Here is Sousa playing in front of a packed house

Geneva Championship

[6] Joao Sousa (POR) vs Thomaz Bellucci (BRA)

Bellucci is a player I always hoped to see succeed.  His game always looked more impressive than his results.  Sousa on the other hand seems to steadily be rising in stature on tour.  In a situation like this, I like to pick a winner based on longer trends than just this event.  I like Sousa’s upward mobility.  I think he expects to win this event whereas Thomaz may be happy to have posted a nice result this week.

My Prediction: Joao Sousa d. Thomaz Bellucci 6-4, 6-4

Nice Championship

[4] Leonardo Mayer (ARG) vs Dominic Thiem (AUT)

These two played twice in 2014.  One was a main tour win by Mayer on clay.  The other was a qualifying round win by Thiem on clay.  This data does me little good.  Both players are impressive.  I am partial to Thiem’s style of play.  I think he could be part of the next big youth movement on tour.  I see this as a 50-50 match.  If Thiem takes care of his serve, I like his chances though.

My Prediction: Dominic Thiem d. Leonardo Mayer 7-5, 6-4