Predicted Winners in BOLD [4] Petra Kvitova (CZE) vs CoCo Vandeweghe (USA) – I am tempted to call an upset here. Kvitova’s health is a mystery. Still, I think Kvitova is slightly favored here as her talent is undeniable. [3] Maria Sharapova (RUS) vs [Q] Mariana Duque-Mariño (COL) – Maria is heavily favored here. [10]…
Category: Madrid
Masters Madrid 2015: May 4 ATP Predictions
Predicted Winners in BOLD [11] Feliciano Lopez (ESP) vs Benjamin Becker (GER) H2H – It is pretty amazing Becker is still out there given that his biggest moment came at the 2005 US Open. On clay, Becker might even have a look at an upset vs. FLo. Still, Lopez is playing the best tennis of his career, and…
Madrid 2015: May 4 WTA Predictions
Predicted Winners in BOLD Svetlana Kuznetsova (RUS) vs Garbiñe Muguruza (ESP) – Kuzy is a tricky veteran who can win big on clay. At this stage of each of their careers, Muguruza should win, but will playing in Madrid inspire her or make her nervous. If she feels pressure to perform well in Spain, my pick…
Tennis Power Ranking 2014: Post Madrid & Rome – Nole Rising
After the injury marred Madrid final, I had no idea how to rank my Top 10 so I did the cowardly sensible thing and waited another week. So here is a Double Masters 1000 Power Ranking Extravaganza. 2014 Power Ranking #6 – Madrid and Rome (Roam If You Want To) Novak Djokovic – Nole answered questions about…
Nishikori vs. Nadal Prediction
Nishikori is in the Top 10 Melbourne, Miami, Barcelona and Madrid prove Kei Nishikori belongs in the top 10. His talent and recent consistency have Nishikori taking advantage of a year of upheaval in the tennis pecking order. Michael Chang’s influence as coach has to be lauded as well. Nishikori could become King of Spain…
Nishikori vs. Ferrer Should Be Something
Ferrer is Focused David Ferrer did not exactly back up his upset of Rafael Nadal in Monte Carlo. He lost to Wawrinka and then lost early in Barcelona. Nevertheless, Ferrer is one of the top clay court players of the past decade. He is fit and fights for everything. His wins in Madrid have him…
Nadal vs. Bautista Agut will give us some Data
Nadal vs. Spain in 2014 Rafael Nadal’s clay court losses to David Ferrer and Nicolas Almagro along with his near miss vs. Pablo Andujar have raised some questions. Spaniards had generally wilted in front of Nadal, but in 2014 they have pushed back against their numero uno. Roberto Bautista Agut has had a bit of…
Madrid Masters 2014: May 5 ATP Predictions
Predicted Winners in BOLD First Round Albert Ramos vs. Nicolas Mahut – Surfaces don’t matter as much as they once did, but Mahut’s game is not overly tailored to clay courts. Ramos should advance. Fernando Verdasco vs. Andreas Seppi – Hot sauce is hard to predict, but in the early rounds in his home country,…
Tennis Abides: Dan Martin on Tennis and Life 