Basel 2016 – Predicted Winners in BOLD

Feeling like 2014?

(3) Kei Nishikori VS Gilles Muller – Muller has had a very solid 2016 season.  On this surface, he should be able to hold serve more easily than he would versus Nishikori on a slower surface.  Having said that, Kei should also be able to hold serve more easily.  Kei has the more complete game and his ability to take the ball early will steal time from Gilles unless Muller is able to hit hard enough often enough to push Kei backwards in terms of court positioning.

(Q) Mischa Zverev VS (4) Marin Cilic – Zverev is playing his best tennis since ___________.  His solid quarterfinal showing in Shanghai as well as his semifinal or better showing in Basel are quite strong.  Cilic played well at Queen’s Club, Wimbledon, the Rio games, and won Cincinnati.  Can Cilic make a push in Basel or was his US Open showing more indicative of his form?  I think he comes through.

Vienna 2016 – Predicted Winners in BOLD

(6) Jo-Wilfried Tsonga VS (8) Ivo Karlovic – Karlovic holds a 2-0 head-to-head lead over Jo-Wilfried Tsonga.  Both of those wins came at Wimbledon in 4 sets and featured very few service breaks.  I think Tsonga is the better player, but if he does not put pressure on Ivo’s serves, this match will be decided by tiebreaks.  I think Ivo is more comfortable with that than Tsonga.

A decent preview?

(1) Andy Murray VS (5) David Ferrer – I don’t think Ferrer has much of a chance here. Murray is aiming toward the number one ranking and riding a two tournament winning streak.  If Murray claims Vienna, he will have claimed 2000 ranking points in 3 events. That is the equivalent of winning a Grand Slam in the computer (only in the computer!).