Predicted Winners in BOLD

[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nLe_dAyo0Uo]

A rematch could happen soon

[1] Novak Djokovic (SRB) vs [25] Andreas Seppi (ITA) – Novak has looked quite sharp to this point.

“This seems like a good time to get in the face of one of the grittiest fighters tennis has ever produced” – Things few of us have ever said/done 

[8] Rafael Nadal (ESP) vs [32] Fognini (ITA) – Fognini’s game can actually bother Rafa, or the current version of Rafa.  My question is about Fognini’s temperment over a 3 of 5 set match.  Fognini recently entered into a changeover versus Rafa with a break lead and a chance to hold serve and force a 3rd set.  He decided this was the time to get into a verbal altercation with the umpire AND Rafa.  Of course, Rafa won the next 3 games including two breaks of serve to end the match.  Rattling the cage of an all-time great is never smart, but at that moment?  Eh …

[9] Marin Cilic (CRO) vs. Mikhail Kukushkin (KAZ) – Marin is by no means a lock to win this match.  However, his chances of a solid second week run in NYC keep improving.

[7] David Ferrer (ESP) vs [27] Jeremy Chardy (FRA) – If Chardy can bully Ferrer with big serves and forehands, Chardy will win.  If Ferrer can consistently find Chardy’s backhand, Ferrer will breakdown Chardy’s game and win.  I think Ferrer’s scenario is more likely.

[19] Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (FRA) vs. Sergiy Stakhovsky (UKR) – I am picking a lot of chalk.

[10] Milos Raonic (CAN) vs [18] Feliciano Lopez (ESP) – This should be a fun match and perhaps the match of the day.  I think Raonic is slowly returning to his 2014 form after a rough few months healthwise.

[26] Tommy Robredo (ESP) vs Benoit Paire (FRA) – I have to pick at least one upset.  Also, I think Paire has the tools to overpower Robredo.  I do think every young pro could learn a lot from Robredo’s commitment to fitness and professionalism.  Tommy never gives a bad effort.  If the heat becomes a factor, reverse this pick as Robredo is quite fit.

[14] David Goffin (BEL) vs. [23] Roberto Bautista Agut (ESP) – Goffin should win as he is sneaky good, but Bautista Agut will make Goffin earn it.