Nadal survives thriller
06/24/2010 09:23:34 PM
game after saving four break points in the opener
Jo-Wilfried Tsonga had to dig deep to overcome rising star Alexandr Dolgopolov in a gruelling second-round clash.
Ukrainian Dolgopolov fought back after slipping two sets behind only for Tsonga, the French 10th seed, to edge the decider and complete a 6-4 6-4 6-7 (5-7) 5-7 10-8 victory.
It was only 21-year-old Dolgopolov's second grand slam event - he reached the third round at the French Open last month - and second professional tournament on grass.
Occupying a career-high world ranking position of 43rd, he was positioned at 370th this time last year and he grew in stature throughout today's showdown on Court 18.
It took three hours and 55 minutes for Tsonga to settle the match, with the most exciting moments coming in a dynamic final set full of tension and some wonderful exchanges.
Frenchman Gilles Simon was handed a walkover into the third round after opponent Illya Marchenko pulled out due to injury.
Ukrainian Marchenko is believed to have a shoulder problem and did not start the match, which was scheduled for Court 12.