Tennis Power Ranking 2016: Novak Reigns in Spain?

The Fifth Tennis Power Ranking for 2016 He is the man Novak Djokovic – Novak bounced back from his loss at Monte Carlo with a strong showing in Madrid.  He lost only one set en route to his record 29th Masters 1000 Shield. Rafael Nadal – Rafa did lose to Andy Murray so staying second…

Power Ranking 2016: Monte Carlo and Barcelona have Rafa Rising

Our Long International Nightmare is Over: Tennis Abides is Back Sorry this is a bit later than usual.  Putting the finishing touches on my dissertation put my tennis writing on the back burner.  Still, the 3rd Masters 1000 event of 2016 along with a 500 level event in Spain deserve some attention prior to the…

Power Ranking 2016: Indian Wells

So far 2016 is looking a lot like 2015 Novak Rules Tennis  Novak Djokovic – I am running out of terms to describe Novak’s hold on tennis.  I called him “Fortress Novak” heading into his record tying 27th Masters 1000 title. That phrase is inadequate as Novak is not just defensive or counter punching, he is…

Power Ranking 2016: All Hail King Novak VI of Melbourne

Tennis Power Ranking 2016: Australian Open Novak Djokovic – Novak takes the 2016 year by the throat by winning his 6th Australian Open title and by winning Qatar.  He has 2250 ranking points in the bank for 2016.  More importantly, his 8 hard court Grand Slam titles have him sitting ahead of Sampras’ 7 and…

Australian Open 2016: David Ferrer vs. Andy Murray Quarterfinal Prediction

[2] Andy Murray (GBR) vs [8] David Ferrer (ESP) David Ferrer has had some success versus Andy Murray, but he is decidedly the underdog heading into this match.  Ferrer has played quite well at this event, and my predictions have been wrong on him in multiple rounds.  I think Ferrer’s best chance at victory comes with Murray…

Australian Open 2016: Day 8 Men’s Predictions

This fairly intense exhibition match went to Raonic Predicted Winners in BOLD [4] Stan Wawrinka (SUI) vs [13] Milos Raonic (CAN) – This is the match of the day.  Each man won a tune-up event, and each man has played well to reach this point.  I am torn.  I think experience will help Stan, but Milos has…

Australian Open 2016: Day 6 Men’s Predictions

Don’t Count Me Out Predicted Winners in BOLD [4] Stan Wawrinka (SUI) vs. Lukas Rosol (CZE) – I like Stan here, but Rosol is a dangerous opponent. [16] Bernard Tomic (AUS) vs. John Millman (AUS) – Aussie battle [13] Milos Raonic (CAN) vs. [21] Viktor Troicki (SRB) – I like Milos to keep advancing. [2]…

Australian Open 2016: Day 4 Men’s Predictions

Predicted Winners in BOLD [2] Andy Murray (GBR) vs. Sam Groth (AUS) – This could be somewhat tricky as Groth has firepower and crowd support.  Still, Murray would be in more peril if this were a 2 of 3 set match.  He should be able to weather any hot streaks from Groth in a 3…