Nikoloz Basilashvili will come back

David Akhaladze

He used to be a Top 20 player. He used to win at a different level in the main ATP circuit. He used to play on Masters level finals and he used to beat some classy opponents in the finals (Juan Martin Del Potro to say the least). But times passed by and he no more stays in the top group, but is never short of attempting a come back. Just like that. Nikoloz Basilashvili had some strong clay events and moved closer to elusive Top 100. The rest is up to him.

He started the Challenger circuit outside the Top 150 and now, stays at crawled back to 120th position in the singles rankings. That is a huge gain, considering all the off court problems and issues he was facing during his las adventures. Basilashvili is on the rise. Well, for how long?

He lost to Austrian Filip Misolic in Prague Challenger 0:6, 5:7. He could have gone further and better. Misolic is beatable, especially, on clay. And, especially, by Basilashvili. But, the result remained unchanged and Nikoloz was ready for the next event. Enter the Bordeaux.

The first opponent he has faced, was a tough one. Spaniard Albert Ramos-Vinolas was once a Top 20 player, but age (37) caught him fast and the decline was obvious. Basilashvili bettered the clay specialist 6:2, 6:2 and went to another level. Second round and a showdown with a Frenchman on the rise.

Quentin Halys occupies spot number 47, which is a career high for him. He is having a decent season and was a favorite versus Nikoloz. But, Basilashvili prevailed. 7:6 (7), 7:6 (4) and after a tiresome battle, Nikoloz secured a spot in the quarters. This time, Halys was not ready to cause Georgian some serious problems. Basilashvili is off to a good start.

Next stop. Brandon Nakashima, world’s number 31. Once hailed as the next American to conquer the Grand Slam, Nakashima is missing some star potential, but nevertheless, is a fighter and a great server as well. Basilashvili won the encounter 6:2, 6:7 (4), 6:3.

Nikoloz faced the player in form in the Semis. Tallon Griekspoor from Netherlands. Who is having a season of his life so far. Already a winner of 21 matches this year, Tallon is a fighter, nut Nikoloz demolished him 6:4, 6:0. Mission accomplished.

The last man standing between Nikoloz and this elusive title was another Frenchman Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard, a gigantic server with no other option at best. But on this day, Frenchmen was better and outclassed Nikoloz 5L3, 6:7 (5), 7:5.

Basilashvili lost, but gained some needed points and places in the rankings. Job done. Now, off to the next stop.