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…

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Paris Masters preview and picks

Originally posted on The Grandstand:
The stakes cannot get much higher at a Masters 1000 event. Not only is the Paris title on the line, but there are also four World Tour Finals spots left to be decided. Six contenders are battling for the remaining berths in London: Andy Murray, Kei Nishikori, Tomas Berdych, David…

Valencia 2014: Semifinal Predictions

David Ferrer vs. Andy Murray With Rafa’s withdrawal from London, both men must feel good about their chances to be in the final 8.  Still, this is the 3rd consecutive week they have met in an event.  The winner will be much closer to punching his ticket to the World Tour Finals.  Murray has won…

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Basel 2014: Semifinal Predictions

Roger Federer vs. Ivo Karlovic Roger is on his home turf and facing the Big Man with a lot of momentum on his side.  Ivo could be virtually unbreakable indoors.  Roger has won 9 consecutive tiebreaks.  Roger is better across the board, but Ivo has a puncher’s chance with his massive serve.  Both players should…

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Basel previews and picks: Nadal vs. Herbert, Federer vs. Muller

Originally posted on The Grandstand:
Rafael Nadal is back in Basel action on Wednesday as he faces Pierre-Hugues Herbert in round two. Meanwhile, Roger Federer will begin his quest to go one step further than he did last year when he kicks off his campaign against Gilles Muller. (Q) Pierre-Hugues Herbert vs. (2) Rafael Nadal…

Why in my Mind Novak Djokovic is Number One for 2014

I have never hidden the fact that I enjoy Roger Federer’s play and his winning as much as I’ve enjoyed watching or rooting for any player in tennis history.  I try to be fair, but I think objectivity is a fictional location that, like Utopia, does not exist for human beings.  Roger Federer trails Novak…

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Basel and Valencia previews and predictions

Originally posted on The Grandstand:
This week could be better, such as if world No. 1 Novak Djokovic and 2013 Basel champion Juan Martin Del Potro were in action. Still, this is about as good as it gets when it comes to a pair of 500-point tournaments. Rafael Nadal’s comeback from a wrist injury and…