Seed survival in Indian Wells includes Nadal, Federer

Originally posted on The Grandstand:
Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, and Andy Murray all win their Indian Wells openers on Saturday. They are through to the third round following three-setters for Nadal and Murray and a tense second set for Federer. Survive and advance. That was the name of the game on stadium court at the…

Monday match picks, including Nishikori vs. Haas

Originally posted on The Grandstand:
BNP Paribas Open (1) Rafael Nadal vs. (28) Alexandr Dolgopolov: Nadal in 2. As long as the back is close to 100 percent, the defending champion should take care of business. (23) Gael Monfils vs. (13) Fabio Fognini: Monfils in 3. The only guarantee is that this one will be…

Indian Wells Predictions March 10, 2014

Predicted Winners in BOLD [27] Dmitry Tursunov (RUS) v [7] Roger Federer (SUI) – I would not be shocked if the blogging Russian found a way to win a single set, but I think Federer advances. [1] Rafael Nadal (ESP) v [28] Alexandr Dolgopolov (UKR) – A rematch of sorts, but I think Rafa wins unless Dolgopolov has a superhuman moment playing for his native Ukraine in…

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Indian Wells Predictions March 9, 2014

Predicted Winners in BOLD Roberto Bautista Agut (ESP) v [4] Tomas Berdych (CZE) – Agut had a great Australian Open run.  Berdych is playing very solid tennis at the moment.  This is not a great draw for either man, but I think form holds as Berdych wins in 2 close sets. [6] Juan Martin Del Potro (ARG) v Feliciano Lopez (ESP) – If JMDP’s wrist holds…

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Indian Wells, R2: Rafael Nadal vs. Radek Stepanek

Rafael Nadal Fans Photo by Billie Weiss World No. 1 Rafael Nadal begins his title defence on Day 3 at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden. The three-time winner goes up against 35-year-old Radek Stepanek for the seventh time with the Spaniard leading their FedEx H2H series 6-0. Rafa is appearing in Indian Wells for the…

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Tennis Power Ranking 2014: Pre-Indian Wells

Second Tennis Power Ranking 2014 Not a lot has happened since Melbourne and that is about to change with two Masters 1000 events being played in succession Rafael Nadal – Rafa has won 2 events in 2014 and was runner-up at the first slam.  He is a lock for the top spot right now.   Stanislas…

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Dubai QF previews and picks: Federer vs. Rosol, Berdych vs. Tsonga

Originally posted on The Grandstand:
Roger Federer is one win away from a potential Dubai semifinal showdown against Novak Djokovic, with Lukas Rosol standing in the Swiss’ way on Thursday. Tomas Berdych and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, meanwhile, are set for a blockbuster quarterfinal. (4) Roger Federer vs. Lukas Rosol Federer and Rosol will be going head-to-head…