Tag Archives: Grigor Dimitrov

Tennis Power Ranking 2013: Post Monte Carlo

22 Apr

Dan Martin’s 2013 Power Ranking #6

1.  Novak Djokovic – Nole ends a nearly 9 year winning streak by Nadal in Monte Carlo and in straight sets no less.  He’s #1.

2.  Rafael Nadal - Rafa has played 5 events in 2013.  His results: 3 titles and 2 runner-up finishes.

Did someone really knock over his water bottles?

3.  Andy Murray – A top tier player will drop anytime he wins only 3 games in a match.  Change since last ranking -1

4.  Tomas Berdych 

5.  Roger Federer - Roger has points to defend in Madrid.  

6.  David Ferrer - Barcelona, Madrid and Rome will tell us a lot about Ferrer.

7.  Jo-Wilfried Tsonga – He played Nadal tough on his least preferred surface. Change since last ranking +2

8.  Juan Martin del Potro – Delpo needs to make a splash at one of the slams before the end of 2013.  Change since last ranking -1

9.  Richard Gasquet – He is quietly putting together his best start to any season.  Change since last ranking -1

10.  Tommy Haas (Tie) -  The old man of the tour reached the semifinal round in Miami by pulling a huge upset or two.  

10.  Grigor Dimitrov (Tie) – Could we finally be seeing a younger player make a move? Change since last ranking – Not ranked

Biggest Mover – Jo-Wilfried Tsonga gained two spots.

Dropped Out – N/A

Entered the Rankings – Grigor Dimitrov

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Australian Open Day 1 Thoughts

16 Jan

Youngsters Dig Deep or Tomic is Houdini

Bernard Tomic failed to convert 3 set points, including a forehand sitter, late in the 2nd set of his match vs. Fernando Verdasco.  Tomic looked exhausted and dumped the 2nd set tiebreak.  Darren Cahill was discussing Tomic’s need for more fitness and this being a lesson for the young Aussie.

Instead, Tomic opportunistically stayed close in the 3rd set and won the set on a bad service game from Verdasco.  He even admits to playing dead early in the 3rd set making Verdasco think he had given up.  With the help of the Aussie crowd, Tomic rallied to take the match 4-6, 6-7, 6-4, 6-2, 7-5. He may not be a young Jimmy Connors with such a comeback, but it was a serious escape artist victory.

Similarly, Alexandr Dolgopolov rallied from a 2 set deficit to defeat Greg Jones 1-6, 4-6, 6-1, 6-1, 6-2. Grigor Dimitrov also won in 5 sets over Jeremy Chardy. Winning 5 set battles is a big part of growing into a Grand Slam contender.  I think Dimitrov and Tomic can better explain needing 5 sets against talented and/or highly accomplished opponents.  Greg Jones is an unknown to me, but Dolgopolov survived and advanced so good for all 3 of these youngsters.

Delpo, Fish and Young

Sounds like a nice law firm, but all 3 advanced.  Juan Martin del Potro still looks a long way off of his 2009 form, but by advancing he has a chance to play his way into form.  Mardy Fish made short work of Gilles Muller in what had been considered an upset special.  Donald Young won in 5 sets despite dropping his 2 set lead.  Also, Dr. Ivo won in 3 sets over Jurgen Melzer.  Finally, Jarkko Nieminen retired against David Nalbandian.  Jarkko’s tune-up victory had a hint of a nice comeback story.

Post Script

5’6″ Olivier Rochus defeated 5’9″ Bjorn Phau in a match that all parents of athletic yet short of stature children should watch.

Verdasco

Fernando “Hot Sauce” Verdasco’s apparel deserves some thought even if I am the wrong person to consider anything pertaining to fashion.  After tireless research, I uncovered the inspiration for his look.  Check out this link.

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Who has the best chance of ending 2012 in the top 8? (Tennis Poll)

30 Nov

I tried to pick players who have never played in a Year End Championship, but who might put together a solid year and get into the season ending event next year.

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