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Bolelli: I'll play short points

Bolelli announced an offensive and attacker's game, but he lost all five head-to-heads against Ferrer and so far he hasn't won a single set. Last year the Spaniard was convincing here, and the way he's playing this season, we doubt the Italian will reach his first win. Even though he claims he's playing better than ever

Although they practice together, although Gimeno is playing the most mature, and maybe the best season of his career, he couldn't stand up to Ferrer. He once more showed how strong he is, how unstoppable for anyone outside the Top 10. In fact, the experienced Spaniard's tactic was simple and efficient. He forced Gimeno's backhand and left him down on only six games.

Gimeno held himself well at the very start. Like in a boxing match, there were no real hits at the start, only testing out strength. That's why the first six games passed without a break-point. But soon Ferrer kicked into higher gear. He won three games in a row and reached an early break in the second set. Soon it became a one-way street and Gimeno couldn't stand up to him anymore. Especially in the third set when he realized the match was lost. The last two sets lasted less than an hour. An easy practice for Ferrer.

- I'm playing good and that makes me happy. I'm consistent and efficient. Roland Garros courts are prime. Maybe the conditions this year are somewhat slower, but I don't have problems with that. It suits me - said Ferrer after he won and then he talked with the usual respect about his opponent:

- Bolelli kicked Troicki out convincingly which clearly shows us how he plays. He's a dangerous hitter so I'll have to be careful.

Although Troicki was full of himself after the first round, and although he spoke of his shape raising, he couldn't stand up to the Italian. The Serbian tennis player was again defensive and let his opponent control the situation. That was a big mistake this time.

The Italian was aggressive, as always, but it was controlled, so he dictated the pace and attacked. Troicki's only weapon was the serve, and he didn't use it right Not enough to make a threat. After taking the 2-0 lead in sets, the winner was known. Especially when the Serbian player missed the break points at the opening of the third set, including three tied in the third game. Soon he lost his serve and that was it.

- I played a good match. I was firmed and focused, from the first to the last point. I worked a lot on it, so I' glad I managed to do it in such an important match. I think I'm a better player now than before my metacarpus surgery. I'm very pleased with the first part of the season - the Italian was in a good mood after the convincing win, but now he's up for the outsider role:

- David moves very well and he almost never misses. That's why I want a match without a rhythm and my tactic will be to play short points.

The tactic is nothing new, he tried it last year here as well, but it failed. For now nothing worked against Ferrer. The Spaniard won all five head-to-heads and he was convincing in all of them. Not one of the 11 sets they played were won by the Italian. That speaks enough, although Bolelli claims he's a better player than he was before.

So far Bolelli lost each time to Ferrer and didn't won a single set. He said he is going to play offensively, which means he will make a lot of errors and make Ferrer's job easier. On the other hand, if he starts to impose himself in exchanges, he's up for a tougher job. Considering that Ferrer is one of the better players on the return and that he can't be jeopardized with an offensive game, I doubt Bolelli will succeed in his intentions. Ferrer is in top shape and really makes almost no errors, and Bolelli's offensive tactics didn't work once and they won't today either. He risks a lot and can gain very little I'm sure Bolelli will make more and more mistakes and Ferrer will keep dominating as the match comes to its end, so I expect more than Ferrer's convincing win. Troicki was defensive and he allowed Bolelli to lead the game which was a missed tactic because Troicki doesn't know and it's not natural for him to be defensive. If he had played aggressively and more offensively, he wouldn't have lost so convincingly. On the other hand, Ferrer will mostly be defensive. He does that the best, and he will switch to offense when necessary. I think Bolelli doesn't stand a chance, despite his tactics.