When in Rome...
When in Rome, do as Rafa does. Puts Madrid behind him to win a record 21st Masters title, 6th in Rome and reclaim the #2 ranking. Order is restored.
Each week there are latest tournament predictions of ATP 250, 500, Masters Series, Grand Slams, Davis Cup and the odd Challenger event. In addition, you can read about players you have forgotten about, top 10 lists, hot topics in tennis, classic rivalries, miracle shots and even more.
Enjoy your stay and come back again soon!
Filed under: About This Blog | Tagged: ATP World Tour Masters 1000, davis cup, Grand Slam, Tennis | Leave a Comment »
DusseldorfThis team event is a good warm up for the players with the added camaraderie that makes it fun to watch. Andy Roddick makes his return alongside James Blake and Ryan Harrison.
We’re talking clay, and pound for pound, you could look to Argentina as one of the favorites in Chela, Berlocq and Mayer but they still look weak in comparison and the typically non-clay nations.
Let’s break it down:
Level: ATP 250
Surface: Outdoor Clay
Teams: Serbia, Czech Republic, Argentina, Germany, Croatia, USA, Japan, Russia
Defending Champions: Germany – Field a solid team again with PK playing well.
Surprise Package: Japan – Go Soeda and Tatsuma ‘Satsuma’ Ito are both in good form and could turn some heads.
My pick: Czech Republic – The Berdych/Stepanek duo are locked in and should take this one.
Did You Know? Germany lead in overall tournament wins with 5. US, Argentina, Spain, Sweden 4, Australia 3, Czech Republic 2, Chile -2, Yugoslavia, Croatia, France, Switzerland, Slovakia and Serbia 1.
Long John Isner still needs to prove he is a Major threat on clay since his Davis Cup win against Federer. He gets an easy draw until a potential match up with Bernie ‘Atomic’ Tomic semi-finals. Tomic himself has not won a tour title yet, but that can’t last much longer. Not sure if clay is where he will capture it first though.
Let’s break it down:
Level: ATP 250
Surface: Outdoor Clay
Defending Champions: Nicolas ‘Dirt Devil’ Almagro
On Fire: Gilles Simon – Steady as a rock, Simon is in his hometown and looks for his 11th title.
Slumping: Gael ‘Force’ Monfils – Badly needs to string some match wins together to still be a ‘Force’
Sleeper: Juan Carlos Ferrero – JCF put in a great display against Federer in Rome, so his confidence could be high for an upset.
On the Rise: Brian Baker – The late bloomer from the US burned his way through qualifying and could cause some frights.
My pick: Nicolas Almagro – Nico hoovers up these 250 events and I see him continuing to do so here.
Filed under: 250 and 500 Predictions, Tournament predictions | Tagged: Düsseldorf, Germany | Leave a Comment »
The rankings finally are interesting again with Roger up to #2 with Rafa looking to hit back. In fact, Roger is the only one not with much to prove this tournament unusually, while Novak, Rafa and Andy ‘White Fang’ Murray look to restore order.
Let’s break it down:
ATP Level: 1000
Surface: Red Clay
Defending Champion: Novak Djokovic – Looking to rebound from Madrid exit to Tipsarevic
Sleeper: Juan Del Potro – The big man lost his footing too much in Madrid but could bounce back
On the Slide : Juan Carlos ‘The Mosquito’ Ferrero – Won Rome in 2001 and hopefully those memories will re-awaken the dirt devil
On Fire: Roger Federer - May not find the same advantages on the slower Rome clay this time
My pick: Rafael Nadal – Rome is back in his wheelhouse and the lost ranking position will have him fired up
Did You Know? The only players to have won Rome 3 times or more are Rafael Nadal (5) and Thomas Muster (3)
Watch: Rome Uncovered
Thanks for reading and check back next week for more tips, news and musings!
Filed under: Masters Series Predictions, Tournament predictions | Tagged: Rome | Leave a Comment »
‘The Magic Box’
You have to hand it to Ion Tiriac, he sticks his thick neck out more than anyone. When it comes to Madrid, it’s a carnival of ideas. First the Magic Box arena, then the model ball girls and now blue clay. Considering it’s easier to see a yellow ball on blue, I’m all for it. I just don’t like the fact thousands of Smurfs gave their lives for it.
The players have mixed feelings but whatever color it’s played on, you can count on Nadal winning. Djokovic did not look the same player in Monte Carlo that spooked Rafa last year, while Federer does return perhaps sniffing an opportunity to gain some ranking points in his quest to reclaim the number 1 spot.
Let’s break it down:
ATP Level: 1000
Surface: Blue (!) Clay
Defending Champion: Novak Djokovic – Something to prove again this tournament.
Sleeper: Milos Raonic – Proved he can play on clay and could meet Federer 2nd round.
Slumping: Florian Mayer – A player no one wants to play to a good first round opponent for Del Po
On Fire: Gilles Simon – Hoovering up smaller events, but can he scare the bigger boys?
Veteran Watch: Juan Carlos Ferrero – Has he still got it? A couple of wins would do him good.
My pick: Rafael Nadal – He could be playing on Jello and probably adapt to win.
Did You Know? The only other Spaniard to win other than Nadal is Juan Carlos Ferrero in 2003
Thanks for reading and check back next week for more tips, news and musings!
Filed under: Masters Series Predictions, Tournament predictions | Tagged: Florian Mayer, Juan Carlos Ferrero, Magic Box, Milos Raonic, Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer | Leave a Comment »
Rough day at the office
Nole loses the Gladiatorial battle to Rafa this time. The Serbinator not looking so invincible this year and the 'Nole Slam' looks much less likely headed into the French Open.
Swedish Meatballs
