Epic Tennis Match
AJ strikes a backhand in this AP file photo.
In a hotly contested and highly anticipated 16th match of the season, Mark and AJ matched up in what some billed as the hottest tennis match on record.
The match, preceded by copious amounts of trash talking, began where the previous match had left off, with Mark hitting highly precide, topspin enabled forehands and backhands for winner after winner.
Mark took the beginning set 6-3 in fairly convincing fashion.
In a set that very well could be a turning point in the seasonal series, Mark, by his own admission, took his foot off the throttle in a conscious decision to attempt to save energy and coast to a victory. This strategy however was very short-sighted, as A.J., backed by a powerful kick serve, cruised to a second set victory, 6-3.
In a third set that onlookers descrived as scintillating, A.J. completed his match victory by displaying a well oiled ground game, with 2 parts of hustle.
With his victory, A.J. snapped his 2 game losing streak over his bitter rival, and potentially set the tone for the rest of the season.
Victories By Year
Tags: Tennis