First Impressions of the New Year

Originally posted on Leye Aduloju:
The Doha Destruction Confidence is an amazing thing, isn’t it? Rafael Nadal doesn’t believe he can hold a candle to Novak Djokovic, while Djokovic thinks he can blow Rafa away with his left hand and eyes closed. To attribute Djokovic’s victory in Doha solely to Rafa’s mental frailties would be…

Rest in Peace David Bowie

I don’t think I have ever broken into not posting on tennis, but when your favorite musician dies something should be said. “What we do now echoes in eternity.” ― Marcus Aurelius, Meditations

Quick Hits: Nole, Stan, Milos, and Vika Shine

Novak Djokovic cemented his status as a heavy favorite entering the 2016 Australian Open.  He has tons of confidence and momentum heading into his best major.  What is not to like? Stan Wawrinka is my early #2 pick for the Aussie title.  He and Novak have played five set matches each of the past 3 Australian Opens…

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Stan Wawrinka Beats Borna Coric To Retain Chennai Title

Originally posted on The Sport News Portal:
Stan Wawrinka claimed his third successive Chennai Open title with a straightforward 6-3 7-5 final win over 19-year-old Borna Coric. The world number four dropped only four points on his first serve as he wrapped up the title in 86 minutes. Croatia’s Coric, who beat Britain’s Aljaz Bedene…

Chennai 2016 Championship Prediction: Wawrinka vs. Coric

Stan is nobody’s stepping stone or is he? Stan Wawrinka vs. Borna Coric A lot of experts have tabbed Coric for big things.  He has played pretty well over 18 months.  Facing Stan Wawrinka in the Chennai final should be a good measuring stick for the young Croatian.  Stan leads their head-to-head 2-0 with a…

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Brisbane 2016: Federer vs. Raonic Championship Prediction

Groundhog Day? Roger Federer vs. Milos Raonic This match has a few subplots.  The biggest subplot is Ivan Ljubicic now working with Roger Federer after guiding Milos Raonic into the top 10 in the world.  The split seemed amicable, and Raonic has added Carlos Moya to his team.  Still, Raonic will be facing a man…

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Brisbane 2016: Semifinal Predictions

I think a 2016 rematch is unlikely Predicted Winners in BOLD [4] Milos Raonic (CAN) vs [7] Bernard Tomic (AUS) – I think Raonic is making a nice return from an injury plagued 2015, but he is likely not where he was last year when he reached the Brisbane final (prior to all of the injuries).  Tomic is…

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Chennai 2016: Semifinal Predictions

One match each away from a 2016 rematch Predicted Winners in BOLD [1] Stan Wawrinka (SUI) vs [3] Benoit Paire (FRA) – I think Stan wins so long as he keeps his error count down. [8] Borna Coric (CRO) vs Aljaz Bedene (GBR) – Coric is no lock here, but I think he is clearly favored.  I…

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Qatar 2016 Championship Prediction: Nole vs. Rafa

I doubt we get anything quite like this until maybe Melbourne 2016 Rafael Nadal vs. Novak Djokovic Novak Djokovic completed perhaps the most dominant tennis season ever.  2016 likely will offer challenges, both new and old, to Nole’s reign. Andy Murray may pick  up a boost from his role in winning the Davis Cup.  Uncle…

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