Men’s
Novak Djokovic Vs. Ryan Harrison
Once again, I can write and write but it only takes a few sentences to describe Djokovic. He has NO weaknesses, his movement is off the charts. HE gets many points with his 1st and 2nd serve. He is very comfortable at the net and he is one of the best returners.
Ryan Harrison must go into the match not only to play well but to win. What must he do?
1. Must drive through the forehand with less spin (this is a must)
2. Must have a super serving day and can not get into just keeping the ball in play.
Yes, Ryan is the underdog but he cannot let this change his mindset. He controlled his emotions against Giraldo and must be stronger against Djokovic.
Nick’s Pick- Djokovic is the favorite but who knows what lurks in the mind of Ryan Harrison
Janko Tipsarevic Vs. Lukas Lacko
Tipsarevic has proved to the tennis world and even more important to the ATP Tour that he is not a flash in the pants. You are not seeded #8 just for your name. HE can do just about anything that is needed, it is a must that he believes he can do it. He has a great serve out wide, and his forehand is very aggressive.
Lukas Lacko is 25 and is built athletically. He hits his forehand very flat, and lets his opponent play from the baseline and commit errors.
Nick’s Pick- Advantage to Tipsarevic because he is very confident playing when the big points are on the line. Tipsarevic in 4 sets.
Juan Martin Del Potro Vs. Benjamin Becker
Juan is a player that most coaches would die for. He has experienced some setbacks with injuries, but he is back on the winning path. Not too many players have his ammo. He has a huge 1st serve and a big kick 2nd. He comes forward and takes advantage of defensive returns. He has as good s they come, his two handed backhand is one of the best.
Benjamin Becker has a big, big 1st serve. Many players underestimate him doing this because he is not very big in size. H has very reliable ground strokes but he prefers his forehand.
Nick’s Pick- Ben’s serve is big but wait until he goes against Del Potro’s serve. The word on the tour is that Ben has a tendency to get down on himself. This match goes to Del Potro. Too much fire power from every inch of the tennis court.
Roger Federer Vs. Nikolay Davydenko
The more that I watch Roger play and the more I hear about the thought and time he gives to his schedule and his family, the more I respect him. There is no doubt in my mind that many of the players and tennis fans wish they could do the same. KEEP DREAMING BABY! There are only a few like Roger. Yes, he is 32 but his style of play gives him options to play on and on. He does everything without extra energy. He comes up with the serve on the big points, moves with ease and is not hesitant to come forward.
Nikolay Davydenko usually wears all white clothing, has no tan, and his style of play will lull you to sleep, but his play will not. He has very steady groundies and hardly ever misses his 2 handed backhand.
Nick’s Pick- Roger must move Davydenko at all times and mix up the tempo with his biting low slice. Roger must also attack Roger’s one handed bakchand at all times and then run him wide to his forehand. Oh yes Roger, don’t forget your drop shots. This match will go to Federer but it can go 4 sets.
PS. Paul Annacone is a former student at the IMG Academy Bollettieri Tennis Program, and is doing a great job with Roger. He knows exactly what to say. A little here, a little there, and in a calm voice.
Women’s
Jie Zheng Vs. Sam Stosur
Jie is a small girl and she tries to dicate the match, standing very close to the baseline with solid flat strokes from both the forehand and two handed backhand.
Sam is 5’8″ and has not one ounce of extra body fat. She has a bundle of experience including a gram slam win. Her forehand is heavy with spin and she has an excellent two handed backhand. After her injury a few years ago, she worked endless hours to get fit physically.
Nick’s Pick- Sam must not hit short and flat. She must move Jie around with heavy deep balls. Wait for defensive balls and then go for broke. Jie Must hit the tar out of the ball. This match goes to Stosur.
Li Na Vs. Olga Govortsova
Olga stands 6 feet tall and is not afraid to play big time tennis. She moves well for a big girl except when she is pulled out wide. She has a better than average forehand and a steady backhand when in position. Her serve is consistent but applies no pressure to her opponent.
Li Na is seeded #6 and she deserves that seeding because she is most difficult to beat when you completely overpower her. Her nickname is never misses. She stands close to the baseline and moves well laterally. She can change the pace and will come to the net, but her serve could be better.
Nick’s Pick- Olga must go for all sorts of shots including hitting winners and go for broke. Li Na can become a bit emotional at times. This match goes to Li Na in 2 sets.
