When will Rafa be fully back? Points like this say his best form may be close Rafael Nadal vs. Juan Monaco I’d be a fool to say Nadal is not the favorite in this match. I still don’t think it will be easy. Monaco is a true pro in terms of his preparation, willingness to…
Category: Rafael Nadal
Buenos Aires 2015: Semifinal Predictions
Rafael Nadal vs. Carlos Berlocq Maybe I was being a bit harsh in my pick after looking at these highlights This is a mismatch. I know saying that about Rafa on clay is trite, but Berlocq’s game (which I love) is predicated on running, scrambling, grinding out points etc. He is not going to be…
Australian Open 2015 – Day 9 Men’s Predictions
[3] Rafael Nadal (ESP) vs [7] Tomas Berdych (CZE) Based on what I saw of Rafa in Asia last fall and on his own pre-tournament words, I would give Berdych a fighting chance in this match. Rafa who typically downplays his chances said he felt he was in good form after defeating Kevin Anderson. That does…
The Importance of Nadal vs. Kyrgios 2014
Both Rafael Nadal and Nick Kyrgios have punched tickets for the quarterfinal round of the 2015 Australian Open. That fact has caused me to revisit their match at Wimbledon last year even though they still each have to win to set up a sequel. Their Wimbledon match was not the match of the year by…
Australian Open 2015 – Day 7 Men’s Prediction
Predicted Winners in BOLD [3] Rafael Nadal (ESP) vs [14] Kevin Anderson (RSA) – Mr. Anderson’s height might allow him to handle Rafa’s spin better than the average player. His serve might earn him a set. Still, an upset would he highly shocking. Rafa is just a much stronger player, and Anderson should be good sparring…
Australian Open 2015 – Day 5 Men’s Predictions
Predicted Winners in BOLD [2] Roger Federer (SUI) vs Andreas Seppi (ITA) – I don’t see this as an easy match, but Federer in 3 or 4 is my pick. [3] Rafael Nadal (ESP) vs Dudi Sela (ISR) – Stomach cramps are the only thing that could stop Rafa here. [7] Tomas Berdych (CZE) vs….
Australian Open 2015 – Day 3 Men’s Predictions
Predicted Winners in BOLD Form should generally hold, but expect a few more upsets than the first two days: I wish I had a ticket as this is a great slate of matches. [2] Roger Federer (SUI) vs Simone Bolelli (ITA) – I don’t think this is the easiest match for Roger. Depending on how…
Australian Open 2015: Day 1 Men’s Predictions
Predicted Winners in BOLD Welcome Back as Tennis’ Off-season is Now Over [3] Rafael Nadal (ESP) vs Mikhail Youzhny (RUS) – Rafa’s draw is pretty soft after this match, but I think Rafa is low on confidence and is not yet grooved. I give Youzhny a 40% chance at the upset despite one of my…
Federer Throttles Dimitrov and Reaches First Final of 2015
Roger Federer collected his third career win versus his shadow Grigor Dimitrov. I am not going to read too much into Dimitov’s one-sided loss, but at 33 Roger Federer is someone Dimitrov should press a bit more than he has to date. Dimitrov only won 4 games in this match and is now 0-3 (0-6 in…
Tennis Channel on Rafael Nadal, Ana Ivanovic, and Novak Djokovic
This was pretty good
Tennis Abides: Dan Martin on Tennis and Life 