Tennis Predictions for 4-29-2012

Projected Winners in BOLD This will be short as Simon has already won.  I simply will pick the first seeds in both other finals today.  I think Rafael Nadal beats David Ferrer in Barcelona.  I think Victoria Azarenka prevails against Maria Sharapova in Stuttgart.  I was 5-1 in my picks yesterday.  We shall see if…

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Barcelona, Stuttgart and Bucharest Semifinal Picks

Projected Winners in BOLD There is a slate of interesting matches for all three events.  Here are my picks: Barcelona 1 Rafael Nadal vs. 9 Fernando Verdasco – Rafa should win this match in a fairly straightforward manner.  Verdasco did stage a classic with Nadal at the 2009 Australian Open, but I would be shocked…

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Wertheim, Raonic and Other Thoughts

Jon Wertheim’s Mailbag Abides Jon Wertheim commented on an observation I made about the possible benefits of Rafael Nadal playing slowly in his weekly mailbag.  Here are Jon’s thoughts: I think Nadal’s slow play does benefit him in one key area. Nadal’s ability to concentrate is a comparative advantage against anyone not named Deep Blue….

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ATP Book Club

Originally posted on emmasrandomthoughts:
A few days ago Querido Rafa posted a picture of Rafa reading a massive tome.  I joked that Rafa was skimming through Mastering the Art of French Cooking, because the book looks text heavy, he is in Monte Carlo. and he does like to cook.  (Plus I just reserved that from the…

Power Ranking for the Week of April 22 – April 28, 2012

Dan Martin’s 2012 Power Rankings for the Week of April 22 through April 28* 1.  Novak Djokovic – Novak is the number one player in the world, but he will face challenges to remain number one in 2012. 2. Rafael Nadal – An eighth consecutive title  at Monte Carlo and a one-sided win over the world…

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Monte Carlo High Rolling – Nadal Wins 8th (!) Consecutive Shield

Rafael Nadal d. Novak Djokovic 6-3, 6-1 This result was huge for a few reasons: Nadal cements his status as the favorite for the French Open in 2012* Nadal exercises some of his demons vs. Djokovic Nadal once again is the sole owner of the most Super 9/Masters Series/Masters 1000 titles Nadal most importantly wins…

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