These Should Be Good

Tomas Berdych (CZE) [6] vs. Marin Cilic (CRO) [14]

This year might be known as the year of the celebrity coach.  Boris Becker, Stefan Edberg, Amelie Mauresmo and Michael Chang have gotten a lot of press for their roles with top ranked players.  Goran Ivanisevic’s work with Marin Cilic should not go unnoticed.  Goran helped Marin with his service toss and that has made a big difference in Marin’s play.  The palindrome lost to Novak Djokovic in 5 sets in the Wimbledon quarterfinal round and has had many other solid results in 2014 after a murky PED case in 2013.

Berdych was a victim of his at Wimbledon, but some ill will toward the tournament has to exist over how dark the match was.  Berdych has also worked his way through a tough draw to reach this point.  I think Berdych is playing well enough to win a 4 or 5 set thriller.  Berdych is not as mobile as Cilic, but I think he has a bit more heft in his game even with Cilic’s improved serve efficency.

Prediction: Berdych d. Cilic 6-4, 5-7, 7-6, 6-4

Gael Monfils (FRA) [20] vs. Roger Federer (SUI) [2]

Gael is playing some of his most entertaining and (more importantly?) effective tennis of his career.  Roger Federer is once again in a good position for reaching another Grand Slam final.  This match should be exciting and fans could see some great shotmaking.  I think Federer will likely win this match because he is the historically more steady player.  Also, Federer beat Monfils in Cincinnati.  Still, Gael’s form makes me think this is going at last 4 sets.

Prediction: Federer d. Monfils 6-4, 3-6, 6-4, 6-2