Predicted Winners in BOLD
Rafael Nadal (ESP) [1] vs. Gael Monfils (FRA) [25] – Monfils is playing some of the best tennis I have seen in his career. His runner-up finish in Qatar and wins in Melbourne bode well for his 2014 campaign. Rafael Nadal is going to likely put a stop to this run. I think Monfils might win a set though.
Donald Young (USA) vs. Kei Nishikori (JPN) [16] – I have no idea how to call this one. I could see either man winning. I’m taking Young because I think his improbable run deserves a date with Rafa to measure where he is at and where me might be able to go by recapturing some promise. On paper, Kei is the favorite. This pick is probably a stretch, but Kei has not had a lot of Slam success (nor has Young) so I am at a loss.
Milos Raonic (CAN) [11] vs. Grigor Dimitrov (BUL) [22] – As great as the Big 4 Era has been, tennis always needs new blood. These two are good candidates for being able to rise in the rankings. Grigor had a solid 2013 and won his first tour level event. Raonic had a better 2013. I think the big Canadian wins this in 4 or 5 entertaining sets.
Benoit Paire (FRA) [27] vs. Roberto Bautista Agut (ESP) – Paire is a nice player to keep an eye on in 2014. I doubt that he makes too many waves at the slams, but he will do well week-in and week-out in 2014.
Andy Murray (GBR) [4] vs. Feliciano Lopez (ESP) [26] – After what looked like a stacked draw against Nadal became easier with JMDP’s upset loss, I think Murray is the only man on the top half of the draw with a realistic shot at derailing Rafa’s run to the final. Murray needs to get any rust off quickly, but I don’t think Lopez poses much of a threat even if Andy’s mum loves Feliciano.
Stephane Robert (FRA) vs. Martin Klizan (SVK) – Kilzan has been a reliable pick for me to this point. Why change?
Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (FRA) [10] vs. Gilles Simon (FRA) [18] – I have to think Simon is close to empty in terms of energy reserves. He has two marathon wins and will need to play great defensive tennis to beat Tsonga. Hence, I am picking Tsonga. Tired legs rarely equal great defensive tennis.
Teymuraz Gabashvili (RUS) vs. Roger Federer (SUI) [6] – With a new racquet, I think Roger is susceptible to an upset bid, but I think he will face longer odds starting in the round of 16. Can we also book a Federer/Edberg vs. Nole/Becker doubles match with proceeds being split 4 ways to their chosen charities?
Tennis Abides: Dan Martin on Tennis and Life 
I’m glad you were wrong about the Dimitrov match. What a good batch of tennis! It was good to see Raonic pressuring at the net, too. I love to see some old school serve-and-volley sprinkled in with the baseline game of today.
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