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.

Ricoh Open 2016: June 9th ATP Predictions

Predicted Winners in BOLD [3] Ivo Karlovic (CRO) vs. [WC] Igor Sijsling (NED) H2H – I think the big man wins this match even if Igor has some home court love coming his way. [1] David Ferrer (ESP) vs. Dudi Sela (ISR) H2H – Ferrer has had his moments on grass. [7] Gilles Muller (LUX) vs. Guillermo Garcia-Lopez…

Read More

Mercedes Cup 2016: June 8th ATP Predictions

Predicted Winners in BOLD [WC] Michael Berrer (GER) vs. [Q] Florian Mayer (GER) H2H – Mayer’s match play in the qualifying rounds gives him an edge in my mind. [7] Philipp Kohlschreiber (GER) vs. Denis Kudla (USA)  H2H – Kudla is a fighter who plays his best tennis on grass.  However, Kohlschreiber in Germany is a tough…

Read More

Ricoh Open 2016: June 8th ATP Predictions

Predicted Winners in BOLD [2] Bernard Tomic (AUS) vs. Aljaz Bedene (GBR) H2H – Tomic is always capable of not showing up mentally.  Is he shows up, he should win. [4] Steve Johnson (USA) vs. [WC] Stefan Kozlov (USA) H2H – The NCAA Folk Hero wins this match. [8-WC] Nicolas Mahut (FRA) vs. Paul-Henri Mathieu (FRA) H2H – Mahut…

Read More

The Clay to Grass Transition

I’ve never played tennis on a grass court, but I hope to correct that in the nearish future. The shift for professionals from clay to grass may not be as severe as it was when the speeds of the surfaces were more radically different.  Still, the footing on each surface is different.  I’ve included some…

Read More

Tennis Power Ranking 2016: Novak Djokovic’s Hegemony

The 7th Tennis Power Ranking of 2016 Novak Djokovic – The world #1 just claimed his 4th consecutive major title!  His hold on the top spot is unquestioned.  There is a pretty big barrier between Novak and the field.   Andy Murray – Murray won Rome and was runner-up at both Roland Garros and Madrid.  He is…

Read More

French Open 2016: Novak Conquers Roland Garros and Tennis

Novak Djokovic’s long march toward a Roland Garros singles title has involved many close calls.  Consider that Novak was runner-up at Roland Garros in 2012, 2014, and 2015.  His chase for this title was halted in the semifinal round in 2007, 2008, 2011, and 2013.  Novak also posted quarterfinal showings at Roland Garros in 2006…

Read More

Muhammad Ali and Tennis

Preface I am a Louisville native, but even if I were not I would want to write something about Muhammad Ali’s passing.  He is probably the greatest and most globally recognizable ambassador the world of sports has ever produced.  Tennis and boxing have the element of one-on-one competition in common.  I will look at some…

Read More

French Open 2016: Twitter Poll Results

Who will win the men's final at Roland Garros? #RolandGarros #FrenchOpen — Dan Martin (@DanMartinTennis) June 4, 2016 //platform.twitter.com/widgets.js This was interesting as well: Djokovic-Murray, First time No. 1 & No 2 will play for a Slam neither has won since 1984 https://t.co/Q5C5LB6pHC pic.twitter.com/hVp0aVHOMo — Christopher Clarey (@christophclarey) June 4, 2016 //platform.twitter.com/widgets.js

French Open 2016: Muguruza’s Rise

Garbine Muguruza won the 2016 Roland Garros title after spending much of her previous 52 weeks searching for the form that led her to 2015 Wimbledon final.  Muguruza was able to defeat Serena Williams by playing an incredible brand of tennis.  The Spaniard served big, volleyed well, hit big returns, and used her groundstrokes to…

Read More