Rafael Nadal (1) vs. Novak Djokovic (2) After Nole ended 2013 with a huge winning streak, dreams of Djokovic winning his 5th Australian Open title setting up a battle with Rafael Nadal in Paris seemed tantalizingly close. Instead, Stan Wawrinka beat both Nole and Rafa in Melbourne and 2014 has been a year without a…
Category: Novak Djokovic
Masters Miami 2014: Djokovic vs. Nishikori Prediction
Semifinals Novak Djokovic (2) vs. Kei Nishikori (20) Nole has a chance to recapture his late 2013 form and win back-to-back Masters Series events. Kei Nishikori can build on his solid play in Australia and Miami by knocking off the world #1 and playing for the biggest prize of his career. A lot is on the line. In…
Masters Miami: March 26, 2014 ATP Predictions
Predicted Winners in BOLD Yesterday I was 7-1 in my picks so I hope to keep the momentum going Quarterfinal Round Novak Djokovic (2) vs. Andy Murray (6) – Their first sanctioned meeting since Murray won WImbledon last year. These two posses the best two-handed backhands on tour. They are the two best pure returners. They are two…
Tennis Power Ranking 2014: Indian Wells Nole on a Role?
Third Tennis Power Ranking 2014 Masters 1000 events always lead to movement Rafael Nadal – Nadal will remain number at least through the conclusion of Miami. Those who over analyze things might look at a loss to Wawrinka, losing a set and saving match points versus Andujar on clay, losing a set to Stepanek, and then…
Indian Wells 2014 Final Prediction: Djokovic vs. Federer
Novak Djokovic (2) vs. Roger Federer (7) The head-to-head between these two champions stands at 17-15 in favor of Federer. Each man has produced some instant classic tennis when playing the other. Federer’s smash lob versus Nole at the 2008 US Open stands out as moment in my memory. Nole’s 2008 Australian Open semifinal demolition of Federer was…
Indian Wells 2014 Semifinal Prediction: Isner vs. Djokovic
Novak Djokovic (2) vs. John Isner (12) As I stated in my last post, my picks have been dismal at Indian Wells this year. In 2012 (see above), Isner won in this very spot and then lost to Roger Federer in the Indian Wells final. History could repeat itself as John’s serve is so big that it gives…
Indian Wells ATP Predictions: March 14, 2014
Predicted Winners in BOLD Quarterfinals Novak Djokovic (2) vs. Julien Benneteau – I think Djokovoic and Federer are on a collision course. Benneteau has lived up to what I think of him. Namely, he is a talented and dangerous player. I think Nole comes through in 3 sets. John Isner (12) vs. Ernests Gulbis (20) – Gulbis has been eerily consistent…
Indian Wells ATP Predictions: March 12, 2014
Predicted Winners in BOLD Fourth Round Ernests Gulbis (20) vs. Roberto Bautista-Agut – Gulbis deserves a lot of credit for his strong start to 2014. He is shredding my image of him as talented but inconsistent. Bautista-Agut is also having a great 2014. This may be a year in which multiple players step forward on tour. This is…
Indian Wells Predictions: March 11, 2014
Predicted Winners in BOLD I am still in mild shock over Rafa being beaten, but tennis is a funny game at times. Third Round John Isner (12) vs. Yen-Hsun Lu – US tennis needs Isner to make something happen in 2014. He has done well at Indian Wells in the past and has a workable draw to advance…
Tennis Power Ranking 2014: Pre-Indian Wells
Second Tennis Power Ranking 2014 Not a lot has happened since Melbourne and that is about to change with two Masters 1000 events being played in succession Rafael Nadal – Rafa has won 2 events in 2014 and was runner-up at the first slam. He is a lock for the top spot right now. Stanislas…
Tennis Abides: Dan Martin on Tennis and Life 