Quarterfinal Showdown - "You can't win, if you don't hit it in!" Is a phrase inspired by watching DR's game. Although Jeff is considerably younger, and played organized tennis in school. The last time these two faced-off - Dean was the victor! The same tactics Dean used his first encounter with Jeff almost worked again! Although down early, Dean's consistency allows him to battle back to close (4-5). Dean is only 2-points away from leveling this first set, when Jeff fluffs a weak shot over the net. This gives Dean a chance for advantage, but makes a rare unforced error - hitting into the net! Now set-point down - Dean seems focused, but JM pressures by approaching the net. Dean lobs, but it's long! Game and 1st-set go to JM.JM consistently approached the net whenever DR hit short. This gave JM a position of strength each time, from which Dean had to fight off. Dean's primary defense was the lob, but JM's height and reach mostly nullified this tactic! Only a perfect shot dropping on or near the baseline ever proved effective. Dynasty Champion JT (previously eliminated by JM) encountered similar challenges in his loss to JM earlier in the tournament.
DR breaks JM in the 1st-game of the 2nd! Now serving, and tied at deuce. DR hits a hybrid passing-shot to JM's backhand landing near the sideline. DR goes on to hold, and takes a 2-0 lead!
The tactical advantage JM's serve provides is often neutralized by DR simply blocking it back into play. Although the return is defensive in nature - JM is frequently unable to capitalize by making an unforced error.
Now leading 2-0 and holding a break-point. DR faces a weak 2nd serve to only put it into the net! This gave up a great chance to break for a 3-0 lead!
Followed by aggressive serve & volley play - JM then hits a monster 1st-serve to close (1-2). DR holds the next game at love by nailing multiple lobs (3-1). JM's serve is hitting so hard, Dean is literally standing at the fence (10-feet behind baseline)! JM saves a break-point to close to (2-3)!
CRITICAL POINT - Leading 3-2 but winded. DR fights to keep JM from leveling the set. DR holds to go up (4-2). This match could have been over had DR loss that game! JM is serving and takes the next game at love (4-3)DR. The 2nd-set offered two turning point games JM was unable to convert! DR holds serve at love to lead (5-3) 2nd-set! JM serving but down 2 set-points at 15-40. DR had JM on the ropes but allows him to tie at 40-all! Frustrated at going down yet another set-point - JM throws his racket into the fence! JM now channels his emotion into a monster 1st-serve! Only to have it blocked back by DR (advantage Dean), then point Dean. We are tied at 1-set all!
In the 3rd-set DR seems to have a psychological advantage. DR holds at love to take take a 1-0 lead as JM displays continued frustration slamming a ball into the fence! Renewed aggression - aided by a generous call by DR allows JM to level the match at 1-1.
JM breaks for a 2-1 lead, and gains the strategic advantage. JM has started to focus his frustration into improved performance, but now makes a rare double-fault to give Dean a triple break-point! Perhaps fatigue caused a lack of effort! DR fails to reach a short shot allowing JM to save 3 break-points and ties at deuce! Profanities fly as DR loses another break-point! After a multiple deuce exchange JM pulls ahead (3-1). DR just couldn't convert and loses his chance to tie at 2-all and serving for the lead in the final set! JM now edges ahead (4-1), then (5-1).
Serving into the sun to stay alive: DR gives up a 30-love lead to eventually lose the game. JM survives a quarterfinal challenge from DR 6-4,3-6,6-1!
