Falling Stock: Bouchard, Dimitrov, and Halep

If we rewind over the past 52 weeks, things looked much brighter for Eugenie Bouchard, Grigor Dimitrov, and Simona Halep.  To be sure, I don’t think it is time to put eulogies on any of their young careers. However, their results in Paris raise many questions. Bouchard did not laugh last or best here Eugenie…

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French Open R2 previews and picks: Nadal vs. Almagro, Sock vs. Carreno Busta

Originally posted on The Grandstand:
An all-Spanish affair between Rafael Nadal and Nicolas Almagro is set for Thursday at the French Open. Another Spaniard, Pablo Carreno Busta, is in second-round action against Jack Sock. Nicolas Almagro vs. (6) Rafael Nadal Nadal and Almagro will be squaring off for the 14th time in their careers and…

French Open 2015: May 27th Men’s Predictions

Predicted Winners in BOLD Fed and Cuevas are in action in Paris [2] Roger Federer (SUI) vs. Marcel Granollers (ESP) – I don’t think this is the easiest match for Federer. As enticing as Roger’s second week draw is, but matches through the round of 16 are not necessarily ideal.  Fed is still obviously favored…

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French Open 2015: May 27th Women’s Predictions

Predicted Winners in BOLD [2] Maria Sharapova (RUS) vs Vitalia Diatchenko (RUS) – Maria Sharapova is a clay courter now. [8] Carla Suarez Navarro (ESP) vs [WC] Virginie Razzano (FRA) – CSN is a contender.  Maybe not a major contender, but she is a contender. [26] Samantha Stosur vs [WC] Amandine Hesse (FRA) – Stosur is…

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Nadal cruises through first match at French Open

Originally posted on The Grandstand:
It will take more than a win over an 18-year-old Frenchman who has never won a match at the ATP level in order for Rafael Nadal to restore complete confidence in his game. Still, he could not have asked for a much better start to his 2015 French Open campaign.…

French Open 2015: May 26th Men’s Predictions

Predicted Winners in BOLD [6] Rafael Nadal (ESP) vs [WC] Quentin Halys (FRA) – Nadal is 89-1 in best of 5 set matches on clay.  I think he will be 90-1 soon enough. [1] Novak Djokovic (SRB) vs. Jarkko Nieminen (FIN) – Jarkko is a cagey lefty veteran, but he has a minimal chance vs….

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French Open 2015: May 26th Women’s Predictions

Predicted Winners in BOLD [4] Petra Kvitova (CZE) vs. Marina Erakovic (NZL) – Petra is a contender, but she is also highly unpredictable.  That should not become a factor to consider in round 1. [1] Serena Williams (USA) vs. Andrea Hlavackova (CZE) – Serena has 2 Roland Garros titles, but a triple crown may be…

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French Open Day 3 picks: Dimitrov vs. Sock, Dolgopolov vs. Almagro

Originally posted on The Grandstand:
Ricky Dimon of The Grandstand and Steen Kirby of Tennis Atlantic preview and pick the four best men’s singles matches on Tuesday at the French Open. The schedule includes Grigor Dimitrov vs. Jack Sock and Alexandr Dolgopolov vs. Nicolas Almagro. (10) Grigor Dimitrov vs. Jack Sock Ricky: Their only previous…