Predicted Winners in BOLD
[1] Novak Djokovic (SRB) vs [14] Gilles Simon (FRA) – I love Gilles, but this mountain is too high to climb. Novak should win in 3 sets.
[3] Roger Federer (SUI) vs [15] David Goffin (BEL) – Goffin could win this match. He is playing quite well and Thiem is good sparring for facing Federer. Still, Federer likely finds a way to win versus a hot opponent. Of course, Roger has more power and could come out as the hot player and push Goffin out of the draw in a quick win as well.
[6] Tomas Berdych (CZE) vs [24] Roberto Bautista Agut (ESP) – Bautista Agut won a tune-up and just beat Marin Cilic. Cilic is a good sparring partner prior to playing Berdych. Berdych is the numeric favorite, but I think RBA springs the upset.
[7] Kei Nishikori (JPN) vs [9] Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (FRA) – If Kei is inside the baseline during rallies and hits great returns, he wins. I think Tsonga has the power to push Kei backwards in the court and that will turn the tide in Tsonga’s favor.