There’s something oddly likeable about Ukrainian Alexandr Dolgopolov, toying with his opponent with uniquely unpredictable play and tricky shots, as his bouncy walk sends his misshapen ponytail into a whirlwind.
Growing up tailing his father, ATP pro Oleksandr Dolgopolov sr, and with mother Elena a star gymnast, the 23-year-old could be forgiven for a star-child nature. But Dolgopolov—like an ordinary man in his twenties—spends his time watching motorsport and making internet games for a bit of extra pocket money.
In fact, he seems well-adjusted for someone who grew up on the tour, returning to Brisbane in 2012 for the third consecutive time at his highest ever ranking of 15 and the third seed in the men’s main draw, hoping to duplicate last year’s stellar Australian summer.
“I think it’s a nice tournament and the organisation is good, so I’m happy with the tournament, and coming here of course before the Australian Open is really nice to be in pretty much the same conditions you’ll have there, so that’s why I come back,” Dolgopolov said.
“The slams is always where you want to be at your best, but I’m playing here and I’ll focus here first and try to play well.”
In 2011, Dolgopolov stole the show at the Australian Open, taking out former finalist Jo Wilfried Tsonga and dismantling world No.4 Robin Soderling in five sets before going down to eventual runner-up Andy Murray in the quarterfinals.
It was the start of what was another ground-breaking year for Dolgopolov—nicknamed Dolgo on the tour—and on Sunday he set off on his 2012 campaign with a first-round win over Colombian Alejandro Falla.
But, it wasn’t stress-free for the No.3 seed, squandering an early break with some rusty errors, taking flashes of the Ukrainian’s brilliance to secure the set 7-3 in the tiebreak.
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The second set seemed to continue the trend when Falla again fought back from an early break, but Dolgopolov started looking confident in his shots, moving the Colombian relentlessly around the court and racing to a 5-2 lead, breaking comfortably to secure the match 7-6(3) 6-2.
“I didn’t play for two months, so it was a bit tough, but then I started playing better in the second set. I started trying out different plays, getting more confident, so it was pretty much a nice first match,” he said.
“I’m feeling great. Physically I’m feeling good on the court, mentally as well. I just need to find my game and try to get better and better for the Australian Open.”
Arriving in Brisbane a week ago, Dolgopolov has kept focused on his pre-tournament preparations, determined that with the No.3 seeding next to his name he can move further through the draw this year—losing in the second round to eventual runners-up Radek Stepanek and Andy Roddick the past two years.
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“We arrived Christmas Day and we had a day off on Friday. We went to the cinema, so not much just practicing and getting into the season,” he said.
“Last year I played Andy Roddick, so it was a tough match to go into the season. This year I have a better position in the draw, so I’ll be trying my best to get further.”
His eccentric on-court playing style transforms into a reserved persona off the court. Not taking too much time off, Dolgopolov is maturely content at staying happy, focusing on tennis and not getting too carried away by New Year celebrations.
“It was pretty calm. We went to dinner and looked at the fireworks and went home to sleep because I knew I had to play today, so nothing special,” he said.
He offered a wry smile about his new year, with his relaxed demeanour proving he doesn’t need any resolutions heading into 2012.
“It’s just a normal day for me. I’m not a person who waits for some holidays; I’m happy every day.”
Dolgopolov now awaits the winner of young Frenchman Adrian Mannarino and one of the winning qualifiers, while Stepanek, Gilles Simon and Jurgen Melzer all loom in his half of the draw.