Predicted Winners in BOLD
[7] Tomas Berdych (CZE) vs. [10] Richard Gasquet (FRA) H2H – This is a very interesting match as Berdych could over power Gasquet or Gasquet could hit around Berdych with each leading to a different result. The slower surface might actually help Berdych as he can hit through a slow court. I still think Gasquet finds a way to advance.
[1] Novak Djokovic (SRB) vs. [14] Dominic Thiem (AUT) H2H – Novak should win, but it would be good for tennis if Thiem offers some stiff resistance given his solid 2016 play and his age.
[26] Grigor Dimitrov (BUL) vs [16] Gael Monfils (FRA) – This one is impossible to predict. Grigor came up with a huge unexpected win yesterday so I will go with the hot hand.
[6] Kei Nishikori (JPN) vs. [17] Roberto Bautista Agut (ESP) H2H – Kei is favored here so long as he can keep his court positioning close to the baseline. If RBA can push Kei backwards, he has a chance.
[15] David Goffin (BEL) vs. [LL] Horacio Zeballos (ARG) H2H – Zeballos has had a hell of a run as a lucky loser, but I think it ends today.
[18] Gilles Simon (FRA) vs. Lucas Pouille (FRA) H2H – An upset?
[24] Nick Kyrgios (AUS) vs Andrey Kuznetsov (RUS) – Kyrgios has so much natural power in his game that I expect him to win so long as he is engaged in this match.
[12] Milos Raonic (CAN) vs Damir Dzumhur (BIH) – Milos seems to have recovered well from his Indian Wells difficulties. It makes me wonder if he was mentally psyched out in the final rather than injured.