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…
Category: Tennis Predictions
Dubai 2015: Djokovic vs. Federer Prediction
A worthy sequel in 2015? The Dubai event always draws in a great field and when the draw holds up a tremendous final is in the offing. This year is no exception. Federer and Djokovic each won a title in Australia to start their seasons. Of course, Djokovic’s Australian Open is significantly more coveted than…
Dubai 2015: Semifinal Predictions
Novak Djokovic vs. Tomas Berdych I doubt it will be this one-sided, but I expect a similar result. Berdych has had a nice start to 2015. I don’t think he has much of a chance in this match, but Berdych has been quite consistent. Nole has won 2 of the past 3 slams after a…
Australian Open 2015 – Djokovic vs. Murray Championship Prediction
Confession I am a fan of tennis as well as an observer. During the US Open last year, it dawned on me that Djokovic vs. Murray was my favorite match-up of the Big Four. My reason is that I like the type of points they play against each other, and I love their ability to…
Australian Open 2015 – Serena Williams vs. Maria Sharapova Prediction
Serena Williams vs. Maria Sharapova On one hand, each player is a bit like Elvis in the tennis world. Their first name suffices for everyone to know which player is being referenced. Also, each has won a career Grand Slam, been ranked #1, and had Olympic success. One the other hand, Serena Williams is a…
Australian Open 2015 – Semifinal Prediction: Djokovic vs. Wawrinka
Novak Djokovic vs. Stanislas Wawrinka This should be good. In 2013, Novak fended off Stan in an electric 5 set encounter. They repeated this level of play at the 2013 US Open with Djokovic again winning in 5 sets. Last year, Wawrinka gained the upper hand dethroning Djokovic in 5 thrilling sets. All the more…
Australian Open 2015 – Semifinal Prediction: Andy Murray vs. Tomas Berdych
Tomas Berdych (CZE) [7] vs. Andy Murray (GBR) [6] This could happen This match is harder for me to predict than the two women’s semifinal matches. Berdych was quite solid in 2014, but could never quite breakthrough. Maybe a year of good results plus a new coach and marriage will result in Berdych reaching his second Grand…
Australian Open 2015 – Semifinal Prediction: Williams vs. Keys
Serena Williams (USA) [1] vs. Madison Keys (USA) Serena has not looked unbeatable in Melbourne. That seems to bode well for Keys. Still, Serena closes exceptionally well in tournaments. She is 4-6 sets of playing away from a 6th Australian Open title and 19th Grand Slam title! I think Serena sees the finish line. If Keys plays…
Australian Open 2015 – Semifinal Prediction: Makarova vs. Sharapova
Ekaterina Makarova vs. Maria Sharapova Makarova’s game plan for facing Sharapova should revolve around how Petra Kvitova has played when successful vs. Sharapova. A tough lefty serve and an ability to dictate play make me think Makarova could win this match. The problem I see for Makarova is that Sharapova seems to be moving as…
Australian Open 2015 – Day 10 Men’s Predictions
[4] Stan Wawrinka (SUI) vs [5] Kei Nishikori (JPN) This is a 50-50 match. Their US Open match last year was an absolute war. Nishikori seems poised to do what Stan did last year. Wawrinka has momentum from Davis Cup and his title in India. This is a fascinating match because Stan’s game at its best…
Tennis Abides: Dan Martin on Tennis and Life 