Predicted Winners in BOLD [1] Roger Federer (SUI) vs. Alexander Zverev (GER) H2H – Recently, I’ve generally been favoring younger players versus veteran players. Roger Federer playing at Halle is not a normal veteran. [3] Dominic Thiem (AUT) vs. [PR] Florian Mayer (GER) H2H – Thiem is having the 3rd best year on tour. He has won…
Category: Roger Federer
Halle 2016: Quarterfinal Predictions
Predicted Winners in BOLD Alexander Zverev (GER) vs. Marcos Baghdatis (CYP) H2H – A veteran making a late surge versus a young talent makes for an interesting match-up. I like Zverev if solely because Baghdatis has dodged a few close calls to get to this point. [1] Roger Federer (SUI) vs. [5] David Goffin (BEL) H2H –…
Halle 2016: June 16th Predictions
Predicted Winners in BOLD [8] Philipp Kohlschreiber (GER) vs. Ivo Karlovic (CRO) H2H – This is a classic puncher vs. boxer match. Kohlschreiber has more variety and a more sound skill set than Ivo. However, Ivo is going to hold serve almost every game he serves so the big man will be in the mix to…
Halle 2016: June 15th Predictions
Predicted Winners in BOLD [8] Philipp Kohlschreiber (GER) vs. Marcel Granollers (ESP) H2H – On clay, I’d take the Spaniard. On a hard court, I think this is a 50-50 match. On grass, I am taking Kohlschreiber. [2] Kei Nishikori (JPN) vs. [PR] Florian Mayer (GER) H2H – Mayer can win this match, and my hunch is…
Mercedes Cup 2016: June 9th ATP Predictions
Predicted Winners in BOLD [3] Dominic Thiem (AUT) vs. Sam Groth (AUS) H2H – I like Thiem, but his deep run in Paris may mean his grass court adjustments have not taken place yet. This could be a huge opportunity for Groth. [1] Roger Federer (SUI) vs. Taylor Fritz(USA) 4-3 – to be completed (not before…
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…
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…
Miami Open 2016: March 25 WTA and ATP Predictions
Predicted Winners in BOLD [2] Angelique Kerber (GER) vs. Barbora Strycova (CZE) – Kerber is allowed a post-Slam hangover, but I think she will be back in the mix sooner rather than later. [8] David Ferrer (ESP) vs. [Q] Taylor Fritz (USA) H2H – Unlikely, but I have a feeling. [3] Roger Federer (SUI) vs. [PR]…
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…
Tennis Abides: Dan Martin on Tennis and Life 