Rome 2014: Raonic vs. Djokovic Prediction

Milos Raonic vs. Novak Djokovic  There does appear to be a 25 and under movement on tour in 2014.  Milos Raonic, Kei Nishikori and Grigor Dimitrov have each had nice moments in the past 52 weeks and especially since January 1.  I don’t see the youth movement continues in this match.  Milos Raonic has made…

Masters Rome Predictions May 14, 2014

Predicted Winners in BOLD Marcel Granollers (ESP) v [7] Andy Murray (GBR) – Based on other results, this upset I am predicting is not that major. Jeremy Chardy (FRA) v [4] Roger Federer (SUI) – Is Federer in a post-baby fog?  If so, he’ll likely lose.  Still, I think in Monte Carlo he played well enough to get a modest benefit of the doubt. [1] Rafael…

Nadal & Federer’s 30th Match: Prediction

Federer vs. Nadal 30 In 2006, these two men staged one of the best matches of their rivalry in Rome.  Nadal prevailed in 5 electrifying sets.  In 2013, the two meet again in Rome in the championship match.  They have played enough times that we roughly know what to expect.  Federer will need to serve…

Masters Rome: Semifinal Predictions

Predicted Winners in BOLD Women’s Semifinal Matches 1Serena Williams  vs. Simona Halep – I am not sure I need to explain anything about this prediction. 3Victoria Azarenka vs. 7Sara Errani – Based on clay court form, I’d take Errani, but I think the 2013 Australian Open champion and the World #1 are on a collision course.  Azarenka in 2…

My Problem with the Federer Post Mortems

My Starting Point I will put my bias out there and state that Roger Federer has been all-time my favorite tennis player to watch since 2003.  I like his game, his balance, his shot making etc.  I also will bluntly say that Roger is not playing near his career best 2006 level, or his 2004-2007…

Nadal’s Reign: Unrelenting Supremacy

King Rafa 2005 – ? Can anyone stop a prepared Nadal on clay?  That is a question that has been hounding professional tennis since 2005.  There are a few scenarios for how Nadal might lose a match on clay, but these scenarios become even less likely when a match moves to a best of five…