Predicted Winners in BOLD Picking the Chalk [3] Simona Halep (ROU) vs Karin Knapp (ITA) – Knapp is a solid player who got a bad draw. Halep did not get any favors here either, but the Romanian should advance. [5] Ana Ivanovic (SRB) vs. [Q] Lucie Hradecka (CZE) [2] Maria Sharapova (RUS) vs [Q] Petra…
Tag: Australian Open
Australian Open 2015: Day 1 Men’s Predictions
Predicted Winners in BOLD Welcome Back as Tennis’ Off-season is Now Over [3] Rafael Nadal (ESP) vs Mikhail Youzhny (RUS) – Rafa’s draw is pretty soft after this match, but I think Rafa is low on confidence and is not yet grooved. I give Youzhny a 40% chance at the upset despite one of my…
Australian Open 2015 – Women’s Draw: Impressions
Serena has a potentially interesting second round match. I hope Garbine Muguruza shows some of the fight she showed at Roland Garros last year. Azarenka vs. Stephens is a match to circle. Can Petra Kvitoa beat the heat when she plays day matches? Ana Ivanovic and Simona Halep both have to like their chances at…
Australian Open 2015 – Men’s Draw: Impressions
Novak Djokovic got a good draw, but Wawrinka and he could contest an epic semifinal. Roger Federer’s camp likely wanted Nole and Rafa to battle it out, but Rafa has a tricky first round match. Jerzy Janowicz vs. Juan Martin del Potro is my favorite first round match on paper. Each big man wants to…
2014 The Times They Are a Changin’
Not to go Overboard but Consider the Following: Serena Williams won her first major in 1999 and dominated the second half of 2012 and all of 2013. Her Australian Open performance was at least pause in her domination. Novak Djokovic’s Australian Open winning streak, consecutive Grand Slam semifinal streak, and winning streak from Fall 2013…
Tennis Power Ranking: Australian Open 2014
More Analysis Will Be Coming Throughout the Upcoming Week First Power Ranking of 2014 Rafael Nadal – A power ranking is supposed to look at the current state of affairs and plot a player’s position. Rafa won in Qatar and was runner-up at the Australian Open for the second time in 3 years. Rafa has…
Australian Open 2014: Nadal vs. Wawrinka Championship Prediction
Rafael Nadal (ESP) [1] vs. Stanislas Wawrinka (SUI) [8] Stan and the Tough Draw Nole got the Tough Draw When the draw was released it looked like Rafael Nadal would have a tough quarterfinal match with Juan Martin del Potro who had beaten him last fall. Stanislas Wawrinka’s two instant classic matches in 2013 against Novak Djokovic were overlooked….
Australian Open 2014: Cibulkova vs. Li Prediction
Na Li (CHN) [4] vs. Dominika Cibulkova (SVK) [20] Cibulkova has been a giant killer. I keep picking against her. She is tenacious and has made a lot of believers. Still, Na Li has been a strong competitor at the Australian Open in previous years. She has a big game. I think if Na Li is playing well she…
Thanks and Analysis Coming
Dear readers, This site has had its best 12 days ever. I want to thank you for your visits and comments. I normally make predictions and do analysis during Grand Slam events. I have not had time to do this for various reasons, but stick with us next week as the analysis is coming soon….
Tennis Abides: Dan Martin on Tennis and Life 