Masters Miami 2015: John Isner vs. Novak Djokovic Semifinal Prediction

[1] Novak Djokovic (SRB) vs [22] John Isner (USA)  This match-up has been tricky for Novak at times.  Isner’s second serve is so heavy and his first serve is so big that it can neutralize Novak’s return game (something not easily done).  Novak is the better player in every facet other than serves (and probably overheads).  That does…

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Masters Miami 2015: Andy Murray vs. Tomas Berdych Semifinal Prediction

[3] Andy Murray (GBR) vs [8] Tomas Berdych (CZE) H2H That really didn’t need to happen (are you reading Mirka?) Head games Tomas Berdych hired Andy Murray’s former coach during the offseason.  I am not sure if that or something else was behind the intense exchange in Melbourne.  At any rate, things were at times quite ugly…

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Masters Miami 2015: Djokovic vs. Ferrer Prediction

[1] Novak Djokovic (SRB) vs [6] David Ferrer (ESP) H2H  If these two were playing Risk based on their 2015 results, Djokovic would have great strength in Australia and the US.  Ferrer would have military units stationed in Qatar, Brazil, and Mexico.  Both men have played outstanding tennis in 2015.  Ferrer holds 3 titles while Djokovic has…

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Masters Miami: John Isner vs. Kei Nishikori Prediction

[4] Kei Nishikori (JPN) vs [22] John Isner (USA) H2H  I couldn’t help myself, but wow those special effects were bad even by Toho 1960s standards The #1 players from the US and Japan will face-off in Miami.  This match is pretty simple to analyze.  If Nishikori can get into Isner’s service games, he will likely win…

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Miami 2015: Andrea Petkovic vs. Carla Suárez Navaro Prediction

I think Petkovic would beat Kevin McHale as well [9] Andrea Petkovic (GER) vs [12] Carla Suárez Navarro (ESP) In March Madness terms, this is a surprising semifinal.  Each would be seeded 3rd in the NCAA basketball tournament based upon world rankings, but neither would have been viewed as a title threat before the event began….

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Miami 2015: Serena Williams vs. Simona Halep Predicition

I expect both players to compete hard, but who do I think will win? [1] Serena Williams (USA) vs [3] Simona Halep This should be a good measuring stick for each player.  Serena left Indian Wells with an injury, but her form over the years in Miami has been sublime.  Simona Halep rallied and overcame her…

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Masters Miami 2015: April 1st ATP Predictions

Predicted Winners in BOLD [3] Andy Murray (GBR) vs Dominic Thiem (AUT) – Anywhere other than a slam or at Miami, I might pick Thiem.  That is how much I think of this young talent.  Thiem has a lot of variety and a bright future ahead of him.  The Austrian also has a lot of momentum from some…

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Miami 2015: April 1st WTA Predictions

Predicted Winners in BOLD [1] Serena Williams (USA) vs [27] Sabine Lisicki (GER) H2H – Lisicki did post a big win versus Serena at Wimbledon 2013. The German matches up reasonably well with Serena because her serve is strong enough to counterbalance some of Serena’s general serving edge.  Lisicki has played quite well in Miami as…

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Evaluating DDP Yoga for Tennis – Phase 1

I dabbled with DDPYoga during cold weather months, will committing to it improve my tennis? I have gained more weight than I would like over the past several years.  Despite eating a pretty healthy diet by US standards, I have through inaction, stress, and lack of sleep managed to not be particularly well conditioned.  This…

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Masters Miami 2015: March 31st ATP Predictions

Predicted Winners in BOLD [8] Tomas Berdych (CZE) vs [17] Gael Monfils (FRA) H2H – I think the Big Czech wins riding some momentum from his comeback versus Tomic. [3] Andy Murray (GBR) vs [15] Kevin Anderson (RSA) – Murray’s return will likely neutralize Anderson’s best weapon. [1] Novak Djokovic (SRB) vs Alexandr Dolgopolov (UKR) H2H – This should be an entertaining…

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