Predicted Winners in BOLD [3] Andy Murray (GBR) vs Jeremy Chardy (FRA) H2H – Chardy’s forehand and serve could cause a few problems, but if Murray struggles he will find a way to Chardy’s backhand and grind out a win. I doubt Murray struggles. [4] Rafael Nadal (ESP) vs [Q] Marsel Ilhan (TUR) H2H – Rafa’s opponent…
Category: Rome
Rome 2015: May 13th WTA Predictions
Predicted Winners in BOLD [5] Caroline Wozniacki (DEN) vs. Victoria Azarenka (BLR) – Vika played well in Madrid and dominated Woz in Melbourne. Therefore, I will predict an upset. [4] Petra Kvitova (CZE) vs. [WC] Karin Knapp (ITA) – Still in the zone? [2] Simona Halep (ROU) vs. Alison Riske (USA) – Halep needs to reclaim…
Masters Rome 2015: May 11th ATP Predictions
Predicted Winners in BOLD This is a great slate of 1st round matches [10] Grigor Dimitrov (BUL) vs Jerzy Janowicz (POL) H2H – Grigor, “I will never be a journeyman as I reached a Wimbledon semifinal.” Jerzy, “Are you sure?” I think Grigor is playing well enough to be relevant in the top levels of tennis,…
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…
Roman Gladiators: Nadal vs. Djokovic XLI Prediction
Anytime #1 and #2 meet to decide a big tournament things are special. This one has the potential to be even bigger than special. Novak Djokovic is #2 in the world and has beaten #1 Nadal 3 consecutive times winning 6 consecutive sets. A win on clay over Nadal would propel Djokovic into Paris with…
Rome 2014: Dimitrov vs. Nadal Prediction
Grigor Dimitrov vs. Rafael Nadal Rafa has had some strange results on clay this year. Still, title in Madrid and Rio make Rafa the most successful player on dirt to this point in 2014. Rafa’s dominance is such that losing sets to Simon, Youzhny and Murray appear to many as signs of weakness. I think…
Rome 2014: Raonic vs. Djokovic Prediction
Milos Raonic vs. Novak Djokovic There does appear to be a 25 and under movement on tour in 2014. Milos Raonic, Kei Nishikori and Grigor Dimitrov have each had nice moments in the past 52 weeks and especially since January 1. I don’t see the youth movement continues in this match. Milos Raonic has made…
Masters Rome Predictions May 14, 2014
Predicted Winners in BOLD Marcel Granollers (ESP) v [7] Andy Murray (GBR) – Based on other results, this upset I am predicting is not that major. Jeremy Chardy (FRA) v [4] Roger Federer (SUI) – Is Federer in a post-baby fog? If so, he’ll likely lose. Still, I think in Monte Carlo he played well enough to get a modest benefit of the doubt. [1] Rafael…
French Open Memories: Guga
South American Renaissance Gustavo Kuerten was not expected to win the 1997 French Open, but he went through accomplished champions and clay court powers in the process. Kuerten beat fifth seeded and 1995 French Open champion Thomas Muster in the round of 32. He beat Andrei Medvedev in the round of 16. He beat defending…
Nadal & Federer’s 30th Match: Prediction
Federer vs. Nadal 30 In 2006, these two men staged one of the best matches of their rivalry in Rome. Nadal prevailed in 5 electrifying sets. In 2013, the two meet again in Rome in the championship match. They have played enough times that we roughly know what to expect. Federer will need to serve…
Tennis Abides: Dan Martin on Tennis and Life 