Champion: (1) Serena Williams
Serena is a three time champion, but Roland Garros is by far her least successful of the four majors. However, she seems to be the only consistent player on tour at the moment. Let's face it. When Serena's on, there isn't anything anyone can do to beat her. However, when her level drops, she becomes vulnerable to losses. Serena was not at her best, but still managed to lift the Coupe Suzanne Lenglen last year. Add to the fact that Serena has had two tough losses in the past two majors, expect the fire and determination she needs to get back on track to tie Steffi Graf's 22 majors.
Toughest Road: (1) Serena Williams
On paper, Serena has the toughest road to the championship. She could face (14) Ana Ivanovic (who won the 2008 French Open champion) in the round of 16, (5) Victoria Azarenka (two time Australian Open Champion) in the quarterfinals, (3) Angelique Kerber (2016 Australian Open champion) in the semifinals, and (2) Agnieszka Radwanska (2012 Wimbledon finalist) in the championship.
However, only Azarenka has displayed good form as of late. Since winning in Stuggart in April, she has lost in the first round in Madrid and the second round in Rome.
After winning consecutive titles at Indian Wells and Miami, Azarenka has struggled with a back injury. She withdrew from the third round at Madrid and lost in the second round at Rome because of the injury. Time will tell how her back has healed since her loss in Rome. To beat Serena, Azarenka will need to be 100 percent healthy.
Darkhorse: (13) Svetlana Kuzentsova
Picking Kuznetsova may sound crazy, but given the lack of consistent form on the WTA now, it shouldn't seem surprising. Here's why. Her road to the final potentially includes: Yaroslava Shvedova (first round), Nicole Gibbs (secound round), (24) Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova in the third round, (27) Ekaterina Makarova in the round of 16, (10) Petra Kvitova in the quarterfinals, (2) Agnieska Radwanska in the semifinals, and (1) Serena Williams in the final.
Kuznetsova sports a 6-1 record against her fellow Russian, along with a 2-0 record on clay. Makarova has only been able to win three sets against Kuznetsova in their meetings. If these two meet, I expect Kuznetsova to win.
2016 hasn't been kind to (10) Petra Kvitova. She lost in the second round in the Australian Open, and has fallen to 12 in the rankings. She has not won a title this year, and struggled mightily in the French Open tune-ups, losing in the third round in Madrid, and the first round in Rome.
Kuzetnova owns an 11-4 record all-time against Radwanska, which includes a 3-0 record on clay, and seven wins in their last eight meetings.
If Kuznetsova gets past a tricky and dangerous Shvedova (who is a former quarterfinalist at the French Open) in the opening round, I like her chances to make a deep run.
Most Likely to Be Upset in the First Round: (10) Petra Kvitova
See what I wrote previously about Kvitova's struggles this year. Add to the fact that Kvitova's first round opponent is up-and-coming Danka Kovinic, who has won eight titles on clay on the ITF circuit in her career. This doesn't bode well for someone struggling with her form.
Other Players to Watch:
(29) Daria Kasatkina
The 19-year old is one of the top rising young guns of the WTA. She has a huge opportunity to help herself and make a deep run in the tournment. With the unstable and inconsistent play of the WTA at the moment, she has a chance to potentially climb inside the top 20 for the first time with a deep run. I predicted she will stun (3) Kerber in the third round, upset (15) Madison Keys in the round of 16, and Laura Siegemund in the quarterfinals before falling to (1) Serena in the semifinals.
Laura Siegemund
In Stuggart, the veteran came out of the blue to notch upsets over Simona Halep, Roberta Vinci, and Agnieszka Radwanska before falling to Kerber in the final. In Madrid, Siegemund upset Kuzetsova in the first round. I predict Siegemund defeats Genie Bouchard in the first round, upsets (8) Timea Bacsinsky in the secound round, (31) Monica Niculescu in the third round, and Alize Cornet in round of 16.
Alize Cornet
Cornet, who once reached a career high ranking of 11 in the world, had her best performance at last year's French Open by reaching the round of 16. Look for Cornet to at least replicate this run this year. I predict Cornet will beat Kirsten Flipkens, (23) Jelena Jankovic, and (9) Venus Williams in the first three rounds. I have her losing to Laura Siegemund in the round of 16, but this is a toss-up. Cornet will have the French crowd behind her (and will give her extra motivation to do well at home) as she tries to reach her first major quarterfinal.
(25) Irinia-Camelia Begu
Begu is coming off a nice run that saw her reach the quarterfinals in Madrid, but she has a favorable draw to work with. I predict she beats Bethanie Mattek-Sands, Coco Vandeweghe, a struggling (7) Roberta Vinci, and Danka Kovinic en route to her first major quarterfinal.
Danka Kovinic
Like Begu, Kovinic should benefit from players struggling with their form. I've already mentioned my prediction of her upsetting (10) Kvitova in the first round, but I expect her to defeat Lara Arruabarrena in the second round, and upset (17) Karolina Pliskova in the third round.
(27) Ekaterina Makarova
Ekaterina has made deep runs at the majors as illustrated by a pair of semifinal runs at the Australian and U.S. Open. Her level dropped well below her best last year, and is working her way back up. Makarova has reached the round of 16 last year and is capable of doing more damage this year. I predict she'll be Varvara Lepchenko, Yanina Wickmayer, and (4) Garbine Muguruza in the first three rounds before a tough toss-up between
1st Round Matches to Watch:
Francesca Schiavone vs. (26) Kristina Mladenovic
(18) Elina Svitolina vs. (Q) Sorana Cirstea
Kurumi Nara vs. Denisa Allertova
(20) Johanna Konta vs. Julia Goerges
Donna Vekic vs. (15) Madison Keys
(Q) Louisa Chirico vs. Lauren Davis
Tatjana Maria vs. (23) Jelena Jankovic
Laura Siegemnud vs. Genie Bouchard
Danka Kovinic vs. (10) Petra Kvitova
(13) Svetlana Kuznetsova vs. Yaroslava Shvedova
(Q) Sara Sorribes Tormo vs. (24) Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova
Mirjana Lucic-Baroni vs. (Q) Daniela Hantuchova
Naomi Osaka vs. (32) Jelena Ostapenko
(21) Samantha Stosur vs. Masaki Doi
Bojana Jovanovski vs. (2) Agnieszka Radwanska
Saturday, May 21, 2016
Saturday, April 16, 2016
2016 NBA Playoff Predictions
1st Round
East
1 Cleveland def. 8 Detroit 4-1
7 Indiana def. 2 Toronto 4-2
6 Charlotte def. 3 Miami 4-2
5 Boston def. 4 Atlanta 4-2
West
1 Golden State def. 8 Houston 4-0
2 San Antonio def. 7 Memphis 4-0
3 Oklahoma City def. 6 Dallas 4-1
4 Los Angeles def. 5 Portland 4-2
Eastern Conference Semifinals
1 Cleveland def. 5 Boston 4-1
7 Indiana def. 6 Charlotte 4-2
Western Conference Semifinals
1 Golden State def. 4 Los Angeles 4-1
2 San Antonio def. 3 Oklahoma City 4-2
Eastern Conference Finals
1 Cleveland def. 7 Indiana 4-1
Western Conference Finals
1 Golden State def. 2 San Antonio 4-2
NBA Finals
1 Golden State def. 2 Cleveland 4-2
East
1 Cleveland def. 8 Detroit 4-1
7 Indiana def. 2 Toronto 4-2
6 Charlotte def. 3 Miami 4-2
5 Boston def. 4 Atlanta 4-2
West
1 Golden State def. 8 Houston 4-0
2 San Antonio def. 7 Memphis 4-0
3 Oklahoma City def. 6 Dallas 4-1
4 Los Angeles def. 5 Portland 4-2
Eastern Conference Semifinals
1 Cleveland def. 5 Boston 4-1
7 Indiana def. 6 Charlotte 4-2
Western Conference Semifinals
1 Golden State def. 4 Los Angeles 4-1
2 San Antonio def. 3 Oklahoma City 4-2
Eastern Conference Finals
1 Cleveland def. 7 Indiana 4-1
Western Conference Finals
1 Golden State def. 2 San Antonio 4-2
NBA Finals
1 Golden State def. 2 Cleveland 4-2
Friday, April 8, 2016
2016 MLB Predictions
AL East
1. Boston
2. Toronto
3. New York
4. Tampa Bay
5. Baltimore
AL Central
1. Kansas City
2. Chicago
3. Detroit
4. Cleveland
5. Minnesota
AL West
1. Houston
2. Texas
3. Los Angeles
4. Seattle
5. Oakland
NL East
1. New York
2. Washington
3. Miami
4. Atlanta
5. Philadelphia
NL Central
1. Chicago
2. St. Louis
3. Pittsburgh
4. Cincinnati
5. Milwaukee
NL West
1. San Francisco
2. Los Angeles
3. Arizona
4. Colorado
5. San Diego
AL Wild Card Game
Toronto def. Texas
NL Wild Card Game
St. Louis def. Los Angeles
ALDS
Toronto def. Kansas City 3-2
Houston def. Boston 3-2
NLDS
New York def. St. Louis 3-1
San Francisco def. Chicago 3-2
ALCS
Houston def. Toronto 4-3
NLCS
San Francisco def. New York 4-2
World Series
San Francisco def. Houston 4-2
1. Boston
2. Toronto
3. New York
4. Tampa Bay
5. Baltimore
AL Central
1. Kansas City
2. Chicago
3. Detroit
4. Cleveland
5. Minnesota
AL West
1. Houston
2. Texas
3. Los Angeles
4. Seattle
5. Oakland
NL East
1. New York
2. Washington
3. Miami
4. Atlanta
5. Philadelphia
NL Central
1. Chicago
2. St. Louis
3. Pittsburgh
4. Cincinnati
5. Milwaukee
NL West
1. San Francisco
2. Los Angeles
3. Arizona
4. Colorado
5. San Diego
AL Wild Card Game
Toronto def. Texas
NL Wild Card Game
St. Louis def. Los Angeles
ALDS
Toronto def. Kansas City 3-2
Houston def. Boston 3-2
NLDS
New York def. St. Louis 3-1
San Francisco def. Chicago 3-2
ALCS
Houston def. Toronto 4-3
NLCS
San Francisco def. New York 4-2
World Series
San Francisco def. Houston 4-2
Wednesday, March 16, 2016
2016 NCAA Tournament Guide and Predictions
1st Round Games to Watch/Upset Alert:
(8) Colorado vs. (9) Connecticut
(12) South Dakota State vs. (5) Maryland
(13) Hawaii vs. (4) California
(11) Wichita State vs. (6) Arizona
(10) Temple vs. (7) Iowa
(12) Yale vs. (5) Baylor
(11) Northern Iowa vs. (6) Texas
(8) USC vs. (9) Providence
(12) Chattanooga vs. (5) Indiana
(11) Michigan vs. (6) Notre Dame
(14) Stephen F. Austin vs. (3) West Virginia
(10) Pittsburgh vs. (7) Wisconsin
(15) Weber State vs. (2) Xavier
(9) Butler vs. (8) Texas Tech
(5) Purdue vs. (12) Arkansas-Little Rock
(11) Gonzaga vs. (6) Seton Hall
(14) Fresno State vs. (3) Utah
First Four Predictions:
(11) Wichita State def. (11) Vanderbilt
(16) Florida Gulf Coast def. (16) Fairleigh Dickinson
(11) Michigan def. (11) Tulsa
(16) Southern def. (16) Holy Cross
1st Round Predictions:
South Regional:
(1) Kansas def. (16) Austin Peay
(9) Connecticut def. (8) Colorado
(12) South Dakota State def. (5) Maryland
(13) Hawaii def. (4) California
(6) Arizona def. (11) Wichita State
(3) Miami-FL def. (14) Buffalo
(10) Temple def. (7) Iowa
(2) Villanova def. (15) UNC-Ashevile
West Regional:
(1) Oregon def. (16) Southern
(8) St. Joseph's def. (9) Cincinnati
(12) Yale def. (5) Baylor
(4) Duke def. (13) UNC Wilmington
(11) Northern Iowa def. (6) Texas
(3) Texas A&M def. (14) Green Bay
(7) Oregon State def. (10) VCU
(2) Oklahoma def. (15) Cal St. Bakersfield
East Regional:
(1) North Carolina def. (16) Florida Gulf Coast
(9) Providence def. (8) USC
(12) Chattanooga def. (5) Indiana
(4) Kentucky def. (13) Stony Brook
(11) Michigan def. (6) Notre Dame
(14) Stephen F. Austin def. (3) West Virginia
(2) Xavier def. (15) Weber State
Midwest Regional:
(1) Virginia def. (16) Hampton
(9) Butler def. (8) Texas Tech
(5) Purdue def. (12) Little Rock
(4) Iowa State def. (13) Iona
(11) Gonzaga def. (6) Seton Hall
(3) Utah def. (14) Fresno State
(7) Dayton def. (10) Syracuse
(2) Michigan State def. (15) Middle Tennessee State
2nd Round Predictions:
South Regional:
(9) Connecticut def. (1) Kansas
(13) Hawaii def. (12) South Dakota State
(6) Arizona def. (3) Miami-FL
(2) Villanova def. (10) Temple
West Regional:
(1) Oregon def. (8) St. Joseph's
(12) Yale def. (4) Duke
(3) Texas A&M def. (11) Northern Iowa
(2) Oklahoma def. (7) Oregon State
East Regional:
(1) North Carolina def. (9) Providence
(4) Kentucky def. (12) Chattanooga
(11) Michigan def. (14) Stephen F. Austin
(10) Pittsburgh def. (7) Wisconsin
(2) Xavier def. (15) Weber State
Midwest Regional:
(1) Virginia def. (9) Butler
(5) Purdue def. (4) Iowa State
(3) Utah def. (11) Gonzaga
(2) Michigan State def. (7) Dayton
Sweet 16 Predictions:
South Regional:
(9) Connecticut def. (13) Hawaii
(6) Arizona def. (2) Villanova
West Regional:
(1) Oregon def. (4) Duke
(2) Oklahoma def. (3) Texas A&M
East Regional:
(4) Kentucky def. (1) North Carolina
(2) Xavier def. (11) Michigan
Midwest Regional:
(1) Virginia def. (5) Purdue
(2) Michigan State def. (3) Utah
Elite 8 Predictions:
South Regional: (9) Connecticut def. (6) Arizona
West Regional: (1) Oregon def. (2) Oklahoma
East Regional: (4) Kentucky def. (2) Xavier
Midwest Regional: (2) Michigan State def. (1) Virginia
Final 4 Predictions:
(9) Connecticut def. (1) Oregon
(2) Michigan State def. (4) Kentucky
Championship Game Prediction:
(2) Michigan State def. (9) Connecticut
(8) Colorado vs. (9) Connecticut
(12) South Dakota State vs. (5) Maryland
(13) Hawaii vs. (4) California
(11) Wichita State vs. (6) Arizona
(10) Temple vs. (7) Iowa
(12) Yale vs. (5) Baylor
(11) Northern Iowa vs. (6) Texas
(8) USC vs. (9) Providence
(12) Chattanooga vs. (5) Indiana
(11) Michigan vs. (6) Notre Dame
(14) Stephen F. Austin vs. (3) West Virginia
(10) Pittsburgh vs. (7) Wisconsin
(15) Weber State vs. (2) Xavier
(9) Butler vs. (8) Texas Tech
(5) Purdue vs. (12) Arkansas-Little Rock
(11) Gonzaga vs. (6) Seton Hall
(14) Fresno State vs. (3) Utah
First Four Predictions:
(11) Wichita State def. (11) Vanderbilt
(16) Florida Gulf Coast def. (16) Fairleigh Dickinson
(11) Michigan def. (11) Tulsa
(16) Southern def. (16) Holy Cross
1st Round Predictions:
South Regional:
(1) Kansas def. (16) Austin Peay
(9) Connecticut def. (8) Colorado
(12) South Dakota State def. (5) Maryland
(13) Hawaii def. (4) California
(6) Arizona def. (11) Wichita State
(3) Miami-FL def. (14) Buffalo
(10) Temple def. (7) Iowa
(2) Villanova def. (15) UNC-Ashevile
West Regional:
(1) Oregon def. (16) Southern
(8) St. Joseph's def. (9) Cincinnati
(12) Yale def. (5) Baylor
(4) Duke def. (13) UNC Wilmington
(11) Northern Iowa def. (6) Texas
(3) Texas A&M def. (14) Green Bay
(7) Oregon State def. (10) VCU
(2) Oklahoma def. (15) Cal St. Bakersfield
East Regional:
(1) North Carolina def. (16) Florida Gulf Coast
(9) Providence def. (8) USC
(12) Chattanooga def. (5) Indiana
(4) Kentucky def. (13) Stony Brook
(11) Michigan def. (6) Notre Dame
(14) Stephen F. Austin def. (3) West Virginia
(2) Xavier def. (15) Weber State
Midwest Regional:
(1) Virginia def. (16) Hampton
(9) Butler def. (8) Texas Tech
(5) Purdue def. (12) Little Rock
(4) Iowa State def. (13) Iona
(11) Gonzaga def. (6) Seton Hall
(3) Utah def. (14) Fresno State
(7) Dayton def. (10) Syracuse
(2) Michigan State def. (15) Middle Tennessee State
2nd Round Predictions:
South Regional:
(9) Connecticut def. (1) Kansas
(13) Hawaii def. (12) South Dakota State
(6) Arizona def. (3) Miami-FL
(2) Villanova def. (10) Temple
West Regional:
(1) Oregon def. (8) St. Joseph's
(12) Yale def. (4) Duke
(3) Texas A&M def. (11) Northern Iowa
(2) Oklahoma def. (7) Oregon State
East Regional:
(1) North Carolina def. (9) Providence
(4) Kentucky def. (12) Chattanooga
(11) Michigan def. (14) Stephen F. Austin
(10) Pittsburgh def. (7) Wisconsin
(2) Xavier def. (15) Weber State
Midwest Regional:
(1) Virginia def. (9) Butler
(5) Purdue def. (4) Iowa State
(3) Utah def. (11) Gonzaga
(2) Michigan State def. (7) Dayton
Sweet 16 Predictions:
South Regional:
(9) Connecticut def. (13) Hawaii
(6) Arizona def. (2) Villanova
West Regional:
(1) Oregon def. (4) Duke
(2) Oklahoma def. (3) Texas A&M
East Regional:
(4) Kentucky def. (1) North Carolina
(2) Xavier def. (11) Michigan
Midwest Regional:
(1) Virginia def. (5) Purdue
(2) Michigan State def. (3) Utah
Elite 8 Predictions:
South Regional: (9) Connecticut def. (6) Arizona
West Regional: (1) Oregon def. (2) Oklahoma
East Regional: (4) Kentucky def. (2) Xavier
Midwest Regional: (2) Michigan State def. (1) Virginia
Final 4 Predictions:
(9) Connecticut def. (1) Oregon
(2) Michigan State def. (4) Kentucky
Championship Game Prediction:
(2) Michigan State def. (9) Connecticut
Thursday, September 3, 2015
2015 U.S. Open Second Round Review and Third Round Preview
2nd Round Women's Upsets:
(WC) Bethanie Mattek-Sands d. Coco Vandeweghe 6-2, 6-1
(Q) Anett Kontaveit d. (31) Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova 7-5, 6-4
(LL) Daria Kasatkina d. Ana Konjuh 6-4, 6-4
(Q) Johanna Konta d. (9) Garbine Muguruza 7-6(4), 6-7(4), 6-2
(PR) Petra Cetkovska d. (4) Caroline Wozniacki 6-4, 5-7, 7-6(1)
(Q) Shelby Rogers d. Kurumi Nara 6-4, 6-4
2nd Round Men's Upsets:
Mikhail Kukushkin d. (17) Grigor Dimitrov 6-3, 7-6(2), 2-6, 4-6, 6-4
Ruben Bemelmans d. (28) Jack Sock 4-6, 4-6, 6-3, 2-1 ret.
Jiri Vesely d. (21) Ivo Karlovic 7-6(3), 3-6, 3-6, 6-2, 7-6(4)
3rd Round Women's Matches to Watch/Upset Alert:
(19) Madison Keys vs. (15) Agnieszka Radwanska
(12) Belinda Bencic vs. (23) Venus Williams
(17) Elina Svitolina vs. (13) Ekaterina Makarova
(25) Eugenie Bouchard vs. Dominika Cibulkova
(16) Sara Errani vs. (22) Samantha Stosur
(26) Flavia Pennetta vs. (PR) Petra Cetkovska
(20) Victoria Azarenka vs. (11) Angelique Kerber
Barbora Strycova vs. (24) Sabine Lisicki
3rd Round Men's Matches to Watch/Upset Alert:
(23) Roberto Bautista Agut vs. (14) David Goffin
(10) Milos Raonic vs. (18) Feliciano Lopez
This series is tied 3-3, but Lopez won there most recent matchup in the first round in Cincinnati a few weeks ago. Raonic has been working his way back from foot surgery a couple of months ago and is looking to regain his form. These are two of the best servers in tennis today. So, there should be plenty of tiebreakers and aces in this match.
(32) Fabio Fognini vs. (8) Rafael Nadal
Nadal has a 5-2 lead in their head-to-head meetings, but Fognini has beaten Rafa two out of three times (Rio and Barcelona) this year. However, all three meetings have been on clay. Will Fognini's game cause problems for Rafa on the hard court? Will Rafa be able to salvage a rough season and exact revenge on one of his tormentors this year on tour? Even though Fognini has proven he can beat Rafa, will he be engaged in this match, or will he have the "I don't care" attitude that has plagued him in his career?
Benoit Paire vs. (26) Tommy Robredo
(27) Jeremy Chardy vs. (7) David Ferrer
Ferrer leads this matchup 7-1, but is playing his first tournament since the French Open. Chardy advanced to the semifinals at the Rogers Cup. Ferrer's earned the nickname "The Little Beast", but will have his hands full with the surging Frenchman.
(15) Kevin Anderson vs. (20) Dominic Thiem
Thiem is a rising young gun who's quickly rising up the rankings. He is in the midst of a breakthrough year with three titles (Nice, Umag, and Gstaad) under his belt. However, the three titles are on clay. How will he be able to handle the crafty vetern, Anderson? Anderson has a booming serve and will serve a host of problems for returners.
Jiri Vesely vs. (13) John Isner
Vesely won his first career ATP tour level title in Auckland in January. Isner has underwhelmed in the majors in his career. Isner is one of the worst returners, but one of the best servers. Isner's tall frame is also one of the reasons of his problems in the majors. Vesely needs to look to make the match physical and keep the "Marathon Man" on the court. One thing going for Isner is a fifth set tiebreaker. We will see a conclusion to this match sooner rather than later. So, we won't see a 70-68 fifth set at this tournament.
(WC) Bethanie Mattek-Sands d. Coco Vandeweghe 6-2, 6-1
(Q) Anett Kontaveit d. (31) Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova 7-5, 6-4
(LL) Daria Kasatkina d. Ana Konjuh 6-4, 6-4
(Q) Johanna Konta d. (9) Garbine Muguruza 7-6(4), 6-7(4), 6-2
(PR) Petra Cetkovska d. (4) Caroline Wozniacki 6-4, 5-7, 7-6(1)
(Q) Shelby Rogers d. Kurumi Nara 6-4, 6-4
2nd Round Men's Upsets:
Mikhail Kukushkin d. (17) Grigor Dimitrov 6-3, 7-6(2), 2-6, 4-6, 6-4
Ruben Bemelmans d. (28) Jack Sock 4-6, 4-6, 6-3, 2-1 ret.
Jiri Vesely d. (21) Ivo Karlovic 7-6(3), 3-6, 3-6, 6-2, 7-6(4)
3rd Round Women's Matches to Watch/Upset Alert:
(19) Madison Keys vs. (15) Agnieszka Radwanska
(12) Belinda Bencic vs. (23) Venus Williams
(17) Elina Svitolina vs. (13) Ekaterina Makarova
(25) Eugenie Bouchard vs. Dominika Cibulkova
(16) Sara Errani vs. (22) Samantha Stosur
(26) Flavia Pennetta vs. (PR) Petra Cetkovska
(20) Victoria Azarenka vs. (11) Angelique Kerber
Barbora Strycova vs. (24) Sabine Lisicki
3rd Round Men's Matches to Watch/Upset Alert:
(23) Roberto Bautista Agut vs. (14) David Goffin
(10) Milos Raonic vs. (18) Feliciano Lopez
This series is tied 3-3, but Lopez won there most recent matchup in the first round in Cincinnati a few weeks ago. Raonic has been working his way back from foot surgery a couple of months ago and is looking to regain his form. These are two of the best servers in tennis today. So, there should be plenty of tiebreakers and aces in this match.
(32) Fabio Fognini vs. (8) Rafael Nadal
Nadal has a 5-2 lead in their head-to-head meetings, but Fognini has beaten Rafa two out of three times (Rio and Barcelona) this year. However, all three meetings have been on clay. Will Fognini's game cause problems for Rafa on the hard court? Will Rafa be able to salvage a rough season and exact revenge on one of his tormentors this year on tour? Even though Fognini has proven he can beat Rafa, will he be engaged in this match, or will he have the "I don't care" attitude that has plagued him in his career?
Benoit Paire vs. (26) Tommy Robredo
(27) Jeremy Chardy vs. (7) David Ferrer
Ferrer leads this matchup 7-1, but is playing his first tournament since the French Open. Chardy advanced to the semifinals at the Rogers Cup. Ferrer's earned the nickname "The Little Beast", but will have his hands full with the surging Frenchman.
(15) Kevin Anderson vs. (20) Dominic Thiem
Thiem is a rising young gun who's quickly rising up the rankings. He is in the midst of a breakthrough year with three titles (Nice, Umag, and Gstaad) under his belt. However, the three titles are on clay. How will he be able to handle the crafty vetern, Anderson? Anderson has a booming serve and will serve a host of problems for returners.
Jiri Vesely vs. (13) John Isner
Vesely won his first career ATP tour level title in Auckland in January. Isner has underwhelmed in the majors in his career. Isner is one of the worst returners, but one of the best servers. Isner's tall frame is also one of the reasons of his problems in the majors. Vesely needs to look to make the match physical and keep the "Marathon Man" on the court. One thing going for Isner is a fifth set tiebreaker. We will see a conclusion to this match sooner rather than later. So, we won't see a 70-68 fifth set at this tournament.
Wednesday, September 2, 2015
2015 U.S. Open 1st Round Review and 2nd Round Preview
Women's 1st Round Upsets:
(Q) Kiki Bertens d. Mirjana Lucic-Baroni 3-6, 6-4, 6-2
Coco Vandeweghe d. (29) Sloane Stephens 6-4, 6-3
(Q) Annett Kontaveit d. Casey Dellacqua 7-5, 6-2
(Q) Anna Tatashvili d. (8) Karolina Pliskova 6-2, 6-1
(LL) Daria Kasatkina d. Daria Gavrilova 6-2, 4-6, 7-5
Kristina Mladenovic d. (30) Svetlana Kuzentsova 6-3, 7-5
Denisa Allertova d. (10) Carla Suarez Navarro 6-1, 7-6(5)
(WC) Oceane Dodin d. (21) Jelena Jankovic 2-6, 7-5, 6-3
(Q) Jessica Pegula d. Alison Van Uytvanck 7-5, 6-3
Dominika Cibulkova d. (7) Ana Ivanovic 6-3, 3-6, 6-3
(Q) Jelena Ostapenko d. Annika Beck 6-4, 1-6, 6-4
Barbora Strycova d. (14) Timea Bacsinszky 7-5, 6-0
Kurumi Nara d. (27) Alize Cornet 2-6, 6-4, 6-4
(Q) Kateryna Bondarenko d. Yulia Putintseva 6-0, 6-3
Men's 1st Round Upsets:
Benoit Paire d. (4) Kei Nishikori 6-4, 3-6, 4-6, 7-6(6), 6-4
(Q) Illya Marchenko d. (16) Gael Monfils 2-6, 6-4, 5-0 ret.
(Q) Evgeny Donskoy vs. Lucas Pouille 6-2, 6-7(3), 6-2, 6-4
Donald Young d. (11) Gilles Simon 2-6, 4-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-4
(WC) Austin Krajicek d. Santiago Giraldo 3-6, 7-6(6), 7-6(6), 7-6(1)
Women's 2nd Round Matches to Watch/Upset Alert:
Bojana Jovanovski vs. Kristina Mladenovic
(26) Flavia Pennetta vs. Monica Niculescu
(24) Sabine Lisicki vs. Camila Giorgi
Men's 2nd Round Matches to Watch/Upset Alert:
Teymuraz Gabashvili vs. (25) Andreas Seppi
(10) Milos Raonic vs. Fernando Verdasco
(PR) Mardy Fish vs. 18 Feliciano Lopez
(32) Fabio Fognini vs. Pablo Cuevas
Sam Groth vs. (26) Tommy Robredo
(27) Jeremy Chardy vs. Martin Klizan
(22) Viktor Troicki vs. Rajeev Ram
Denis Istomin vs. (20) Dominic Thiem
(24) Bernard Tomic vs. WC Lleyton Hewitt
Jiri Vesely vs. (21) Ivo Karlovic
(29) Philipp Kohlschreiber vs. Lukas Rosol
(Q) Kiki Bertens d. Mirjana Lucic-Baroni 3-6, 6-4, 6-2
Coco Vandeweghe d. (29) Sloane Stephens 6-4, 6-3
(Q) Annett Kontaveit d. Casey Dellacqua 7-5, 6-2
(Q) Anna Tatashvili d. (8) Karolina Pliskova 6-2, 6-1
(LL) Daria Kasatkina d. Daria Gavrilova 6-2, 4-6, 7-5
Kristina Mladenovic d. (30) Svetlana Kuzentsova 6-3, 7-5
Denisa Allertova d. (10) Carla Suarez Navarro 6-1, 7-6(5)
(WC) Oceane Dodin d. (21) Jelena Jankovic 2-6, 7-5, 6-3
(Q) Jessica Pegula d. Alison Van Uytvanck 7-5, 6-3
Dominika Cibulkova d. (7) Ana Ivanovic 6-3, 3-6, 6-3
(Q) Jelena Ostapenko d. Annika Beck 6-4, 1-6, 6-4
Barbora Strycova d. (14) Timea Bacsinszky 7-5, 6-0
Kurumi Nara d. (27) Alize Cornet 2-6, 6-4, 6-4
(Q) Kateryna Bondarenko d. Yulia Putintseva 6-0, 6-3
Men's 1st Round Upsets:
Benoit Paire d. (4) Kei Nishikori 6-4, 3-6, 4-6, 7-6(6), 6-4
(Q) Illya Marchenko d. (16) Gael Monfils 2-6, 6-4, 5-0 ret.
(Q) Evgeny Donskoy vs. Lucas Pouille 6-2, 6-7(3), 6-2, 6-4
Donald Young d. (11) Gilles Simon 2-6, 4-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-4
(WC) Austin Krajicek d. Santiago Giraldo 3-6, 7-6(6), 7-6(6), 7-6(1)
Women's 2nd Round Matches to Watch/Upset Alert:
Bojana Jovanovski vs. Kristina Mladenovic
(26) Flavia Pennetta vs. Monica Niculescu
(24) Sabine Lisicki vs. Camila Giorgi
Men's 2nd Round Matches to Watch/Upset Alert:
Teymuraz Gabashvili vs. (25) Andreas Seppi
(10) Milos Raonic vs. Fernando Verdasco
(PR) Mardy Fish vs. 18 Feliciano Lopez
(32) Fabio Fognini vs. Pablo Cuevas
Sam Groth vs. (26) Tommy Robredo
(27) Jeremy Chardy vs. Martin Klizan
(22) Viktor Troicki vs. Rajeev Ram
Denis Istomin vs. (20) Dominic Thiem
(24) Bernard Tomic vs. WC Lleyton Hewitt
Jiri Vesely vs. (21) Ivo Karlovic
(29) Philipp Kohlschreiber vs. Lukas Rosol
Saturday, August 29, 2015
2015 U.S. Open Preview and Predictions
Predictions:
Men's Champion: (1) Novak Djokovic
Women's Champion: (1) Serena Williams
Men's Dark Horse: (19) Jo-Wilfried Tsonga
Women's Dark Horse: (17) Elina Svitolina and (20) Victoria Azarenka
Men's Toughest Road: (4) Kei Nishikori
Women's Toughest Road: (3) Maria Sharapova and (11) Angelique Kerber
Men and Women's Dark Horses:
If Tsonga gets past fellow countryman, (16) Gael Monfils, in the third round. He could possibly face Nishikori and (7) David Ferrer respectively in the round of 16 and quarterfinals. The good news for Tsonga is that both Nishikori and Ferrer have slight frames and don't really have the weapons to hurt him when he brings his 'A' game. The bad news is: (1) Tsonga is inconsistent, (2) Tsonga has losing records against both men (2-4 vs. Nishikori, 1-3 vs. Ferrer), and (3) Tsonga has never been past the quarterfinals at the U.S. Open.
It's not a guarantee that Sharapova will make it to the round of 16. Even if she does, Svitolina does have the game to pull off the upset. She might also need to beat (7) Ivanovic in the quarterfinals. Two wins against two top ten players and former major winners would give her confidence in her first ever major semifinal.
Azarenka is still trying to work her way back into form that won her two career major titles and two runner-up finishes at the U.S. Open (2012, 2013). If she can rediscover her game pre-2014 injuries, she will be a very tough out at the U.S. Open.
Men and Women's Toughest Roads:
Nishikori could potentially face Alexandr Dolgopolov in the third round, either Monfils or Tsonga in the round of 16, Ferrer in the quarterfinals, Djokovic in the semifinals, and (2) Roger Federer in the championship.
Sharapova could face Daria Gavrilova in the first roun,d (30) Svetlana Kuzentsova in the third round, Svitolina in the round of 16, Ivanovic in the quarterfinals, Serena Williams in the semifinals, and (2) Simona Halep in the final.
Kerber could face Azarenka in the third round, Safarova in the round of 16, Halep in the quarterfinals, (5) Petra Kvitova in the semifinals, and (1) Serena Williams in the final.
Women's 1st Round Matches to Watch:
Coco Vandeweghe vs. (29) Sloane Stephens
(3) Maria Sharapova vs. Daria Gavrilova
Kristina Mladenovic vs. (30) Svetlana Kuznetsova
(25) Eugenie Bouchard vs. Alison Riske
Dominika Cibulkova vs. (7) Ana Ivanovic
Injuries kept Cibulkova out for a few months. As a result, her ranking plummeted. This is a nightmare matchup that should be at least a round of 16 matchup. As a result, we'll see two top ten talents duke it out in the opening round. This could be the highlight of the first round.
Julia Goerges vs. (32) Anna Karolina Schmeildlova
(18) Andrea Petkovic vs. Caroline Garcia
Timea Babos vs. (22) Samantha Stosur
Ajla Tomljanovic vs. Karin Knapp
(27) Alize Cornet vs. Kurumi Nara
Men's 1st Round Matches to Watch:
Vasek Pospisil vs. Andreas Haider-Maurer
Fernando Verdasco vs. (PR) Tommy Haas
(Q) Nikolos Basilashvili vs. (18) Feliciano Lopez
This will be a rematch from Wimbledon in which Basiliashvil stunned Lopez in five sets the second round. Can lightening strike twice?
(32) Fabio Fognini vs. Steve Johnson
Fognini is one of most talented players on the ATP tour, but is too inconsistent. If "good" Fabio shows up, Johnson won't win. If "bad" Fabio who doesn't really care shows up, Johnson wins.
Borna Coric vs. (8) Rafael Nadal
Last year, Coric stunned Nadal in the quarterfinals in Basel in their lone match-up. Nadal is having the worst season of his professional career is ripe for the picking. Coric is ascending while Nadal is descending. Can Coric beat "the King of Clay" for a second time?
(4) Kei Nishikori vs. Benoit Paire
Nick Kyrgios vs. (3) Andy Murray
This is the must see matchup of all the first round matches. Kyrgios has already notched wins over Nadal and Federer in his young career. Murray has rebounded nicely after a tough 2014 season. He briefly reached the number two ranking for a week before Federer reclaimed it with his win in Cincinnati. Can Kyrgios record another win over the "Big Four"?
Denis Kudla vs. (Q) Jurgen Melzer
Thanasi Kokkinakis vs. (12) Richard Gasquet
(29) Philipp Kohlschreiber vs. (Q) Alexander Zverev
Men's Champion: (1) Novak Djokovic
Women's Champion: (1) Serena Williams
Men's Dark Horse: (19) Jo-Wilfried Tsonga
Women's Dark Horse: (17) Elina Svitolina and (20) Victoria Azarenka
Men's Toughest Road: (4) Kei Nishikori
Women's Toughest Road: (3) Maria Sharapova and (11) Angelique Kerber
Men and Women's Dark Horses:
If Tsonga gets past fellow countryman, (16) Gael Monfils, in the third round. He could possibly face Nishikori and (7) David Ferrer respectively in the round of 16 and quarterfinals. The good news for Tsonga is that both Nishikori and Ferrer have slight frames and don't really have the weapons to hurt him when he brings his 'A' game. The bad news is: (1) Tsonga is inconsistent, (2) Tsonga has losing records against both men (2-4 vs. Nishikori, 1-3 vs. Ferrer), and (3) Tsonga has never been past the quarterfinals at the U.S. Open.
It's not a guarantee that Sharapova will make it to the round of 16. Even if she does, Svitolina does have the game to pull off the upset. She might also need to beat (7) Ivanovic in the quarterfinals. Two wins against two top ten players and former major winners would give her confidence in her first ever major semifinal.
Azarenka is still trying to work her way back into form that won her two career major titles and two runner-up finishes at the U.S. Open (2012, 2013). If she can rediscover her game pre-2014 injuries, she will be a very tough out at the U.S. Open.
Men and Women's Toughest Roads:
Nishikori could potentially face Alexandr Dolgopolov in the third round, either Monfils or Tsonga in the round of 16, Ferrer in the quarterfinals, Djokovic in the semifinals, and (2) Roger Federer in the championship.
Sharapova could face Daria Gavrilova in the first roun,d (30) Svetlana Kuzentsova in the third round, Svitolina in the round of 16, Ivanovic in the quarterfinals, Serena Williams in the semifinals, and (2) Simona Halep in the final.
Kerber could face Azarenka in the third round, Safarova in the round of 16, Halep in the quarterfinals, (5) Petra Kvitova in the semifinals, and (1) Serena Williams in the final.
Women's 1st Round Matches to Watch:
Coco Vandeweghe vs. (29) Sloane Stephens
(3) Maria Sharapova vs. Daria Gavrilova
Kristina Mladenovic vs. (30) Svetlana Kuznetsova
(25) Eugenie Bouchard vs. Alison Riske
Dominika Cibulkova vs. (7) Ana Ivanovic
Injuries kept Cibulkova out for a few months. As a result, her ranking plummeted. This is a nightmare matchup that should be at least a round of 16 matchup. As a result, we'll see two top ten talents duke it out in the opening round. This could be the highlight of the first round.
Julia Goerges vs. (32) Anna Karolina Schmeildlova
(18) Andrea Petkovic vs. Caroline Garcia
Timea Babos vs. (22) Samantha Stosur
Ajla Tomljanovic vs. Karin Knapp
(27) Alize Cornet vs. Kurumi Nara
Men's 1st Round Matches to Watch:
Vasek Pospisil vs. Andreas Haider-Maurer
Fernando Verdasco vs. (PR) Tommy Haas
(Q) Nikolos Basilashvili vs. (18) Feliciano Lopez
This will be a rematch from Wimbledon in which Basiliashvil stunned Lopez in five sets the second round. Can lightening strike twice?
(32) Fabio Fognini vs. Steve Johnson
Fognini is one of most talented players on the ATP tour, but is too inconsistent. If "good" Fabio shows up, Johnson won't win. If "bad" Fabio who doesn't really care shows up, Johnson wins.
Borna Coric vs. (8) Rafael Nadal
Last year, Coric stunned Nadal in the quarterfinals in Basel in their lone match-up. Nadal is having the worst season of his professional career is ripe for the picking. Coric is ascending while Nadal is descending. Can Coric beat "the King of Clay" for a second time?
(4) Kei Nishikori vs. Benoit Paire
Nick Kyrgios vs. (3) Andy Murray
This is the must see matchup of all the first round matches. Kyrgios has already notched wins over Nadal and Federer in his young career. Murray has rebounded nicely after a tough 2014 season. He briefly reached the number two ranking for a week before Federer reclaimed it with his win in Cincinnati. Can Kyrgios record another win over the "Big Four"?
Denis Kudla vs. (Q) Jurgen Melzer
Thanasi Kokkinakis vs. (12) Richard Gasquet
(29) Philipp Kohlschreiber vs. (Q) Alexander Zverev
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