Posted on January 24, 2012 by Brian

2012 Australian Open Quarterfinal Preview

With few hiccups and few major upsets along the way, were down to the final 8 in the 2012 Australian Open. Our final 8 consists of only two players outside the top 10: Juan Martin Del Potro and Kei Nishikori – only the latter of whom is a real surprise.

Djokovic V Ferrer

To be honest, Im not so sure about Ferrers chances anymore. True, Hewitt got a set off Djoker and Djoker isnt looking nearly as dominate as he did last year, but I still might take the Serb over David. Ferrer is going to have to step up his offense a lot if hes going to really compete with Djoker. For that matter, Djoker is going to have to play very aggressive, otherwise Ferrer will outlast on fitness. Should be a fun match to watch and really could go either way, but Im leaning toward Djoker.

Murray v Nishikori

Nishikori is have the best run if his career, but Im not sure its enough momentum to take down Murray. Murray, however, needs to stay focused on the match and not the pressure to finally lift a grand slam event trophy. Id give this one to Murray, but if Nishikori can get in Murrays head, all bets are off.

Federer v Del Potro

Full disclosure: this match is happening right now. Im not watching the scores, but it was 5-4 fed last time I looked. Both guys look really strong tonight, but Ive got to wonder if Delpo can last. Hes in great shape and has been hitting the ball really well, especially that forehand. Fed has been playing smart, beautiful tennis as always, but doesnt have an easy opponent with Delpo. If Delpo can win in three, its his. If this one goes the distance, I just dont see how Fed could lose.

Nadal v Berdych

Naval shouldnt have any problem rolling through Berdych. I hope Rafa refuses to shake his hand after the match.

What do you think about these quarterfinal matches?

Filed in Australian Open | Comment Now
Posted on January 19, 2012 by Brian

Fantasy Tennis Picks Revisited

Per usual, my fantasy tennis team is mostly falling apart. I still have some good eggs in the mix, but i’m already down two guys and we’re not even into third round matches. Most of the guys I have left are looking good though.

David Ferrer: What a match between Ferrer and Sweeting! Both guys were playing at such an incredible level. Ferrer’s defense has rarely looked better, knocking back crushing backhands from Sweeting. I’ll admit, I’m a little nervous about Ferrer as he plays stronger opponents, but he’s looking very fit and staying focused through his five-setters. I think going into a match against anyone in the top 4, he’ll probably have higher expectations of his opponent than he did against Sweeting. I still think Ferrer could win this whole thing, but he’s going to have the whole country of Serbia cheering against him for two rounds when he faces Tipsarevic in R4 and Djoker in quarters.

Rafael Nadal: I think Nadal really did have one of the easiest draws on anyone in the top 10. He shouldn’t have too much trouble through the quarterfinals, though John Isner did put up quite a fight against Rafa, taking him to 5 sets at Rolland Garros. That level of play from Isner on a hard court could spell trouble for Rafa, but I’m not so sure that’s what we’ll see.

Jo Wilfried Tsonga: Tsonga really is a wild-card pick here, simply because his play can be so inconsistent. Luckily, he’s got two winnable matches in the third and fourth and would play the weakest of the top 4 in the quarterfinals (Murray). If he can stay consistent, which I think he can, especially at this major, he’s still a solid pick.

Juan Martin Del Potro: Delpo has been playing pretty well so far and it looks like he’s really getting his stride back. Aided by two very winnable matches in the third and fourth round (Yen-Hsun Lu and then either Kohlschreiber or Falla), Delpo has a great shot at making the quarterfinals where he’ll have to face off against Federer. I’m still glad he’s on my fanatsy team.

Andy Roddick: It unfortunately didn’t take long for Roddick to be sidelined by injury this year. After taking the first set in what would have (at least I think) been an easy second round win for Roddick, he hurt an apparently old injury in his hamstring and had to withdraw. Rest up, Andy, and if nothing else, focus on Wimbledon and Olympics.

Novak Djokovic: He’s on a roll. He’s got what ought to be an easy matchup against Mahut in the third round, could face big serving Milos Raonic in the fourth, then will likely see David Ferrer or Janko Tipsarevic in the Quarterfinals. All winnable matches, therefore still happy about this pick.

Ryan Harrison: out in round one.

How are your fantasy teams doing? Anyone totally out? Anyone still have all their guys in?

Filed in Australian Open | Comment Now
Posted on January 17, 2012 by Brian

Fantasy Tennis Tour Picks for 2012 Australian Open

It’s two days into the 2012 Australian Open and I already have one of my seven picks eliminated. I will happily stand by that pick, though! I’ll revisit these picks throughout the tournament to see how they’re looking. Here are my picks for the 2012 Australian Open on Fantasy Tennis Tour:

David Ferrer: So far so good. He played a great match and looked really great moving around the court. I’m still happy to have picked him as my AO champ.

Rafael Nadal: Dominated. Just dominated. He looked to be in really good form and certainly didn’t have much difficulty moving through. I’m interested to see how he performs against a top-10 player though.

Jo Wilfried Tsonga: It was a close match, but French showman Jo Wilfried Tsonga pulled it out. I don’t ever expect him to win an outright easy match, but he’ll still surge through.

Juan Martin Del Potro: Delpo had a bit of a rough start, but quickly got into form and rolled through his first match. He’s looking a little shaky still, but if he can find his consistency, the draw is in trouble.

Andy Roddick: I didn’t get to see his match yet (you’d better believe I’m taking advantage of the Australian Open replays on ESPN3), but based on stats and scoreline, I’d say he did alright. He’s a real contender here if he can just maintain strength throughout the tournament. We’ll check back in the second week and see how he’s holding up.

Novak Djokovic: He almost served up a triple bagel. ’nuff said.

Ryan Harrison: I allowed myself one bold pick and I’ll stand by this selection. Not only did Harrison win the first set, but he was serving well, moving great and playing really impressive rallies with Murray. Roddick said it best in his post-match presser: Ryan just needs to stay at this level and get used to playing (and winning) longer rallies. Playing like he did, Harrison would be through to the second round had he not been playing one of the top 4.

Do you play Fantasy Tennis? Who did you pick? Are any of your picks out already?

Filed in Australian Open | Comment Now
Posted on January 15, 2012 by Brian

2012 Australian Open Predictions

I’m usually pretty awful at these – partly because I don’t like going with the obvious and partly because I have too much optimism when it comes to Andy Roddick’s game – but here goes. These are my predictions for the 2012 Australian Open.

First Round Upsets

I’m not sure if this really counts as an upset, but I think there’s a good chance Australian Bernard Tomic takes out the 22nd seed Fernando Verdasco. Verdasco’s been playing well, but with the home court advantage, this could be an opportunity for Tomic.

Andy Murray has a tough first-round match against fellow head-case Ryan Harrison. I watched a little bit of Harrison’s matches this past week and he’s not looking too shabby. Whichever one loses composure first is going to have a hard time seeing the second round. I think with all the pressure on Murray, Harrison could really pull this out.

Men’s Semifinals: Ferrer v Tsonga and Delpo v. Rafa

The only part of this semifinal predictions that I don’t feel 100% about is Delpo. Federer had a really strong finish to his season and could quite possibly overcome Delpo. That said, Delpo is seemingly stronger every tournament and is bound to have a great showing at some point this season. After a disappointing end to his Davis Cup dreams last year, I think he’s going to show up ready to fight.

I’m fairly confident in the rest of my semifinal crew. Ferrer certainly has a tough road to the semis, but with Djoker not at 100% and Ferrer playing phenomenal tennis, this could be a great time for him to take advantage of the field. He had some success here last year and I very much expect a repeat. Tsonga, fresh off a big win against Gael Monfils, is looking strong going into his most successful slam event. While I’m not convinced by Rafa, I’m usually not and he usually kicks ass anyway. I’ll concede that the Spaniard plays well enough to move through these tournaments, even when not playing his best.

Men’s Winner: David Ferrer

Fresh of a repeat title in Auckland and healthier than anyone else in the top 5, this year is going to David Ferrer. He finished the year with a good showing at the Year End Championship and a killer performance at Davis Cup, so you have to think his confidence is high as ever. With so many injuries – or possible injuries –  throughout the draw, Ferrer’s fitness is finally going to get him that title.

Women’s Winner: Jelena Jankovic

I won’t even try to justify this prediction, but stranger things have happened in the WTA.

Check back throughout the tournament! I’ll preview some matches and talk about some of the more intriguing aspects of this years Australian Open.

Filed in Australian Open | Comment Now
Posted on January 4, 2012 by Brian

What I’d like to see in 2012

I got a few of my wishes from 2011, so why not make another list for 2012? After the thrilling year of tennis that was ’11, I have high hopes for this year. The “big two” are now the “big three” (or four, if you count slamless Murray), but that could all change this year if Delpo gets back in form or if some of these bad-ass youngsters really step up.

Before I move on to what I’d like to see in 2012, let’s do a quick recap of what we saw last year that I was hoping for. You can read my 2011 ATP tour wish list, or just skim through this quick recap:

1. Somebody other than Fed or Rafa to win a major title – Thanks, Djoker!
2. Djoker/Nadal doubles team – No dice. I think Djoker’s win streak put this to bed for a long time. Besides, the Tipsarevic/Djoker team is a lot more fun to watch.
3. Fed or Nadal lose in the first round of a slam – Rafa got close, but he still managed to make it out of every first round.
4. John Isner or Ivo Karlovic break the 155mph serve record – 156 for Big Ivo!
5. Mikhail Youzhny make a grand slam final – actually the opposite. Youzhny had a pretty disappointing season.

Two out of five isn’t bad, right? Either way, on to 2012! Here are a handful of things I’d love to see in 2012:

The Olympics not mirror Wimbledon*

Just about a month apart, Wimbledon and the ’12 Summer Olympics in London will both be played at the All England Club. While I’m very excited about Andy’s chances at both, I hope to see two different tournaments, with different players excelling at different events. Sure, Fed, Rafa and Djoker will all likely make it far, it would be great to see some dark horses step up in the summer games. We have some young guys like Milos Raonic and Richard Berankis leading their respective countries, so maybe a deep run at the Olympics is in store.

David Ferrer to make a Grand Slam Final

Admittedly, I’m a huge Ferrer fan, even though he pretty much ruined Davis Cup last year (for me, the city of Austin, the US DC team and US DC team fans). He’s fit, he’s crafty and he’s a damn hard worker. He’s made it to a few slam semis, but hasn’t yet made his way to a final. Murray’s had his day in the sun and hasn’t cashed in, so I say 2012 is the year for Ferrer.

US tennis finds resurgence with young talent

American tennis isn’t dead. Not even close. That said, it would be great to see Jack Sock, Donald Young and Ryan Harrison all have great seasons. Young and Harrison are both ready for deep runs at a major (I think with the right draw, either could see a quarterfinal), and Jack Sock, the only one of the three to hold a slam title (mixed dubs with Melanie Oudin), could use that confidence to take his singles game to the next level. I don’t expect any of these guys to win a slam this year, but a 250-level title is a real possibility. Maybe this will finally kill the american-tennis-is-dead rubbish.

US Olympic sweep

Men’s singles: Roddick; Women’s singles: Serena; Women’s Dubs: Venus/Serena; Men’s Dubs: Bryan/Bryan; Mixed Doubles: Roddick/Serena. I’m just saying, it could happen…and it would be awesome.

One younger player make it to a Grand Slam final

Berankis, Harrison, Young, Raonic, it’s up to you guys. If any one of these guys can stay away from injury (Raonic, Berankis) or hitting a slump (Harrison, Young), then they’ve got a shot at a good run at any major. They’ll all have to really step up their game, but for these guys, I think it’s a real possibility. I’d look to the beginning of the season for Raonic, mid-season for Berankis and a good chance at the US Open for Young and Harrison. It sure won’t be easy: they’d have to knock out a few guys in the top 10, but if healthy and focused, all these guys could do it.

Before I finish this little 2012 wishlist, I’d like to throw out three things I’d also like to see on the WTA side: ANY slamless #1, past or Caroline Wozniacki, win a major (here’s looking at you JJ), an injury-free season for Serena and Clijsters, and a great run at Wimbledon for Venus Williams.

What do you want to see in 2012?

B

*I will revoke this when Andy wins Wimbledon.

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