David Goffin loves clay courts. The Belgian had an awful start to the season, and looked to be struggling. It was asked What has happened to David Goffin? Less than a month ago the Belgian was in a slump and in danger of dropping out of the Top 100. David Goffin finding form on clay courts is a sight to behold.
Clay Court Shoes
After disappointing results on the hard courts, Goffin headed to Marrakech for the ATP 250 event. Unseeded and in the bottom half of the draw, the Belgian did not have a good section. However, his first round against Damir Džumhur was a relatively easy match. Goffin dominated the first set, and when the second went to a tiebreak did not falter. Goffin was through to the second round.
Spaniard Pablo Andújar had defeated the second seed, Dan Evans, in the first round, so was not going to be a pushover. Which is what proved to be the case, as the Spaniard broke late to take the first set. Goffin though was on a bit of a roll now, took the second set on a tiebreak and eased through the final set.
A tough quarterfinal against Roberto Carballés Baena, where Goffin was just edged out of the first set tiebreak showed that this surface is good for the Belgian. Goffin needed one break only in the second set to level up, and then totally dominated the final set, the Belgan did not lose a game in the final set. A straight set match victory in the semi final put Goffin into his first final since February 2021.
Against Slovakian Alex Molcan, Goffin started well, but the Slovakian got the break and first set. The Belgian, however, was in no mood to lose, and broke Molcan in each of the final two sets to claim his sixth title, and first since last season at the Open Sud De France.
Monte Carlo
Goffin needed a wild card to enter the Monte Carlo Masters this season, so far he has proved worthy of the award. After a straightforward Round 1 win, the Belgian was up against Dan Evans. It was a rematch of last season’s quarterfinal, which the Brit won. Goffin was able to avenge that result; the Belgian took the first set on a tight tiebreak, but dominated the second set.
An interesting match up awaits the Belgian. Had the seeded player got through, then Goffin would have been against Novak Djokovic. However, the Serbian was defeated by Spaniard Alejandro Davidovich Fokina. This is a winnable match up for Goffin, but can he keep his form going on the red dirt? Who knows, but the Belgian has certainly turned things around in the last few weeks–you can thank us later. It is clear that David Goffin is finding form again.
Main Photo from Getty.
