Who the hell is this guy?
I got home from work and turned on TTC while making dinner. This match was on and I didn't really pay attention until the 2nd game, where Ferrero was serving. Giraldo ripped 3 straight backhand winners off of 3 first serves. He then won the 0-40 point with a BH winner. I decided it was time to pay attention.
I watched him serve his next game. Beautiful service motion, fluid and loads of power. Second serve was rather weak, but he didn't seem to need it. Before I knew what was going on, he had a bagel in the bank. Ferrero was stunned. Andreev, Hewitt and probably others had arrived to witness the beat down. This guy was hitting unbelievable winners off both wings AT WILL, some in excess of 100 mph. Deep, penetrating, flat balls....on clay no less. Ferrero was lucky to get his racquet on the few he did. And when he did make contact, it was usually late.
Second set Giraldo came off the boil....only slightly. More rallies, with some strategic play. But whenever Giraldo felt he could hit out, he did. When the dust settled Ferrero was nowhere to be found. I didn't even see the handshake (I assume there was one). The guy was fearless.I think he had something like 32 winners to 19 UE's. Unbelievable stuff in my opinion.
So, who the hell is this guy Giraldo and why haven't I heard anything about him before?
p.s. The last time I stumbled into a match like this was when Sampras was announcing his presence to the ATP at the US Open. He too, was just a kid with a fearless attitude and one incredible game. I ain't predicting anything here so don't go long on me. But I really don't recall being this stunned by a player since I first saw Pete play.
