And here we go … Stan Wawrinka (SUI) [3] vs. Kei Nishikori (JPN) [10] If this is the undercard match, it is a great undercard. Nishikori played well in Melbourne and in Miami looked like a man ready to breakthrough before he withdrew. In Madrid, he had Nadal on the ropes until health failed him. If Nishikori…
Tag: Novak Djokovic
US Open 2014: Quick Hits – Murray is Back
2011 Champ vs. 2012 Champ Book It! Andy Murray looked to be playing a lot closer to his 2012-mid 2013 form than he has for most of 2014. Murray used his movement and return of serve to dig out from break deficits in the 2nd and 3rd set. He applied pressure at the right times…
US Open 2014: Labor Day Men’s Predictions
Predicted Winners in BOLD 4 Heavy Weight Prize Fights Big Time Matches on Tap Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (FRA) [9] vs. Andy Murray (GBR) [8] – Tsonga’s conquest of Toronto and Murray’s first round cramping make this close to a 50-50 match. Murray even gave up a break lead in the 3rd set to let Tsonga off of the hook. I…
US Open 2014: Day 6 Men’s Predictions
Predicted Winners in BOLD This is a great slate of matches! Tommy Robredo (16) vs. Nick Kyrgios – This is a classic match-up of a very solid, prepared and fit veteran facing a more powerful and talented young player. Kyrgios’ firepower could overwhelm Robredo, but if fitness becomes a factor I think the match swings to…
US Open 2014: Day 4 Men’s Predictions
Predicted Winners in BOLD 8 A. Murray vs. M. Bachinger – Murray would like a quick win to put any concerns about cramping further behind him. 31 F. Verdasco vs. A. Kuznetsov – Verdasco is fit and had a day of rest, but I think round 1 probably took something out of him and Kuznetsov is a…
US Open 2014: Day 1 Men’s Predictions
Predicted Winners in BOLD A Great Slate of Day Matches If you have tickets, they are truly valuable, and I envy you. Night Session Predictions at the Bottom 16 T. Robredo vs. E. Roger-Vasselin – This should be a good match, but Robredo’s fitness level makes him hard to beat in three out of five…
US Open 2014: Men’s Preview and Draw Analysis
Early Thoughts Mats Wilander once roughly said that no one should predict a Grand Slam title for a player until he wins his first because breaking through at a slam is different than winning a 250, 500 or 1000 level event. I will take a look at the men who have already won major titles. My…
Tennis Power Ranking 2014: Cincinnati – All Hail King Roger the 6th
Tennis Abides Power Ranking 2014 Ranking #10: Cincinnati Novak Djokovic – Nole stays at #1, but his play in Toronto and Cincinnati will not be good enough to win in New York. I expect Novak to round into form, but this was not the most reassuring hard court swing for his supporters. Roger Federer – Rafa…
Masters Cincinnati 2014: Day 4 ATP Predictions
Predicted Winners in BOLD [3] Stan Wawrinka (SUI) vs [14] Marin Cilic (CRO) H2H – This is close to a 50-50 match in my mind, but Wawrinka is a little more solid overall than Cilic in my view. This could be the match of the day though so if you have a ticket be sure to watch….
Masters Cincinnati 2014: Day 2 ATP Predictions
Predicted Winners in BOLD There are some great matches on this schedule [12] Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (FRA) vs Mikhail Youzhny (RUS) H2H – Youzhny is not the ideal first match for anyone coming off of a string of big wins. Youzhny has a lot of game and has been in big situations throughout his career. Still, Tsonga…
Tennis Abides: Dan Martin on Tennis and Life 