French Open 2015: Ivanovic vs. Safarova Semifinal Prediction

[7] Ana Ivanovic (SRB) vs [13] Lucie Safarova (CZE) I have been wrong about Ivanovic starting with a 3rd round prediction.  I was horribly wrong about her quarterfinal prospects.  I ignored her dominating head-to-head record and picked her to lose in the quarters?!?!  If I now pick Ivanovic, I will be going against Safarova’s 5-3…

French Open 2015: Novak Djokovic vs. Rafael Nadal Quarterfinal Prediction

[1] Novak Djokovic (SRB) vs [6] Rafael Nadal (ESP) This match has been talked about since Rafa’s ranking dropped to the point that it might be possible. Once the Roland Garros draw was announced, this seeming inevitability of this match has loomed over the rest of the tournament.  It is now here.  Rafa reached this point by looking…

French Open 2015: Andy Murray vs. David Ferrer Quarterfinal Prediction

[3] Andy Murray (GBR) vs [7] David Ferrer (ESP) Andy Murray is playing the best clay court tennis of his career at the right time This match has a few wrinkles in it.  David Ferrer has typically struggled with the Big 4.  He does however hold a 2012 Roland Garros victory over Andy Murray.  Ferrer also holds a…

French Open 2015: Bacsinszky vs. Uytvanck Quarterfinal Prediction

[23] Timea Bacsinszky (SUI) vs. Alison Van Uytvanck (BEL) It is hard finding highlights for either player The new Swiss Miss has a chance to solidify her status as a top 25 player.  Alison Van Uytvanck stands in her way.  Alison’s game has a bit more variety and touch than Bacsinszky’s, but the Swiss is quite…

French Open 2015: Federer vs. Wawrinka Quarterfinal Prediction

[2] Roger Federer (SUI) vs [8] Stan Wawrinka (SUI) It is good to have Stan Wawrinka back.  He won a tune-up in India, pushed Nole hard in the Melbourne semis, and won Rotterdam.  Then, Wawrinka sort of went away.  His semifinal run in Rome, complete with a win over Nadal, was a good start.  Reaching the…

French Open 2015: Nishikori vs. Tsonga Quarterfinal Prediction

[5] Kei Nishikori (JPN) vs [14] Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (FRA) Nishikori leads their head-to-head 4-1, but none of these meetings have taken place on clay.  Also, only one of their matches took place in the past 52 weeks.  Therefore, I think this match does not have an obvious favorite.  Nishikori has demonstrated great clay court form.   Tsonga has…

French Open 2015: Safarova vs. Muguruza Quarterfinal Prediction

[13] Lucie Safarova (CZE) vs [21] Garbine Muguruza (ESP) This is an exciting match in my mind.  Safarova has one of those games that is hard to quantify, but she is often making noise in big events.  Muguruza strikes me as a player with Grand Slam title potential and a big game.  The heavy conditions in…