Predicted Winners in BOLD

This Day Has it All: The Big 3, The Big Czech, Kei, Ferrer, The Swiss #2, and The Shire’s Davis Cup Hope

[2] Roger Federer (SUI) vs [6] Tomas Berdych (CZE)  – I am tempted to take Berdych as he has been quite solid this clay court season while Federer has lost to La Monf and Kyrgios.  Still, Fed rolled Berdych at Indian Wells.  Clay seems to be the surface that bothers Roger the most these days.  If Roger is content to have reached a quarterfinal and is unwilling to dig into his reserves, Berdych might well clip him here.  Roger is the favorite though.

[1] Novak Djokovic (SRB) vs [5] Kei Nishikori (JPN) – If this were a game of Risk, Nole’s armies from Monte Carlo would be facing Kei’s Barcelona brigade in Rome.  Nole has not inspired confidence thus far in Rome.  Still, he is the defending champion and world #1.  He also does not want to embolden Kei any more than Kei already is so I expect Nole to be dialed in fully.

[4] Rafael Nadal (ESP)  vs [8] Stan Wawrinka (SUI) – The practice buddies will face-off for the first time since Stan won the 2014 Australian Open vs. Rafa.  Stan looked pretty good after winning 2 early titles in 2015 and pushing Nole to 5 sets in Melbourne.  Since that time, Stan has looked like a top 50 player and not a top 10 player.  Rafa also wants to add some good vibes to his somewhat rocky 2015 campaign.  I expect Rafa to have enough of a plan B to win on clay even if Stan comes out hitting big shots.

[7] David Ferrer (ESP) vs  David Goffin (BEL) – David vs. David lacks a biblical tone, but this should be fun.  Goffin could win this, but I have to think Ferrer is favored.