US Open 2016: Quick Thoughts on the Men’s Draw

Novak Djokovic’s Quarter The defending champion and number one seed received no favors with this draw.  Big hitters Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, John Isner, and Kevin Anderson have at times pushed/troubled Novak Djokovic.  Jerzy Janowicz is not in Bercy 2012-Wimbledon 2013 form so the first round should not be a major issue.  Djokovic’s biggest obstacle is 2014…

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US Open 2016: Quick Thoughts on the Women’s Draw

Is round 3 possible? Sure. Serena Williams’ Quarter Serena Williams received no favors from her 2016 US Open draw.  Ekaterina Makarova is far from an ideal first round opponent.  Simona Halep won Montreal and played reasonably well in Cincinnati.  Heather Watson or Lucie Safarova could await Serena in the final 8 if Halep fails to reach…

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Tennis in Literature

In this brief break between Cincinnati and the US Open, I thought I would give a few examples of our great sport popping up in major literary works (my list is not this exhaustive). Prelude: The Tennis Court Oath and More Jean Jacques Rousseau mentioned court/real/royal tennis in his First Discourse.  A major event in the French Revolution…

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Cincinnati 2016: Reflections on Semifinal Saturday

Prelude: Burritos to Go? My semifinal Saturday, started with an unexpected surprise.  Before entering the grounds with Mike Kooris (a good friend who is a better tennis player than me), and I went to Chipotle to get less expensive food than what is offered on site.  While eating a tall Canadian entered the restaurant and…

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Cincinnati 2016: Andy Murray vs. Marin Cilic Championship Prediction

Andy Murray vs. Marin Cilic This match would seemingly be entirely on Andy Murray’s racquet.  Despite these two having a close battle at the Queen’s Club earlier this summer, Andy Murray is a strong favorite.  Andy has not lost a match since losing the Roland Garros final.  Murray has reached his 7th consecutive championship match….

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Cincinnati 2016: ATP Semifinal Predictions

Predicted Winners in BOLD (1) Andy Murray VS (4) Milos Raonic – Milos has faced Andy Murray at the Australian Open semifinal, Queen’s Club final, and Wimbledon final.  In each case, Milos finished on the losing end of these encounters.  Can today be different?  It might.  Milos Raonic has increased his net attacks in 2016…

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Cincinnati 2016: WTA Semifinal Predictions

Predicted Winners in BOLD (15) Karolina Pliskova VS (4) Garbiñe Muguruza – Pliskova is quite tall (1.86 M/6’1″), but moves well for a player of her height.  Muguruza is also tall (1.82 M/6′) and moves well too.  One thing Muguruza has going for her is superior power when hitting outside of her preferred comfort zones.  Garbine has all…

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Cincinnati 2016: ATP Quarterfinal Predictions

Predicted Winners in BOLD Steve Johnson VS Grigor Dimitrov – I am torn on this match.  Johnson won a bronze medal in doubles and pulled a huge upset over Jo-Wilfried Tsonga to secure his spot as the top ranked US male in singles.  He is basking in good vibes. Grigor Dimitrov is playing his best tennis since…

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