Predicted Winners in BOLD

COURT RAINIER III (11:30 a.m. start)

[11] Lucas Pouille (FRA) vs. [15] Albert Ramos-Vinolas (ESP) H2H – This is the undercard match, but the winner will have 600 points in the bank and a shot at 1000 on Sunday.  I like Pouille’s game and talent a lot.  Albert Ramos-Vinolas backed up his win over the world #1 Andy Murray with a win over 2014 US Open champion Marin Cilic.  I could see either player win, but I think Pouille wins 6-3, 7-5.

[4] Rafael Nadal (ESP) vs [10] David Goffin (BEL) – Rafael Nadal has looked quite dominant in his return to clay.  David Goffin is a talented player who hugs the baseline.  Davydenko used such a strategy to trouble Nadal.  I think Goffin can trouble Nadal to an extent in this match.  The key will be how much can he bother Nadal.  I don’t think he can put Rafa is poor positions often enough to spring the upset.  I am predicting Nadal d. Goffin 6-4, 6-4.