Predicted Winners in BOLD

[2] Stan Wawrinka (SUI) vs. [3] Kei Nishikori (JPN) H2H – Stan’s job is to use blunt force to push Kei back behind the baseline.  Stan will also need to serve well as Kei has an excellent return.  Kei’s job will be to rob Wawrinka of time.  Stan’s full swings with less time may result in a high error count.  Stan is a mild favorite in my mind if solely because of questions about Kei’s health.

[1] Novak Djokovic (SRB) vs. [10] Gaël Monfils (FRA) H2H – Djokovic’s 11-0 record vs. Monfils is a result in large part of their games not matching up well for Gael.  If Monfils is going to get that first win, now would seem to be the time.  He has momentum and confidence while Djokovic’s serve seems anemic at the moment.  I don’t think Monfils will win this match largely because Novak is number one in the world and 11-0 versus Monfils, but this could be an instant classic.