It was not Federer versus Nadal, but, for the fans in Knoxville, it could have been.
The 2019 Knoxville Challenger final matched up players with very different styles, both with similarities to the classic rivals.
Michael Mmoh: Physical. A warrior with a big forehand.
Christopher O'Connell. Cerebral. A dancer with a classic backhand.
The 6-4, 6-4 score line doesn't come close to telling the story. In the first set, the quality of play, both offense and defense, was so high that serving did not create an advantage. Mmoh broke O'Connell on all three of his chances. O'Connell broke MMoh on two of his five chances. Total: five breaks of service, five holds, and the first set went to Mmoh.
In the second set, Mmoh converted just one of three break points. He had to save all six break points against him to win the second set and the title.
There's nothing like watching two players, evenly matched, both playing their best tennis and reflecting such different styles. It wasn't Rafa vs. Roger but at times it felt that way.
Knoxville did the game of tennis proud, as did our finalists. A great tournament.
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