The Appoigny tournament concluded its 2024 season on December 30th with two thrilling finals, each decided in straight sets but showcasing contrasting styles of play.
Sami Belaïdi, the tournament’s top seed (-2/6), dominated the men’s final. Facing Thibault Baudin (2/6, AS Corbeil-Essonnes), Belaïdi, representing TC Chatou, delivered a commanding performance, securing a decisive victory with a score of 6-3, 6-0 in a swift hour-long match.
Iwanikow’s Resilient Triumph
Ambre Iwanikow (15) mirrored Belaïdi’s success in the women’s final, but her path to victory was far more arduous. Initially trailing 1-4 against the hometown favorite, Axelle Bonnin (15/3), Iwanikow found herself under immense pressure. Bonnin’s powerful serves proved challenging early on.However, Iwanikow displayed remarkable resilience, refusing to yield. Once she established her own serve,Iwanikow shifted gears,employing a tenacious defensive strategy to turn the tide.
Iwanikow ultimately clinched the first set 7-5,and her momentum carried into the second set. Bonnin, visibly frustrated and physically drained, struggled to maintain her level of play, ultimately succumbing 6-2. This marked Iwanikow’s victory, but it was a hard-fought battle against a formidable opponent.Sadly for Bonnin,this marked her second consecutive final loss at home,following her defeat against Angèle Carroue in the previous year.
From Dominance to Resilience: Analyzing the 2024 Appoigny Tournament Finals with Marion Bartoli
Welcome back, tennis fans! Today, we have a true icon of the sport joining us to dissect the thrilling conclusion of the 2024 Appoigny Tournament. Marion Bartoli, former World No. 7 and 2013 wimbledon champion, will lend her expert insights on the contrasting styles and captivating battles that unfolded in the finals. welcome, Marion!
Marion: Thank you for having me. It’s always a pleasure to discuss the game I love.
Moderator: Let’s dive right in. Sami Belaïdi’s victory in the men’s final certainly seemed like a dominant performance. A straight-set win, 6-3 6-0 against Thibault Baudin, in just under an hour is extraordinary. What were your thoughts on Belaïdi’s performance,Marion?
Marion: Sami played exceptionally well. His serve was firing on all cylinders, and his groundstrokes were consistently deep and precise. He controlled the pace of the match from the very beginning, leaving Baudin with limited options. It was a display of true control and tactical superiority.
Moderator: Absolutely.Now, the women’s final was a fully different story. Ambre Iwanikow’s path to victory against Axelle bonnin was a rollercoaster of emotions. Down 1-4 in the first set, Iwanikow displayed astonishing resilience to eventually win 7-5, 6-2. What struck you most about Iwanikow’s performance, Marion?
Marion: Iwanikow’s mental strength was truly remarkable. Facing a hometown favorite with powerful serves like Bonnin can be incredibly daunting, especially after falling behind early. But Iwanikow refused to panic. She adapted her game, played intelligently, and capitalized on Bonnin’s growing frustration.
Moderator: It’s engaging you mentioned Bonnin’s frustration. She seemed to visibly struggle in the second set. Do you think the pressure of playing in front of a home crowd and consecutive final losses played a role in her performance, Marion?
Marion: It’s certainly possible. The pressure of expectations,especially after last year’s loss,can weigh heavily on a player,especially in a crucial moment. Iwanikow,on the other hand,seemed to thrive on the challenge.
Moderator: We see these contrasting styles quite often in tennis – the relentless dominator versus the gutsy fighter. What do you think contributes to these different playing styles, Marion?
Marion: It’s a combination of factors. Some players are naturally more aggressive and dominant from the baseline, while others possess exceptional mental fortitude and a knack for grinding out tough matches. It’s also about finding a style that best suits their physical and psychological strengths.
Moderator: That’s an excellent point. Now, looking ahead, both Iwanikow and Belaïdi have shown tremendous potential. Where do you see them going from here, Marion?
Marion: Both have the potential to climb the rankings and make serious waves in the professional circuit. It’s vital they continue honing their skills,manage their expectations,and most importantly,maintain their passion for the game.
Moderator: Lastly, we want to hear from our readers! what were your thoughts on the 2024 Appoigny finals? Share your opinions in the comments below and let’s keep the conversation going.
Thank you so much for joining us today, Marion.
Marion: My pleasure. It was a fascinating analysis, and I look forward to seeing what the future holds for these talented young players.