Alexandr Dolgopolov is an enigma; you will never forget him once you witness his genius, but are more than likely to never have the opportunity to watch him again. Blessed with enormous talent and easy power, Dolgopolov plays an unorthodox, high-risk game. More often than not, Dolgopolov appears lackadaisical, even uninterested, but in a flash, can unleash his lethal jumping topspin forehand to devastating effect.
Unquestionably, the twenty-six year old Ukrainian has not come close to realizing his potential. Currently ranked twenty-four in the world with two career titles, the Dog or “Dolgo”, achieved a career high ranking of thirteen in January 2012.
It would appear that the twenty-four year old was on an upward trajectory, and I for one envisioned him breaking into the top ten later that year. As with many naturally gifted players, mental focus, stamina and commitment are often inconsistent producing lacklustre results. Was his inability to capitalize on his early successes physical, mental or a combination of the two?
His unorthodox strokes include a jumping topspin forehand and a powerful first serve with an abbreviated motion. He is right-handed and hits a two-handed backhand but when necessary, employs the one-handed slice.
Due to his frequent doubles play, Dolgopolov exhibits excellent volley technique, often finishing off points at the net. At 5 feet 11 inches, the Dog is extremely quick and agile around the court. When playing offensively, he is able to flatten out his groundstrokes to astounding effect as witnessed in his successful run to the quarter-finals at the 2011 Australian Open, losing to Andy Murray in four. He would demonstrate similar prowess at the remaining slams over several seasons, reaching the third round twice on the dirt at Roland Garros and the lawns of the All England Club and the fourth round at the US Open.
I first took notice of this captivating player in the Spring of 2011 at the Sony Ericsson Open in Miami, were he took on Rafael Nadal in the fourth round, losing in straights. Undeniably, he possessed the tools to rattle and unnerve Rafa and consequently going forward, I expected similar results.
Unfortunately, he soon became seriously ill with pancreatitis, forcing him to curtail his clay court season. Alexandr would rebound nicely, capturing his first ATP Tour title at the Studen Croatia Open, defeating home-town favorite and number four seed Marin Cilic in three tight sets.
The following year, Dolgopolov, with a victory over Tommy Haas, won his second ATP title and first at the 500 level at the Citi Open in Washington, D.C. His inability, however, to make significant and consistent progress at the Masters 1000 level tournaments as well as at the slams saw his ranking plummet in 2013. His best result of the season came at the Winston-Salem Open where he lost in the semis to the equally charismatic and gifted Frenchman, Gael Monfils.
In 2014, the Dog reached his first final since 2012 at the inaugural Rio Open in Brazil, defeating David Ferrer on his way to the final where he lost to world number one, Rafa Nadal. Alexandr would exact revenge later that season in the third round at Indian Wells, defeating Nadal in three compelling sets, 6-3, 3-6, 7-6 becoming the first Ukrainian to defeat the reigining world number one.
In July of that year, Alexandr injured his right knee and underwent arthroscopic surgery later that month. He did not return to the tour until September in Tokyo, where he lost in the first round to the young and talented American, Jack Sock.
He began the current season in Brisbane where he failed to convert six match points against Martin Klizan in the third round, losing 7-6 in the third. Playing doubles with the reigning US Open finalist and world number five Kei Nishikori, they reached the finals losing to Jamie Murray and John Peers.
He is presently competing at the Delray Beach Open where he defeated Teymuraz Gabshvili, 7-6, 6-3 in his opening match. Next up for the Dog is either American Tim Symyczek who pushed Nadal to the brink in five grueling sets at the 2015 Australian Open, or the young, talented American wild card entrant, Stefan Kozlov.
Sadly, Dolgopolov suffers from a debilitating, hereditary disorder known as Gilbert’s Syndrome which affects the liver and blood, causing chronic fatigue. Undoubtedly, this has severely impacted his ability to train and compete week after week at the elite level. International travel negatively impacts this condition, forcing him to undergo intraveneous treatments and dietary restrictions.
Unquestionably, this chronic disorder undermines his confidence; when a player fears his body will betray him, the mind follows suit. It remains to be seen how much longer Dolgopolov can maintain his current schedule and modified training regimen but this much is certain; whenever he takes the court, it’s a match to be watched, relished and enjoyed.
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