Veselý’s Dubai Resurgence: From Slump to Breathtaking Final
jiří veselý has experienced a remarkable turnaround in Dubai, defying recent struggles and silencing doubters. After a period marked by a drop in ranking and a loss of his Czech number one spot, the 28-year-old has stormed through the ATP 500 tournament, showcasing a level of play reminiscent of his past successes.
Veselý’s journey began with a successful qualification campaign, followed by a string of notable victories over formidable opponents. He toppled former and current Top 10 players, including Marin Čilič, Robert Bautista agut, Novak Djokovic, and Denis shapovalov, a feat he hadn’t achieved as Wimbledon 2019. This impressive run marked his ninth career semifinal appearance and his first at an ATP 500 event.
The semifinal clash against Shapovalov was a grueling three-hour battle. Veselý,despite leading 3-0 in the first set,found himself in a tie-break,which he narrowly lost. The second set followed a similar pattern, with both players holding serve until another tie-break, this time won by Veselý. The deciding set saw Veselý squander a break point opportunity, but he remained resilient, forcing a third tie-break where he ultimately triumphed, securing his place in the final.
This unexpected resurgence has propelled Veselý back into the Top 100, guaranteeing him a return to the elite ranks. His final appearance will further elevate his ranking,potentially placing him around 75th and restoring his position as the Czech number one.
The Dubai final will pit Veselý against the in-form Andrey Rublev, the world number seven. Rublev, fresh from his victory in Marseille, has displayed remarkable form, winning eight of his last ten matches across two continents. This will be their first encounter, presenting a notable challenge for Veselý.
Veselý’s success in Dubai adds to his impressive career highlights, which include titles in Pune and Auckland. He will be aiming for his third ATP title, hoping to cap off his remarkable comeback with a victory against the formidable Rublev.
The Czech Republic has enjoyed recent success against shapovalov, with Vít Kopřiv and Jiří Leheček both defeating him in the past seven months. this trend highlights the strength of Czech tennis and adds another layer of intrigue to Veselý’s impressive run.ATP 500 DUBAI
United Arab Emirates, Hard Court, $2,949,665
Friday Results (February 25, 2022)
• Singles – semifinals •
Veselý (Czech Republic) – Shapovalov (Canada) 6-7(7) 7-6(1) 7-6(3)
rublev (russia) – Hurkacz (Poland) 3-6 7-5 7-6(5)
From Slump to Summit: An Exclusive interview with Jan Kodes on Jiří Veselý’s Dubai Surge
jiří Veselý’s remarkable turnaround in Dubai has taken the tennis world by storm. After a dip in form that saw him lose his Czech number one ranking,Veselý roared back to life,navigating a gauntlet of top players to reach the final of the ATP 500 Dubai duty Free Tennis Championships. To discuss this unbelievable feat, we sat down with legendary Czech tennis player and former French Open champion Jan Kodes.
Jan, Veselý’s journey in dubai has been truly inspiring.He defeated some formidable opponents,including former world number one Novak Djokovic and young gun Denis Shapovalov. What impresses you most about his performance?
“It’s wonderful to see Jiří back to his best. The grit and determination he showed, especially against Shapovalov in that grueling semifinal, were truly extraordinary. He was down in tie-breaks in both the first and second sets, but he battled back with incredible resilience. That mental fortitude is what separates the good players from the great.”
Do you think Veselý’s victory over Djokovic was a turning point for him?
“Absolutely. Beating a player of Djokovic’s calibre, even when he’s not playing at his absolute peak, is a huge confidence boost. It reaffirms your belief in your own abilities and sends a powerful message to the rest of the tour.”
Veselý’s journey back to the Top 100 has been extraordinary. He will face another stern test in the final against Andrey Rublev, who is in scintillating form. How do you see this match playing out?
“Rublev is playing fantastic tennis right now. His power and aggression can be overwhelming. But Jiří has shown he can handle pressure and fight until the very end. It promises to be a thrilling encounter. I believe Jiří has a real shot if he can dictate the pace and keep Rublev off balance.”
Veselý’s resurgence comes at a time when Czech tennis is experiencing a bit of a revival. Vít Kopřiva and Jiří Leheček have also had notable successes against top players recently. What do you attribute this resurgence to?
“Czech tennis has always had a strong tradition. We have a history of producing talented players who are technically sound and mentally tough. This new generation seems to be carrying on that legacy, driven by a strong work ethic and a thirst for success. It’s an exciting time for Czech tennis.”
What advice would you give to Jiří moving forward?
“Consistency is key. He needs to build on this momentum and continue to work hard. He’s shown he can compete with the best, now it’s about making that a regular occurrence. I have there’s no doubt whatsoever he has the potential to achieve great things in the sport.”
JiřÍ Veselý’s Dubai odyssey is a testament to the power of determination and resilience. His transformation from struggling player to tournament finalist is a story that should inspire us all. As Jan Kodes eloquently pointed out, the future looks bright for Veselý and for Czech tennis as a whole.
What do you think? can Veselý upset the odds and claim his third ATP title against rublev? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
