Novak Djokovic (2) vs. Roger Federer (7) The head-to-head between these two champions stands at 17-15 in favor of Federer. Each man has produced some instant classic tennis when playing the other. Federer’s smash lob versus Nole at the 2008 US Open stands out as moment in my memory. Nole’s 2008 Australian Open semifinal demolition of Federer was…
Tag: Novak Djokovic
Indian Wells 2014 Semifinal Prediction: Isner vs. Djokovic
Novak Djokovic (2) vs. John Isner (12) As I stated in my last post, my picks have been dismal at Indian Wells this year. In 2012 (see above), Isner won in this very spot and then lost to Roger Federer in the Indian Wells final. History could repeat itself as John’s serve is so big that it gives…
Indian Wells ATP Predictions: March 14, 2014
Predicted Winners in BOLD Quarterfinals Novak Djokovic (2) vs. Julien Benneteau – I think Djokovoic and Federer are on a collision course. Benneteau has lived up to what I think of him. Namely, he is a talented and dangerous player. I think Nole comes through in 3 sets. John Isner (12) vs. Ernests Gulbis (20) – Gulbis has been eerily consistent…
Indian Wells ATP Predictions: March 12, 2014
Predicted Winners in BOLD Fourth Round Ernests Gulbis (20) vs. Roberto Bautista-Agut – Gulbis deserves a lot of credit for his strong start to 2014. He is shredding my image of him as talented but inconsistent. Bautista-Agut is also having a great 2014. This may be a year in which multiple players step forward on tour. This is…
Indian Wells Predictions: March 11, 2014
Predicted Winners in BOLD I am still in mild shock over Rafa being beaten, but tennis is a funny game at times. Third Round John Isner (12) vs. Yen-Hsun Lu – US tennis needs Isner to make something happen in 2014. He has done well at Indian Wells in the past and has a workable draw to advance…
Australian Open 2014: Day 9 Men’s Predictions
Predicted Winners in BOLD Tomas Berdych (CZE) [7] vs. David Ferrer (ESP) [3] – These two have split their last four matches (all on hardcourts). This makes it a tough match to call. Berdych obviously needs to dictate play and impose his serve and big shots on Ferrer. David has to make the Big Czech move and play defensive…
Boris Becker and Nole
Becker’s Big Match Play Novak Djokovic hiring Boris Becker is something that has mystified some observers. Becker has never been a coach before and as a player was notorious for being hard to coach. Novak ended 2013 on a massive winning streak including 2 straight set wins over the man who took his #1 ranking….
Lendl vs. Becker vs. Edberg (?) vs. Uncle Toni
The Coaching Arms Race is On Andy Murray has been working with Ivan Lendl for 2 years. This partnership has yielded 1 Wimbledon title, 1 US Open title, 1 Gold Medal, 1 Wimbledon runner-up finish, and 1 Australian Open runner-up finish. Becker is Back Murray’s successes with Lendl plus Nadal’s improbable dominance after knee injuries…
Rafa or Nole, Who had a Better Year? (POLL)
Rafa won 2 slams, 5 Masters 1000 events, won 3 other events, and was runner-up at 4 events. Rafa beat Nole 3 times including matches at Roland Garros and the US Open. The computer has Rafa ranked #1. Nole won 1 slam, was runner-up at 2 others, and a semifinalist at a fourth. Nole won…
World Tour Finals 2013: Semifinal Predictions
Rafael Nadal vs. Roger Federer Roger Federer has had an interesting year. He reached the semifinals of the Australian Open, the quarterfinals of the French Open, was runner-up in Rome, runner-up in Basel, made a number of final 8 or better showings at Masters 1000 events and won Halle. He now finished second in his…
Tennis Abides: Dan Martin on Tennis and Life 