Quick Hits 16 February 2014

Holding Form Each of today’s ATP finals were won by the favorite.  Tomas Berdych took out a surprisingly (to me at least) resurgent Marin Cilic.  I figured the PED suspension would hurt Marin’s game for some time.  Instead, he’s started 2014 well.  Berdych builds on a strong Aussie Open showing.  A lot of people have…

Australian Open 2014: Wawrinka vs. Berdych Prediction

Tomas Berdych (CZE) [7] vs. Stanislas Wawrinka (SUI) [8] First, this should be a great match.  Tennis has been dominated by four players for several years now.  Each of these men has been trying to break through, and each now has a chance to play for a Grand Slam title if he wins this match. …

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…

2013 China Open Semifinal Predictions

Predicted Winners in BOLD [4] Tomas Berdych (CZE) v [2] Rafael Nadal (ESP) H2H – I actually do not think Berdych is a bad pick here as he could win, and Rafa is due for a loss.  Still, until Rafa loses or his knees look shaky, I think Rafa has to be favored in any match at the moment. [1] Novak Djokovic (SRB) v [5] Richard Gasquet (FRA) H2H – Richard…

Raonic vs. Berdych Prediction

Milos Raonic was runner-up in Montreal and lost a tight round of 16 match at the US Open.  The big Canadian may be cementing his spot in the top 15 in the world.  Tomas Berdych reached the semifinal round in Cincinnati and also lost in the round of 16 at the US Open.  Each man…

Tennis Power Ranking 2013: Mallorcan Conquistador

Power Ranking 2013 #12 A lot of movement after 2013’s FInal Grand Slam 1.  Rafael Nadal – What can be said.  He missed the Australian Open and lost at the first round at Wimbledon.  Heck, Rafa has lost 2 clay court matches this year.  All of that is true, and Rafa has locked up the…

US Open 2013: Day 9 Men’s Predictions

Predicted Winners in BOLD Fourth Round Novak Djokovic (1) vs. Marcel Granollers – Nole has to gear up if he is going to try to reach the final and then face Rafa.  Watch out Marcel. Mikhail Youzhny (21) vs. Lleyton Hewitt – If Youzhny plays as he did vs. Haas, he wins this match.  I am picking on sentiment here, but…

US Open 2013: Day 7 Men’s Predictions

Predicted Winners in Bold Third Round Novak Djokovic (1) vs. Joao Sousa – Nole should roll. Tim Smyczek vs. Marcel Granollers – And then there were none … US men are eliminated from the singles draw.  The USTA should be a touch worried about the state of the men’s game. Andy Murray (3) vs. Florian Mayer – The defending champion moves forward. Stanislas Wawrinka (9)…

US Open Draw Analysis

I.  Djokovic’s Quarter: Novak Djokovic has a reasonable path to the quarterfinal round.  He could face some resistance in the 3rd round from Grigor Dimitrov and his first round match is not easy, but this is a good draw for Nole to add confidence during the first week of the event.  2009 US Open champion Juan…

Tennis Power Ranking 2013: Cincinnati to NY

Power Ranking 2013 #11 Again a lot of movement as one would expect following a 1000 Series Event 1.  Rafael Nadal – Rafa already has 5 Masters 1000 titles in 2013!  He is putting a strangle hold on the race to finish #1 in 2013.  He continued dominating form and won entertaining to memorable matches against…