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…

World Tour Finals 2014: Djokovic vs. Berdych Prediction

Novak Djokovic vs. Tomas Berdych The 2014 World Tour Finals have produced a lot of one-sided matches.  Djokovic has been a big part of this trend as he handed two breadsticks to Marin Cilic and a bagel to Stanislas Wawrinka.  Berdych took a beating from Wawrinka, but the Big Czech also handed a beating to…

World Tour Finals 2014: Berdych vs. Cilic Prediction

Tomas Berdych vs. Marin Cilic Each man took a standing 8 count on Monday.  Losing 6-1, 6-1 in a battle of tennis elites is humbling, but in round robin play, one need not go undefeated to advance.  Each man came in with some momentum given recent titles in Moscow for Cilic and Stockholm for Berdych….

World Tour Finals 2014: Berdych vs. Wawrinka Prediction

Stanislas Wawrinka vs. Tomas Berdych Their 4 set collision in Melbourne was a key aspect of Wawrinka’s breakthrough even if Stan’s championship win over Nadal and quarterfinal win over Nole got more attention.  Berdych has been more consistent than Wawrinka in 2014, but Wawrinka’s Australian Open and Monte Carlo titles along with his quarterfinal finishes…

Paris 2014: Quick Hits

Novak Djokovic has strengthened his claim to the #1 ranking.  More importantly, he looked like himself for the first time since Wimbledon.  Nole is on the cusp of a 4th year finished at #1 and a 4th WTF.  London should be fun.  Milos Raonic shook off one-sided losses to Federer at Wimbledon and Cincinnati to…

Predictions for Moscow, Stockholm, and Vienna Championship Matches

Kremlin Cup Final – Roberto Bautista Agut vs. Marin Cilic  Bautista Agut has played quite well in 2014 and is in 14th place in the year long points race.  Marin Cilic had been similarly solid in 2014 prior to his dominating US Open title run.  Cilic reaching the final in Moscow makes me think some…

US Open 2014: Federer-Monfils & Berdych-Cilic Predictions

These Should Be Good Tomas Berdych (CZE) [6] vs. Marin Cilic (CRO) [14] This year might be known as the year of the celebrity coach.  Boris Becker, Stefan Edberg, Amelie Mauresmo and Michael Chang have gotten a lot of press for their roles with top ranked players.  Goran Ivanisevic’s work with Marin Cilic should not go unnoticed….

US Open 2014: Day 3 Men’s Predictions

Predicted Winners in BOLD [6] Tomas Berdych (CZE) vs. Lleyton Hewitt (AUS) – MATCH OF THE DAY ALERT I would not be shocked to see Hewitt win, but Berdych should be able to dictate play and win in 3 or 4 sets.  However, if LLeyton can hold serve consistently and get sets to 4-4 or…

Masters Miami 2014: Nadal vs. Berdych Prediction

Semifinals Rafael Nadal (1) vs. Tomas Berdych (7) I think Berdych could win this match, but my guess is that a Rafa-Nole collision is on the horizon.  Berdych’s chance is to play first strike tennis and take control of points off of his serve and his return.  If Rafa serves well enough, I think he will get his…