South American Renaissance Gustavo Kuerten was not expected to win the 1997 French Open, but he went through accomplished champions and clay court powers in the process. Kuerten beat fifth seeded and 1995 French Open champion Thomas Muster in the round of 32. He beat Andrei Medvedev in the round of 16. He beat defending…
Month: May 2013
Nadal & Federer’s 30th Match: Prediction
Federer vs. Nadal 30 In 2006, these two men staged one of the best matches of their rivalry in Rome. Nadal prevailed in 5 electrifying sets. In 2013, the two meet again in Rome in the championship match. They have played enough times that we roughly know what to expect. Federer will need to serve…
Masters Rome: Semifinal Predictions
Predicted Winners in BOLD Women’s Semifinal Matches 1Serena Williams vs. Simona Halep – I am not sure I need to explain anything about this prediction. 3Victoria Azarenka vs. 7Sara Errani – Based on clay court form, I’d take Errani, but I think the 2013 Australian Open champion and the World #1 are on a collision course. Azarenka in 2…
My Problem with the Federer Post Mortems
My Starting Point I will put my bias out there and state that Roger Federer has been all-time my favorite tennis player to watch since 2003. I like his game, his balance, his shot making etc. I also will bluntly say that Roger is not playing near his career best 2006 level, or his 2004-2007…
Madrid Masters 2013 Final Prediction Nadal vs. Wawrinka
Rafael Nadal vs. Stanislas Wawrinka This match is pretty straight forward to predict. If things go according to form, Nadal should win. Wawrinka is riding a big winning streak and playing the best tennis of his life. Here are 3 keys to Wawrinka pulling an upset. Stan must serve well. The altitude in Madrid benefits…
Masters Madrid Semifinal Predictions May 11, 2013
Predicted Winners in BOLD Semifinals 5 Rafael Nadal vs. Pablo Andujar – If Andujar is ever going to win against Rafa, this is his chance. Nadal played 2 tough sets and a 3rd set versus Ferrer. Nadal is also seemingly a little rusty. The altitude in Madrid has never been to Rafa’s liking. Still, I…
Madrid Masters Predictions May 10, 2013
Predicted winners in BOLD Quarterfinals Kei Nishikori (14) vs. Pablo Andujar – A great match for tennis lovers, but I think Andujar will be more fresh and as I said earlier I love Pablo’s game. Andy Murray (3) vs. Tomas Berdych (6) – I think clay helps Berdych here. He can hit through the court whereas Murray’s shots may sit up…
Madrid Masters Predictions May 9, 2013
Predicted Winners in BOLD Roger Federer vs. Kei Nishikori – Federer has had a mediocre 2013 by his standards. He also has points to defend. I expect Roger to advance, but a loss would not be shocking. Andy Murray vs. Gilles Simon – In 2008, Simon looked like Murray’s mini-me. This could go either way on clay. I still think Murray…
French Open Memories: Steffi Graf 1987-1989
My first distinct tennis memories are matches between Jimmy Connors and John McEnroe in the 1982 Wimbledon men’s championship and the 1984 US Open semifinal. Both were five set thrillers, but I did not start following tennis regularly until Boris Becker won Wimbledon in 1985. French Open matches did not make much of an impression…
How Much Are You Looking Forward to Jimmy Connors’ Autobiography?
Some early press has already created a buzz about the book. What do you think about the release of the The Outsider?
Tennis Abides: Dan Martin on Tennis and Life 