Malisse Downs Novak
Tuesday, June 22, 2004
Jiri Novak, the 16th seeded Czech and resident of Monaco, might hope to have
better luck at Monte Carlo Casino.
He heads home after losing his match against unseeded Xavier Malisse who won
in straight sets 6-3, 6-4, 6-4.
The Belgian, a talented teenage football player, scored an unexpected win
against the more experienced Novak who last year featured in a career-high
three ATP finals.
Malisse reached the semi-final at The Championship in 2002 but the 23-year-old
Belgian's form has been fluctuating and he has dipped to 51st in world
rankings after reaching a top 20 position. He had shown signs of promise at
Roland Garros, though, when he reached the fourth round.
Even though Novak has at his best been ranked No. 5 in the world, he is not a
grass specialist. On his eight previous appearances at The All England Club,
he has only once ventured to the third round.
Malisse missed out on a Wimbledon final after a five-set thriller against
David Nalbandian in 2002 and it could be foolish to bet against him doing
well at Wimbledon again this year, especially as he is going to avoid meeting
any of the top guns on the second round.
But after his early exit, Novak may prefer to place his bets at Monte Carlo
rather than to back his opponent in the next game.
Written by Jukka Viskari
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