Chasing Titles with the Dog

Finally Alexandr Dogopolov of Ukraine has won a second title! This week, Dogopolov (aka “the Dog”) beat Tommy Hass in two sets of three and twice waiting out rain delays, this week in the Citi Open held in Washington DC. The Dog previously one 2011 title for the Croatia Open UMAG beating out Marin Cilic.  This kid is on his way up. ATP Rankings now have him at 16.  I first watched him play Bernard Tomic in the 2011 Australian Open and knew he was someone to watch. Dogopolov has a risky and fast paced style of tennis which match his off-court “hobby” of racing cars. “I don’t think about the percentages,” said Dolgopolov. “I like to do it my way.” The Dog also said he didn’t think much about not having had a title in the last year. Instead he kept a simple mind-set and approached each match the same. Showing patience and calm demeanor, The Dog chased all the other competitors away.

Dogopolov results in each round of the 2012 Citi Open:

First Round	Flavio Cipolla	Win	6-1, 6-3
Second Round	Ruben Ramirez Hidalgo	Win	6-1, 6-3
Quarterfinals	James Blake	Win	7-6 (7-3), 6-4
Semifinals	Sam Querrey	Win	6-4, 6-4
Final	Tommy Haas	Win	6-7 (7-9), 6-4, 6-1