Ricoh Open 2016: Semifinal Predictions

Predicted Winners in BOLD Someone called for aces? [3] Ivo Karlovic (CRO) vs. [7] Gilles Muller (LUX) H2H – Dr. Ivo may be in his mid 30s, but on grass I’ll take the big man. [8-WC] Nicolas Mahut (FRA) vs [5] Sam Querrey (USA) – Both Mahut and Querrey have won titles on grass, but I think…

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Mercedes Cup 2016: ATP Quarterfinal Predictions

Predicted Winners in BOLD For a 250 Level Event, this Final 8 is Quite Strong [3] Dominic Thiem (AUT) vs. Mikhail Youzhny (RUS) H2H – Part of me wants to pick Youzhny based on surface experience and Thiem’s big swings not being ideal for grass. Still, Thiem is the percentage pick to win. [1] Roger Federer…

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Ricoh Open 2016: ATP Quarterfinal Predictions

Predicted Winners in BOLD [1] David Ferrer (ESP) vs. [7] Gilles Muller (LUX) H2H – On a medium paced or slow surface, I’d take Ferrer 10 out of 10 times.  I am a little iffy about this pick on grass. [2] Bernard Tomic (AUS) vs. [8-WC] Nicolas Mahut (FRA) H2H – Mahut is always prepared and plays quite…

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Novak Djokovic Changing Tennis

This video was passed along to me, and it is quite good.  Novak’s movement, flexibility, and balance are all likely precursors to how tennis will be approached in the future.

Mercedes Cup 2016: June 9th ATP Predictions

Predicted Winners in BOLD [3] Dominic Thiem (AUT) vs. Sam Groth (AUS) H2H – I like Thiem, but his deep run in Paris may mean his grass court adjustments have not taken place yet.  This could be a huge opportunity for Groth. [1] Roger Federer (SUI) vs. Taylor Fritz(USA) 4-3 – to be completed (not before…

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Ricoh Open 2016: June 9th ATP Predictions

Predicted Winners in BOLD [3] Ivo Karlovic (CRO) vs. [WC] Igor Sijsling (NED) H2H – I think the big man wins this match even if Igor has some home court love coming his way. [1] David Ferrer (ESP) vs. Dudi Sela (ISR) H2H – Ferrer has had his moments on grass. [7] Gilles Muller (LUX) vs. Guillermo Garcia-Lopez…

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Mercedes Cup 2016: June 8th ATP Predictions

Predicted Winners in BOLD [WC] Michael Berrer (GER) vs. [Q] Florian Mayer (GER) H2H – Mayer’s match play in the qualifying rounds gives him an edge in my mind. [7] Philipp Kohlschreiber (GER) vs. Denis Kudla (USA)  H2H – Kudla is a fighter who plays his best tennis on grass.  However, Kohlschreiber in Germany is a tough…

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Ricoh Open 2016: June 8th ATP Predictions

Predicted Winners in BOLD [2] Bernard Tomic (AUS) vs. Aljaz Bedene (GBR) H2H – Tomic is always capable of not showing up mentally.  Is he shows up, he should win. [4] Steve Johnson (USA) vs. [WC] Stefan Kozlov (USA) H2H – The NCAA Folk Hero wins this match. [8-WC] Nicolas Mahut (FRA) vs. Paul-Henri Mathieu (FRA) H2H – Mahut…

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The Clay to Grass Transition

I’ve never played tennis on a grass court, but I hope to correct that in the nearish future. The shift for professionals from clay to grass may not be as severe as it was when the speeds of the surfaces were more radically different.  Still, the footing on each surface is different.  I’ve included some…

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