "all or nothing" game will always be inconsistent.
What is clear is that he needs to improve a lot his mental strength in order to be a Slam contender, that´s his biggest weakness. If he doesn´t improve that it doesn´t matter the style he plays, he won´t be a great champion.

I haven't seen it as a case of mental strength so much as he does need to chill a little bit on the forehands until he has more of an opening. People are making him out to be Safin but I've never seen this kid lose his cool.

And I think his consistency is starting to show up a bit more. Did you see his match against Nadal at Madrid? He has a net game that's something to be contended with.

tennisgirl90 · Dec 12, 2008

I hope he does well next year. I watched him playing at the FO this year and I was impressed with the way he played. It all seems so easy and I liked his backhand (and all the other components of his game). He seems a nice guy and it looks like he always enjoys playing.

He's able to win some Slams in the future. But maybe he's too talented, you often see a kind of laxity in his game and he doesn't seem able to play an entire match at the same level (against Roddick USO or Wimbledon against Nadal for example). I hope he wants to reach the absolutely top and he realizes he has to work hard to reach his goal.

If he really wants it, I think he can become a great player. Otherwise, he will become a second Safin/Berdych/Gasquet.

swedechris · Dec 12, 2008

mental midget said:
gulbis is more like a mark p. with a little more touch. people forget how hard that guy hit his groundstrokes when he first hit the tour. i would say potentially top 3 all-time.

i remember the sound of his forehand and backhand were just like, 'thwock,' and the ball was at the back fence.

yes mark whacked the ball. heavy and very very fast pace especially when he had time to wind up on the forehand side.. tscheploooonk.

gulbis is abit of a safin and soderling hybrid... if he can keep his cool he wont be anybodys fool in 09.

Rhino · Dec 12, 2008

I agree about Gulbis.
I was in the 2nd row of court #1 when he played Nadal at Wimbledon. He really had Rafa bothered there for a while, and even took a set off him. Nobody else apart from Fed could hurt Rafa at Wimbledon this year. Gulbis is top 5 material for sure.

JankovicFan · Dec 12, 2008

Rhino said:
I agree about Gulbis.
I was in the 2nd row of court #1 when he played Nadal at Wimbledon. He really had Rafa bothered there for a while, and even took a set off him. Nobody else apart from Fed could hurt Rafa at Wimbledon this year. Gulbis is top 5 material for sure.

I am reminded of Tipsarevic, Kohlschreiber, and Nieminen providing serious competition for the big boys at AO 2008. What happened to them? I just think there is a long list of journeymen who can take a set from a top five player but then a short list of those who can win a whole match.

Shaolin · Dec 12, 2008

JankovicFan said:
I am reminded of Tipsarevic, Kohlschreiber, and Nieminen providing serious competition for the big boys at AO 2008. What happened to them? I just think there is a long list of journeymen who can take a set from a top five player but then a short list of those who can win a whole match.

These guys dont have anything near the weapons that Gulbis possesses. Nieminen?? Give me a break. You must not watch much tennis.

Rhino · Dec 12, 2008

JankovicFan said:
I am reminded of Tipsarevic, Kohlschreiber, and Nieminen providing serious competition for the big boys at AO 2008. What happened to them? I just think there is a long list of journeymen who can take a set from a top five player but then a short list of those who can win a whole match.

It wasn't a fluke. He took another set from Nadal in Madrid. He also beat James Blake twice this year and took sets from Murray, Roddick, Davydenko, Nalbandian, Gonzalez, etc. He's the real deal. Yet to face Federer - that will be interesting. Actually Tipsy could also do damage in '09, but he won't amount to much compared to Gulbis over the next few years.

jrod · Dec 12, 2008

Coaching said:
Gulbis need mental toughness and a new coach, his current one is not cutting it anymore. There are too many matches that "he should have won" and did not. New coach will bring a new perspective on his game and all the potentials are in there for him.

Absolutely. He is extremely talented but from what I've seen, he makes a large number of mental errors. This can be corrected fairly easily with proper coaching. With the $ his father makes this should be a no brainer. I'm wondering if daddy warbuck's ego is getting in the way here?

JankovicFan · Dec 12, 2008

Shaolin said:
These guys dont have anything near the weapons that Gulbis possesses. Nieminen?? Give me a break. You must not watch much tennis.

Why do you need to ridicule a different view than yours? Is being snarky part of the game here?

Ernest Gulbis...players should be scared

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