It was a mismatch in every way, but Bolt’s play and some wicked wind conspired to leave Etcheverry searching for answers early on.
“Tough, tough conditions, said Etcheverry. “The ball moves a lot when I toss for the serve, and also for the rallies. Sometimes, was crazy. You just put the ball in the middle, I didn’t take any risk.”
Unable to impose his game on Bolt, the 6’5” Argentine was also befuddled by the southpaw’s propensity for the slice, and rather unorthodox style of play. Bolt can lull you to sleep with his tennis, but covers the court well and can uncork a big ball when needed. It was enough to see him past two three-setters in qualifying, and Wu Yibing in the main draw—for his first career tour win on clay.
