Rafa Gives a Lesson in Sportsmanship

It came to my attention today that Rafael Nadal cried with joy when Roger Federer won Roland Garros in 2009.  Given that Nadal is tied for 2nd on the all-time list of male Grand Slam winners and that Roger Federer is 1st on that list, it seems like a generous outlook from Rafa.  Competitors look…

GOAT Confusion – Say What?

Roger Federer says there is no GOAT because players from different eras had different priorities etc. Pete Sampras says Federer is the GOAT for now, but that his head-to-head vs. Rafa is an issue. Andre Agassi says Rafa is the GOAT even if he once said Federer was the GOAT. John McEnroe says that Rafa…

Masters Miami: March 26, 2014 ATP Predictions

Predicted Winners in BOLD Yesterday I was 7-1 in my picks so I hope to keep the momentum going Quarterfinal Round Novak Djokovic (2) vs. Andy Murray (6) – Their first sanctioned meeting since Murray won WImbledon last year.  These two posses the best two-handed backhands on tour.  They are the two best pure returners.  They are two…

Indian Wells 2014 Final Prediction: Djokovic vs. Federer

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…

Two Cool Videos from Indian Wells

[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=03ndRyTQvdk] Federer running down two overheads (Dolgopolov could have done a bit more with each overhead) Federer and Edberg training.  Some of the best moments at tennis tournaments are just watching players practice.  Seeing how well they have honed their craft and how talented they are is worth the price of a ticket.  

Indian Wells 2014 Semifinal Prediction: Federer vs. Dolgopolov

My predictions for Indian Wells have been the worst I have ever put forth on any Masters 1000 Event so read with caution.  Hopefully, I can end the event with some good picks. Semifinals Roger Federer (7) vs. Alexandr Dolgopolov (28) This match pits two players with a great deal of variety against one another.  Federer has more…

Indian Wells ATP Quarterfinal Predictions March 13, 2014

Predicted Winners in BOLD Quarterfinals Roger Federer (7) vs. Kevin Anderson (17) – Anderson could be considered a form horse for 2014.  I would not be shocked if Roger were upset here.  Roger has defended his points in Melbourne and Indian Wells and added points in Brisbane and Dubai.  I think Roger’s form is better than Anderson’s so…

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 10, 2014

Predicted Winners in BOLD [27] Dmitry Tursunov (RUS) v [7] Roger Federer (SUI) – I would not be shocked if the blogging Russian found a way to win a single set, but I think Federer advances. [1] Rafael Nadal (ESP) v [28] Alexandr Dolgopolov (UKR) – A rematch of sorts, but I think Rafa wins unless Dolgopolov has a superhuman moment playing for his native Ukraine in…