Author: Dan Martin

I am a proud husband and father. I have my PhD from the University of Dayton and love theology, philosophy, ecology, and tennis among other things.

Tennis Power Ranking 2014: Roger Resurgent in Shanghai

Novak Djokovic – Nole won Beijing and reached the semifinal round in Shanghai.  He has played well enough to make it likely that he finishes 2014 ranked #1.  We’ve yet to see Nole hit a dominant streak since Wimbledon, but he’s playing well enough to stay #1. Roger Federer – Roger owns 4 titles in…

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Quick Hits: Shanghai and Beyond

Roger Federer’s 4th title and 9th final of 2014 prove that 2013 is a thing of the past.  Roger did not win a Grand Slam in 2014, but his form, health and demeanor tell me he is someone to watch in 2015.  At the end of 2013, I thought 2015 might be his swan song….

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Shanghai final preview and pick: Federer vs. Simon

Originally posted on The Grandstand:
Roger Federer will be bidding for his 23rd Masters 1000 title and second in a row when he takes the court on Sunday in Shanghai. Standing in his way is Gilles Simon. Roger Federer and Gilles Simon will be facing each other for the seventh time in their careers when…

Shanghai Championship Prediction: Federer vs. Simon

Roger Federer has had a great bounce-back year in 2014.  His play in 2013 looked to be the beginning of the end for the all-time Grand Slam leader.  With improved health, a new racquet and a great working relationship with Stefan Edberg, Roger Federer finds himself in his 9th tournament final of 2014.  Roger is…

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Don’t Make Too Much Out of Cilic’s Recent Stumbles

During his two events in China, Marin Cilic did not look like his US Open self.  Fact is he may never look like that again.  He might be relegated to the list of one-slam wonders that includes Gaston Gaudio and Thomas Johannson.   He might also have other deep runs, but be stuck at a…

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Shanghai SF preview and pick: Lopez vs. Simon

Originally posted on The Grandstand:
Novak Djokovic vs. Roger Federer will steal the headlines on Saturday at the Shanghai Rolex Masters, but don’t sleep on the other semifinal. This one between Feliciano Lopez and Gilles Simon should be similarly entertaining. Lopez cannot be considered a specialist on one specific surface at one specific tournament, but…

Shanghai Semifinal Predictions (Tennis Abides is Back)

Sorry about my hiatus* Novak Djokovic vs. Roger Federer The two leaders in the rankings race for 2014 face-off for the 5th time this year.  Nole won their encounters at Wimbledon and Indian Wells.  Federer won in Dubai and Monte Carlo.  Djokovic has applied a sleeper hold to the race for #1 in 2014 and…

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