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…

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…

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Tennis Power Ranking 2014: Roger Resurgent in Shanghai

Novak Djokovic – Nole won Beijing and reached the semifinal round in Shanghai.  He has played well enough to make it likely that he finishes 2014 ranked #1.  We’ve yet to see Nole hit a dominant streak since Wimbledon, but he’s playing well enough to stay #1. Roger Federer – Roger owns 4 titles in…

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Quick Hits: Shanghai and Beyond

Roger Federer’s 4th title and 9th final of 2014 prove that 2013 is a thing of the past.  Roger did not win a Grand Slam in 2014, but his form, health and demeanor tell me he is someone to watch in 2015.  At the end of 2013, I thought 2015 might be his swan song….

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Shanghai final preview and pick: Federer vs. Simon

Originally posted on The Grandstand:
Roger Federer will be bidding for his 23rd Masters 1000 title and second in a row when he takes the court on Sunday in Shanghai. Standing in his way is Gilles Simon. Roger Federer and Gilles Simon will be facing each other for the seventh time in their careers when…