Predicted Winners in BOLD
Marcel Granollers (ESP) v [7] Andy Murray (GBR) – Based on other results, this upset I am predicting is not that major.
Jeremy Chardy (FRA) v [4] Roger Federer (SUI) – Is Federer in a post-baby fog? If so, he’ll likely lose. Still, I think in Monte Carlo he played well enough to get a modest benefit of the doubt.
[1] Rafael Nadal (ESP) v Gilles Simon (FRA) – I love Simon, but I’d be nuts not to pick Rafa even is he’s had a few odd results on clay in 2014.
Kevin Anderson (RSA) v [11] Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (FRA) – On clay, I think Tsonga’s superior mobility will be an asset. On any other surface, I might pick Anderson.
[12] Grigor Dimitrov (BUL) v Ivo Karlovic (CRO) – Dimitrov has made uneven progress in 2014. On clay, he should find a way to break Dr. Ivo’s serve and break down his game.
Dmitry Tursunov (RUS) v [6] Tomas Berdych (CZE) – I’d like to pick an upset here, but I think Berdych is good for the win.
Igor Sijsling (NED) v [15] Tommy Haas (GER) – Haas late career renaissance appears to be ebbing.
[Q] Stephane Robert (FRA) v Ernests Gulbis (LAT) – Gulbis has been pretty consistent in his 2014 results.
[PR] Jurgen Melzer (AUT) v Marin Cilic (CRO) – 50-50 match, but Melzer is cagey enough to get my vote.
Lukas Rosol (CZE) v Ivan Dodig (CRO)
[Q] Andrey Golubev (KAZ) v [14] Mikhail Youzhny (RUS) – Youzhny needs to grab the points that this draw presents to him.
Tennis Abides: Dan Martin on Tennis and Life 