After an early Wimbledon exit, times seemed bleak for Fabio Fognini. It seemed like he could never get over the hump. Yes, he could challenge a great player, such as taking a set off of Novak Djokovic at the 2012 Olympics, but he could never really make a run at the top. Well, if the past couple of tournaments are any indication, things are about to change.
Fabio Fognini had a tough time at the first three majors of this year. At the French Open, he only won two matches, while at the Australian Open and Wimbledon, he couldn't even win a match. So, coming into the post-Wimbledon tournaments, there was little to suggest that Fognini would finally turn his potential into results, but he did just that.
At both the Mercedes Open, and the German Tennis Championships he went on unexpected runs to win the tournament. And it's not as if he played a bunch of nobodies to get there. He beat great players such as Tommy Haas and Nicolas Almagro. He, in the final of the German Tennis Championships, took out a hot Federico Delbonis who stunned Roger Federer in an earlier round.
So, what does this mean about Fognini's chances at the upcoming US Open? I believe Fognini will be a real contender. He seems to have finally found his swing, and I don't believe his crazy antics will affect his chances of winning.
I believe Fabio Fognini will go on to the second week at the US Open.
Thursday, July 25, 2013
Wednesday, July 24, 2013
Should we be Worried About Roger Federer?
As you might have figured out over the past weeks, Roger Federer is not where he once was. The Roger Federer of old would have never lost to Sergiy Stakhovsky, let alone at his favorite major championship. As a fan, that was a real shock to see. But, another Federer opponent, this time in Hamburg, had another surprise in store.
At the Semifinals of the German Tennis Championships at Hamburg, unknown Federico Delbonis upset Federer, beating him in straight sets. Federer seemed like a shoe-in to win this tournament, so to see him not even get a set off Delbonis was quite disturbing. So, should we be worried about one of the all-time greats?
No, at least not yet. At Wimbledon, like Rafael Nadal against Lukas Rosol last year, Roger just caught Stakhovsky playing the best tennis match of his life, while he was only at his "B" game. Watching Stakhovsky in the next round playing Jurgen Melzer, it was very clear that his spectacular match against Federer was a fluke. Now, you might be thinking that, in his olden days, Federer would overcome this. However, we must remember that on grass, a hot player whipping his serve in and crushing the ball around the court is nearly impossible to beat. It was clear last year with Rosol and this year with Stakhovsky.
I am also willing to brush off his loss to Delbonis at the German Tennis Championships, as well. This is due to the fact that he, finally, decided to switch to a racket with a bigger head. As anyone who plays tennis knows, we do have to give Roger some time to adjust to the new racket before harshly judging him. We must also remember that Roger is not a world-beater on clay, which is his weakest surface.
So no, we should not be worried about Roger Federer. If he plays poorly at the US Open, however, it will be time to sound the alarm.
At the Semifinals of the German Tennis Championships at Hamburg, unknown Federico Delbonis upset Federer, beating him in straight sets. Federer seemed like a shoe-in to win this tournament, so to see him not even get a set off Delbonis was quite disturbing. So, should we be worried about one of the all-time greats?
No, at least not yet. At Wimbledon, like Rafael Nadal against Lukas Rosol last year, Roger just caught Stakhovsky playing the best tennis match of his life, while he was only at his "B" game. Watching Stakhovsky in the next round playing Jurgen Melzer, it was very clear that his spectacular match against Federer was a fluke. Now, you might be thinking that, in his olden days, Federer would overcome this. However, we must remember that on grass, a hot player whipping his serve in and crushing the ball around the court is nearly impossible to beat. It was clear last year with Rosol and this year with Stakhovsky.
I am also willing to brush off his loss to Delbonis at the German Tennis Championships, as well. This is due to the fact that he, finally, decided to switch to a racket with a bigger head. As anyone who plays tennis knows, we do have to give Roger some time to adjust to the new racket before harshly judging him. We must also remember that Roger is not a world-beater on clay, which is his weakest surface.
So no, we should not be worried about Roger Federer. If he plays poorly at the US Open, however, it will be time to sound the alarm.
Monday, January 21, 2013
Can Sloane Stephens Beat Serena Williams?
With Serena Williams' straight set victory over Maria Kirlenko, no slouch of an opponent, and Sloane Stephens' three set winner of Bojana Jovanovski, it set up an American duel for a spot in the Semifinals. The question is, now, can Stephens win?
I knew Sloane Stephens was going to be good, have good tournament, maybe the Third Round, Round of 16 if she was lucky, but I couldn't have imagined that she would be making a Quarterfinals appearance. Sloane Stephens is right now, in my opinion, the second best women's tennis player in the United States. Stephens has a lot of potential to be great. She has had a fantastic tournament, but so has Serena Williams.
Serena Williams, in her Round of 16 match, gave up two games, zero in the the second set. This is yet another set where Serena Williams hasn't gave up a game, four for the tournament. In fact, the most games Serena has given up in a game this tournament is three. These matches have not been close. Can Sloane Stephens make things a little more uncomfortable for Serena Williams? Can she, actually, win the match?
I just don't think Sloane can make this a match. Serena Williams is on another level right now. In fact, it really feels like there is Victoria Azarenka, Maria Sharapova, and Serena Williams just miles above the rest of the competition. Stephens has had a great tournament, she played Serena close at Brisbane, and she is set for the future, but in a major championship, Sloane doesn't stand a chance.
Prediction: Serena Williams wins 6-3, 6-1
I knew Sloane Stephens was going to be good, have good tournament, maybe the Third Round, Round of 16 if she was lucky, but I couldn't have imagined that she would be making a Quarterfinals appearance. Sloane Stephens is right now, in my opinion, the second best women's tennis player in the United States. Stephens has a lot of potential to be great. She has had a fantastic tournament, but so has Serena Williams.
Serena Williams, in her Round of 16 match, gave up two games, zero in the the second set. This is yet another set where Serena Williams hasn't gave up a game, four for the tournament. In fact, the most games Serena has given up in a game this tournament is three. These matches have not been close. Can Sloane Stephens make things a little more uncomfortable for Serena Williams? Can she, actually, win the match?
I just don't think Sloane can make this a match. Serena Williams is on another level right now. In fact, it really feels like there is Victoria Azarenka, Maria Sharapova, and Serena Williams just miles above the rest of the competition. Stephens has had a great tournament, she played Serena close at Brisbane, and she is set for the future, but in a major championship, Sloane doesn't stand a chance.
Prediction: Serena Williams wins 6-3, 6-1
Thursday, January 17, 2013
Venus Williams vs. Maria Sharapova Predictions
Tonight (in the United States), a huge Third Round matchup will take place. And let's be honest, I think the winner of this match has a better-than-average chance of, at least, making it to the Finals. This match is Venus Williams vs. Maria Sharapova. But who will win? Will I change my prediction of Maria Sharapova making the Finals? Let's find out.
Both Williams and Sharapova have rolled through their first two matches. Venus Williams hasn't even been threatened in a set yet, while Maria Sharapova hasn't even lost a game yet. This is what makes this match even more compelling. These two players haven't been sneaking by, playing below average, but winning due to the low level of competition put in front of them. They have been beating down on their opponents, like a champion should.
So, who will win? In the first set, I expect Maria Sharapova to get off to a hot start. Venus Williams will get pushed around by Sharapova's hard-hitting game, and will not offer much resistance. I can see this set going 6-2 to Sharapova, with the score not even being a fair indicator of the lopsidedness of the match. I don't think the first set will be too pretty for Venus.
The second set, however, I believe will be much tighter. Venus Williams will start to find her game again, occasionally trading breaks with Sharapova. Sharapova will start to spray a few more errors, giving Williams a chance to take the set. Venus Williams will win the second set 7-6 (7-3). It will all come down to the final set.
Unfortunately for tennis fans, however, I don't think this last set will be so close. The heat will finally get to Venus, her time off of tennis finally coming back to bite her in the heat of Australia.. Maria Sharapova will cruise to a 6-1 victory in this set, giving her the match as well. Although it won't be enough for Venus, she will have definitely played her heart out.
I predict Maria Sharapova will beat Venus Williams, but not before giving up a set. This half of my Finals prediction will still be alive!
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
Crushing End of Tournament For Brian Baker: Even the Victor Couldn't Act Excited
Brian Baker had a lot going right for him yesterday. He was winning the match, had all of the momentum, and was stunning the higher seeded Sam Querrey. But, that's where it all went downhill. Brian Baker was not moving on, and it was out of his control.
In a point early in the second set after winning the first one 7-6, Baker was in a routine point. After the point was over, though, Baker started limping around, eventually falling to the ground. From the moment he went down, I, for one, knew that he couldn't continue. What was more crushing, however, was seeing the look on Baker's face as he sat on the sidline, his fate soon coming.
It was heartbreaking looking at Baker's face after injuring himself. He had a look of pure devestation. But, the devastation wasn't limited to just himself. Querrey, actually, look quite upset himself. But why was Querrey so upset after advancing to the Third Round of a major? There are a few of different reasons.
The first reason why Querrey looked upset was because Baker was a fellow American. As a tennis player, in my opinion at least, you not only represent yourself but the country in which you are born. I think the players agree with this sentiment and was one reason why Querrey was especially concerned.
We cannot also forget the history of Brian Baker. The seemingly endless amounts of surgeries Baker had. This was a great comeback story. Querrey was probably, too, devastated that Baker couldn't give him everything he has. This leads me to my last point.
Querrey had to have been at least a tiny bit upset that he actually "beat" Brian Baker. In fact, Baker was winning the match. Deep down inside, Querrey must have certainly thought that, had the match continue, he more than likely would have lost. Querrey had to have his competitive nature come out at this point to actually "win" the match, rather than have Baker "lose" it.
This was an absolutely crushing loss for Brian Baker. And the loss was felt by his opponent, too.
In a point early in the second set after winning the first one 7-6, Baker was in a routine point. After the point was over, though, Baker started limping around, eventually falling to the ground. From the moment he went down, I, for one, knew that he couldn't continue. What was more crushing, however, was seeing the look on Baker's face as he sat on the sidline, his fate soon coming.
It was heartbreaking looking at Baker's face after injuring himself. He had a look of pure devestation. But, the devastation wasn't limited to just himself. Querrey, actually, look quite upset himself. But why was Querrey so upset after advancing to the Third Round of a major? There are a few of different reasons.
The first reason why Querrey looked upset was because Baker was a fellow American. As a tennis player, in my opinion at least, you not only represent yourself but the country in which you are born. I think the players agree with this sentiment and was one reason why Querrey was especially concerned.
We cannot also forget the history of Brian Baker. The seemingly endless amounts of surgeries Baker had. This was a great comeback story. Querrey was probably, too, devastated that Baker couldn't give him everything he has. This leads me to my last point.
Querrey had to have been at least a tiny bit upset that he actually "beat" Brian Baker. In fact, Baker was winning the match. Deep down inside, Querrey must have certainly thought that, had the match continue, he more than likely would have lost. Querrey had to have his competitive nature come out at this point to actually "win" the match, rather than have Baker "lose" it.
This was an absolutely crushing loss for Brian Baker. And the loss was felt by his opponent, too.
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
Serena Williams Suffers Scare, Demolishes Gallovits-Hall. Can She Still Win it?
Serena Williams had an eventful afternoon in Australia yesterday, to say the least. The gigantic favorite to win the tournament stepped on the court for her First Round match against an unknown opponent, Edina Gallovits-Hall.
It was not surprising that Serena raced out to a 4-0 lead in the first set, another yawner for the best player in the world right now. She was totally dominant in every aspect of the game.
And let me just put it out there, Gallovits-Hall was bad, real bad. Honestly, I have watched many tennis matches in my lifetime, and she was, by far, the worst tennis player I have ever seen. Maybe she was having an off day, possibly nervous out there, but still, she was a disaster. Put a blindfold on Serena and she would have a good match against Gallovits-Hall. Why do I say that? Because, up 4-0, she probably wished all she had to do was put on a blindfold with what happened next.
Serena, hitting a forehand, got her foot in an awkward position on the court, hurting her ankle in the process. She was in obvious pain, and the audience knew it, for she was barely moving before the trainers attended to her. After re-taping the ankle, however, Serena was able to continue on with the match.
The very next point was a winner for Serena, and let's be honest, it didn't get much better for Gallovits-Hall from there. She was blown off the court, losing 6-0, 6-0 in the most lopsided match I have ever seen.
So, now the question remains: Can Serena Williams still win the tournament? And you know what, I still think she can. There is no doubt in my mind that she can fight through this injury, the determination radiating off from her, and win this thing. Because if Serena Williams really wants to do something, then she will do it.
It was not surprising that Serena raced out to a 4-0 lead in the first set, another yawner for the best player in the world right now. She was totally dominant in every aspect of the game.
And let me just put it out there, Gallovits-Hall was bad, real bad. Honestly, I have watched many tennis matches in my lifetime, and she was, by far, the worst tennis player I have ever seen. Maybe she was having an off day, possibly nervous out there, but still, she was a disaster. Put a blindfold on Serena and she would have a good match against Gallovits-Hall. Why do I say that? Because, up 4-0, she probably wished all she had to do was put on a blindfold with what happened next.
Serena, hitting a forehand, got her foot in an awkward position on the court, hurting her ankle in the process. She was in obvious pain, and the audience knew it, for she was barely moving before the trainers attended to her. After re-taping the ankle, however, Serena was able to continue on with the match.
The very next point was a winner for Serena, and let's be honest, it didn't get much better for Gallovits-Hall from there. She was blown off the court, losing 6-0, 6-0 in the most lopsided match I have ever seen.
So, now the question remains: Can Serena Williams still win the tournament? And you know what, I still think she can. There is no doubt in my mind that she can fight through this injury, the determination radiating off from her, and win this thing. Because if Serena Williams really wants to do something, then she will do it.
Monday, January 14, 2013
Venus Williams Looks Ready To Take On Maria Sharapova
I have to admit, I wasn't quite sure what to expect when Venus Williams stepped on the court yesterday, to take on unseeded opponent Galina Voskoboeva. Would she flop, as she did in singles at Wimbledon the previous year, or would she rise to the occasion. Well, it was only one match, however I think we got our answer.
Venus Williams took it to Voskoboeva, smacking shots left and right, Voskoboeva looking hopeless, as Venus took games at will. In fact, Venus Williams was on fire, winning 6-1, 6-0 in seemingly no time. This was a demolition.
At the beginning of the match, the very beginning, Voskoboeva looked like a crafty player, a women that would be no walk over for a shaky Venus. Then, out of nowhere it seems, Williams turned it on, and before you knew it, the game was totally out of hand, Williams prancing to the finish line. The early success of Galina gone in the blink of an eye.
So now it is time to look forward, to that question that appeared in many minds after the draws were announced. Will Venus Williams be ready to take on Maria Sharapova in the Third Round? And I don't mean just participate in the match, I mean beating her. Before yesterday, I really wasn't sure, Sharapova looked, and based on yesterday is, a very strong opposition. Could Venus, at this stage of her career, really do what is necessary to make that match into a classic.
My answer to that initial question is yes. Venus Williams looks ready to take on Maria Sharapova. She looks ready to look eye to eye with the defending French Open champion, and hit with her stroke for stroke. She looks ready to not only take her on, to challenge her, but maybe, just maybe, to beat her as well.
Venus Williams is ready for that challenge. Whether or not she will win, however, is still a mystery.
Venus Williams took it to Voskoboeva, smacking shots left and right, Voskoboeva looking hopeless, as Venus took games at will. In fact, Venus Williams was on fire, winning 6-1, 6-0 in seemingly no time. This was a demolition.
At the beginning of the match, the very beginning, Voskoboeva looked like a crafty player, a women that would be no walk over for a shaky Venus. Then, out of nowhere it seems, Williams turned it on, and before you knew it, the game was totally out of hand, Williams prancing to the finish line. The early success of Galina gone in the blink of an eye.
So now it is time to look forward, to that question that appeared in many minds after the draws were announced. Will Venus Williams be ready to take on Maria Sharapova in the Third Round? And I don't mean just participate in the match, I mean beating her. Before yesterday, I really wasn't sure, Sharapova looked, and based on yesterday is, a very strong opposition. Could Venus, at this stage of her career, really do what is necessary to make that match into a classic.
My answer to that initial question is yes. Venus Williams looks ready to take on Maria Sharapova. She looks ready to look eye to eye with the defending French Open champion, and hit with her stroke for stroke. She looks ready to not only take her on, to challenge her, but maybe, just maybe, to beat her as well.
Venus Williams is ready for that challenge. Whether or not she will win, however, is still a mystery.
Sunday, January 13, 2013
Australian Open Predictions
Now that we have went through the draws, it is time for pick who I think will make the Semifinals and ultimately win the tournament, in both men and women. Now, just because someone might have an easier draw it doesn't mean that they will necessarily mean they will make a run to the Finals, but they just might. Let's get started!
What Will the Women's Semifinals Match be?
Victoria Azarenka vs. Serena Williams
Li Na vs. Maria Sharapova
The first matchup is no surprise to anybody. These two players are clearly the cream of the crop of women's tennis at this time, as evidence by their epic Finals match at the 2012 US Open. With the way these two are playing, I really don't see anybody outside of the other one even getting a set off these two.
The other Semifinals matchup might surprise you, at least half of it. I believe Sharapova's hard-hitting game will help her get past tough opponents Venus Williams and Angelique Kerber. For Li Na, I believe she will get warmed up from early easy competition and then proceed to rip through opponents such as Samantha Stosur and Aga Radwanska, thus setting up a matchup with Sharapova.
What Will the Women's Finals Match be?
Serena Williams vs. Maria Sharapova
Serena Williams is playing at a very high level right now, a level I am not sure even Victoria Azarenka can match. I believe Azarenka will keep it close both sets, but Williams will just too much firepower for her to handle.
In the other Semifinal, I think that Li's inconsistent game will catch up to her, with Li trying to do too much to stay on the court with Sharapova. Maria wins easily.
Who Will Win the Women's Final?
Serena Williams
Serena Williams matches up extremely well with Sharapova, as evidence by her superb record against Maria. This was brought to the forefront during Williams' walloping of Sharapova in the women's Finals of the Olympics, with Sharapova hardly capable of winning a game. Serena won't win in that fashion, but she will take it in fairly-easy straight sets. I will continue to pick her until someone else in the field can show me they can beat her at the level she is playing at, on the biggest stage.
Who Will the Men's Semifinals Matches be?
Novak Djokovic vs. David Ferrer
Andy Murray vs. Roger Federer
Novak Djokovic, guided by a very easy draw, will have no problem navigating himself through the draw. David Ferrer, unlike Djokovic, is very much in the background for this tournament. No one really talks about Ferrer, even though he has proven to be a very good player. I think he will, silently, make it into the Semifinals, ready to prove to the world that this is his time for a breakthrough.
Andy Murray, buoyed by his Olympic and US Open performance, will sail into the Semifinals, relatively unchallenged. At the bottom of the bracket, Roger Federer will, once again, prove to never go down without a fight. Federer, engrossed in at least one four set match, and a five setter too, will battle his way into the Semifinals, eager to prove that his Olympic Finals against Murray was not a sign of what's to come.
What Will the Men's Finals Match be?
David Ferrer vs. Roger Federer
Yes, Ferrer will shock Djokovic in the Semifinals. His getting every ball back will frustrate Djokovic so much so, that he will begin hitting error after error, allowing Ferrer to take the match in four sets. In the other semifinal, Federer, driven by his spanking at the Olympics, will best Murray in five hard-fought sets. Federer wants another major, badly.
Who Will Win the Men's Final?
Roger Federer
Federer, his vast amount of experience propelling him, will be patient enough to wait for his opportunities against Ferrer, and take advantage of them. It might not be easy, but Roger Federer will win the 2013 Australian Open in three tough sets, his 18th major championship.
Yes, you heard it from me. Serena Williams and Roger Federer will win the 2013 Australian Open championships. This one will be fun.
What Will the Women's Semifinals Match be?
Victoria Azarenka vs. Serena Williams
Li Na vs. Maria Sharapova
The first matchup is no surprise to anybody. These two players are clearly the cream of the crop of women's tennis at this time, as evidence by their epic Finals match at the 2012 US Open. With the way these two are playing, I really don't see anybody outside of the other one even getting a set off these two.
The other Semifinals matchup might surprise you, at least half of it. I believe Sharapova's hard-hitting game will help her get past tough opponents Venus Williams and Angelique Kerber. For Li Na, I believe she will get warmed up from early easy competition and then proceed to rip through opponents such as Samantha Stosur and Aga Radwanska, thus setting up a matchup with Sharapova.
What Will the Women's Finals Match be?
Serena Williams vs. Maria Sharapova
Serena Williams is playing at a very high level right now, a level I am not sure even Victoria Azarenka can match. I believe Azarenka will keep it close both sets, but Williams will just too much firepower for her to handle.
In the other Semifinal, I think that Li's inconsistent game will catch up to her, with Li trying to do too much to stay on the court with Sharapova. Maria wins easily.
Who Will Win the Women's Final?
Serena Williams
Serena Williams matches up extremely well with Sharapova, as evidence by her superb record against Maria. This was brought to the forefront during Williams' walloping of Sharapova in the women's Finals of the Olympics, with Sharapova hardly capable of winning a game. Serena won't win in that fashion, but she will take it in fairly-easy straight sets. I will continue to pick her until someone else in the field can show me they can beat her at the level she is playing at, on the biggest stage.
Who Will the Men's Semifinals Matches be?
Novak Djokovic vs. David Ferrer
Andy Murray vs. Roger Federer
Novak Djokovic, guided by a very easy draw, will have no problem navigating himself through the draw. David Ferrer, unlike Djokovic, is very much in the background for this tournament. No one really talks about Ferrer, even though he has proven to be a very good player. I think he will, silently, make it into the Semifinals, ready to prove to the world that this is his time for a breakthrough.
Andy Murray, buoyed by his Olympic and US Open performance, will sail into the Semifinals, relatively unchallenged. At the bottom of the bracket, Roger Federer will, once again, prove to never go down without a fight. Federer, engrossed in at least one four set match, and a five setter too, will battle his way into the Semifinals, eager to prove that his Olympic Finals against Murray was not a sign of what's to come.
What Will the Men's Finals Match be?
David Ferrer vs. Roger Federer
Yes, Ferrer will shock Djokovic in the Semifinals. His getting every ball back will frustrate Djokovic so much so, that he will begin hitting error after error, allowing Ferrer to take the match in four sets. In the other semifinal, Federer, driven by his spanking at the Olympics, will best Murray in five hard-fought sets. Federer wants another major, badly.
Who Will Win the Men's Final?
Roger Federer
Federer, his vast amount of experience propelling him, will be patient enough to wait for his opportunities against Ferrer, and take advantage of them. It might not be easy, but Roger Federer will win the 2013 Australian Open in three tough sets, his 18th major championship.
Yes, you heard it from me. Serena Williams and Roger Federer will win the 2013 Australian Open championships. This one will be fun.
Saturday, January 12, 2013
Draw Analysis: Australian Open
With the 2013 Australian Open coming soon, it is time, once again, for my draw analysis. This will be where I pick a top man and woman, in singles, who have in my opinion, the toughest and easiest draws.
To me, draw day could be the most important day of the tournament. If one has an easy or tough draw, it will significantly effect their chances to win. For instance, if a top player was drew to possibly play Venus Williams in the Second Round, they would have a much harder time winning the tournament as opposed to them getting a draw to play a no-name player (although Lukas Rosol taught us no match is a gimme). Let's get started.
Top Women With The Toughest Draw: Petra Kvitova
The hard-hitting Kvitova is going to have a tough time with this draw. And the tough part of her draw starts in the First Round. Here she will play former French Open champion, Frencesca Schiavone. She has great stamina, and will definitely be a tough out. In the Second Round, she could possibly have to play one of the most underrated players on tour, Laura Robson. At the latest major, the 2012 US Open, Robson made it to a career-best-for-any-major Round of 16. She will not go down without a fight. A possible duel with Sloane Stephen could be in store for Round Three. Sloane recently gave Serena Williams a scare at Brisbane, and could definitely upset Petra.
The Round of 16 could have in store a date with Nadia Petrova, whose big hitting could knock Kvitova off the court. Then, if by some miracle she wins that many games, she will most likely have to play Serena Williams in the Quarterfinals. Then, in the Semifinals, she might have to take on the top seed, Victoria Azarenka. Petra Kvitova is in a terrible spot due to the draws.
Top Women With The Easiest Draw: Li Na
Until the Round of 16, there just seems like nobody will beat her. The only ranked player she could possibly face is Sorena Cristea. And let me tell you something, I watched a match between her and Serena Williams this summer, and she is not the most impressive seeded player in this draw, to say the least.
Her Round of 16 matchup could possibly be against Samantha Stosur, and while she is good, she is certainly beatable. Aga Radwanksa is a potential matchup in the Quarterfinals, but if Li Na has made it to there, I believe she will hit Radwanksa off the court. Mix in the fact that both Serena Williams and Victoria Azarenka are on the other side of the draw, and this is a pretty easy draw for Li.
Top Man With The Toughest Draw: Nobody
Honestly. As I was pouring over the men's singles draw, I could not find one top man who had a more difficult than normal draw. In fact, the top men in this year's singles draws actually have it pretty easy. I don't expect any early upsets in this tournament.
Top Man With The Easiest Draw: Novak Djokovic
Although we are really grasping at straws here, Djokovic has a marginally easier draw than the other top competition. He won't have to face a person in the top 30 until the Round of 16. The highest possible ranked player he would face is Stanislas Wawrinka, and I don't think he has the game to beat Djokovic.
Sitting on the other side of his quarter is Tomas Berdych, and based on Berdych's track record, we don't know if Berdych will even be in it at this point. And anyways, I think Djokovic would much rather face Berdych than possibly Juan Martin Del Potro, the sixth seed (Berdych is the fifth seed). Most importantly, however, is the fact that both Roger Federer and Andy Murray are placed on the other side of the draw. This is definitely not the toughest draw that he could get.
Through my analysis, I hope you understand the importance of draw day. This day is vital to the tournament. Tennis isn't always fair.
To me, draw day could be the most important day of the tournament. If one has an easy or tough draw, it will significantly effect their chances to win. For instance, if a top player was drew to possibly play Venus Williams in the Second Round, they would have a much harder time winning the tournament as opposed to them getting a draw to play a no-name player (although Lukas Rosol taught us no match is a gimme). Let's get started.
Top Women With The Toughest Draw: Petra Kvitova
The hard-hitting Kvitova is going to have a tough time with this draw. And the tough part of her draw starts in the First Round. Here she will play former French Open champion, Frencesca Schiavone. She has great stamina, and will definitely be a tough out. In the Second Round, she could possibly have to play one of the most underrated players on tour, Laura Robson. At the latest major, the 2012 US Open, Robson made it to a career-best-for-any-major Round of 16. She will not go down without a fight. A possible duel with Sloane Stephen could be in store for Round Three. Sloane recently gave Serena Williams a scare at Brisbane, and could definitely upset Petra.
The Round of 16 could have in store a date with Nadia Petrova, whose big hitting could knock Kvitova off the court. Then, if by some miracle she wins that many games, she will most likely have to play Serena Williams in the Quarterfinals. Then, in the Semifinals, she might have to take on the top seed, Victoria Azarenka. Petra Kvitova is in a terrible spot due to the draws.
Top Women With The Easiest Draw: Li Na
Until the Round of 16, there just seems like nobody will beat her. The only ranked player she could possibly face is Sorena Cristea. And let me tell you something, I watched a match between her and Serena Williams this summer, and she is not the most impressive seeded player in this draw, to say the least.
Her Round of 16 matchup could possibly be against Samantha Stosur, and while she is good, she is certainly beatable. Aga Radwanksa is a potential matchup in the Quarterfinals, but if Li Na has made it to there, I believe she will hit Radwanksa off the court. Mix in the fact that both Serena Williams and Victoria Azarenka are on the other side of the draw, and this is a pretty easy draw for Li.
Top Man With The Toughest Draw: Nobody
Honestly. As I was pouring over the men's singles draw, I could not find one top man who had a more difficult than normal draw. In fact, the top men in this year's singles draws actually have it pretty easy. I don't expect any early upsets in this tournament.
Top Man With The Easiest Draw: Novak Djokovic
Although we are really grasping at straws here, Djokovic has a marginally easier draw than the other top competition. He won't have to face a person in the top 30 until the Round of 16. The highest possible ranked player he would face is Stanislas Wawrinka, and I don't think he has the game to beat Djokovic.
Sitting on the other side of his quarter is Tomas Berdych, and based on Berdych's track record, we don't know if Berdych will even be in it at this point. And anyways, I think Djokovic would much rather face Berdych than possibly Juan Martin Del Potro, the sixth seed (Berdych is the fifth seed). Most importantly, however, is the fact that both Roger Federer and Andy Murray are placed on the other side of the draw. This is definitely not the toughest draw that he could get.
Through my analysis, I hope you understand the importance of draw day. This day is vital to the tournament. Tennis isn't always fair.
Thursday, January 10, 2013
At Least It's Not The BCS! Why Tennis Fans Need To Stop Complaining About Serena Williams' Rank
The BCS bowl system, as just about everyone knows, is a much-maligned system. There is just about no time when someone isn't complaining about the system that puts the "best" two teams against each other. With that said, a similarly-maligned system, the WTA ranking system, is now under fire, as well.
Many, many, tennis fans are complaining at the since Serena Williams has won the final two majors of 2012, along with the Olympics, that she deserves the top spot in the rankings. I am just going to put that theory to rest, along with stating my claim as to why tennis fans should just be happy with the system put in place.
I think the misconception among tennis fans around the globe, is that if a tennis player wins a couple majors in a row, that they should just automatically be the top ranked player, no questions asked. As if the entire tour was just four different tournaments. Let's put this argument to rest here and now. There are plenty of mid to low-level tournaments that can garner "points" too. And, if you want to have the number one ranking, you have got to play in these tournaments. In fact, I like the system. If you aren't willing to support the tour and play lots of tournaments, then you don't deserve that elusive number one rank in the world.
What's next for tennis fans to understand, is that we should just be happy with the system in place. If you are not in the top two ranking, that doesn't mean that you can't win a major. Sometimes, the top seed will have a tougher road than other seeds due to the unranked players he or she plays. Also, if you are the third ranking in college football, sorry, you are out of luck. If you are third place in tennis, no big deal, you can still win it.
Tennis fans need to change their perspective on this whole situation. The system put in place is actually pretty good, and it could be a lot worse. At least it's not the BCS!
Many, many, tennis fans are complaining at the since Serena Williams has won the final two majors of 2012, along with the Olympics, that she deserves the top spot in the rankings. I am just going to put that theory to rest, along with stating my claim as to why tennis fans should just be happy with the system put in place.
I think the misconception among tennis fans around the globe, is that if a tennis player wins a couple majors in a row, that they should just automatically be the top ranked player, no questions asked. As if the entire tour was just four different tournaments. Let's put this argument to rest here and now. There are plenty of mid to low-level tournaments that can garner "points" too. And, if you want to have the number one ranking, you have got to play in these tournaments. In fact, I like the system. If you aren't willing to support the tour and play lots of tournaments, then you don't deserve that elusive number one rank in the world.
What's next for tennis fans to understand, is that we should just be happy with the system in place. If you are not in the top two ranking, that doesn't mean that you can't win a major. Sometimes, the top seed will have a tougher road than other seeds due to the unranked players he or she plays. Also, if you are the third ranking in college football, sorry, you are out of luck. If you are third place in tennis, no big deal, you can still win it.
Tennis fans need to change their perspective on this whole situation. The system put in place is actually pretty good, and it could be a lot worse. At least it's not the BCS!
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
Wozniacki Racist?
As you might have heard, Caroline Wozniacki has made a controversial imitation of Serena Williams during a recent match. She "enlarged" her boobs and pranced around the court. Not a huge deal. Out of nowhere, however, racism was brought to the center stage as many cried that Wozniacki was a racist due to the impersonation. So do I think Wozniacki is racist? Absolutely not.
Let me start off by saying it was a poor choice for Wozniacki to have done this in the first place. In a day in age where just about anything can be called racist, impersonating Serena Williams, one of the most famous African American athletes of all time, was not a smart choice. Wozniacki defintiely should have thought before she acted. And while it definitely did not have malicious intent, you could possibly perceive it was an act of frustration that Williams always wins. Okay, I can understand.
But, that doesn't necessarily mean I agree with all of the racist cries. I think this is yet another case of, with easy access to technology and the media, the easiness to over analyze the most simple of things. I mean, we could watch, and re-watch it, over and over again until one could form some sort of obscure argument regarding Wozniacki's "vicious" intent.
I also think this is a case of over sensitivity. I am vehemently against racism and discrimination in general, however, I believe that these terms are greatly overused. We, tennis fans, but also people in this world, cannot even take a joke anymore. Obviously, Wozniacki was trying to entertain the crowd, almost thanking them for attending the match. The fact that even a light-hearted attempt for entertainment can draw this much rage is something that, for me, is unthinkable. Not to mention the fact that Williams, herself, wasn't even phased.
Caroline Wozniacki probably should have thought a little harder before deciding to impersonate Serena Williams. However, claims of racism by Wozniacki are ridiculous.
Let me start off by saying it was a poor choice for Wozniacki to have done this in the first place. In a day in age where just about anything can be called racist, impersonating Serena Williams, one of the most famous African American athletes of all time, was not a smart choice. Wozniacki defintiely should have thought before she acted. And while it definitely did not have malicious intent, you could possibly perceive it was an act of frustration that Williams always wins. Okay, I can understand.
But, that doesn't necessarily mean I agree with all of the racist cries. I think this is yet another case of, with easy access to technology and the media, the easiness to over analyze the most simple of things. I mean, we could watch, and re-watch it, over and over again until one could form some sort of obscure argument regarding Wozniacki's "vicious" intent.
I also think this is a case of over sensitivity. I am vehemently against racism and discrimination in general, however, I believe that these terms are greatly overused. We, tennis fans, but also people in this world, cannot even take a joke anymore. Obviously, Wozniacki was trying to entertain the crowd, almost thanking them for attending the match. The fact that even a light-hearted attempt for entertainment can draw this much rage is something that, for me, is unthinkable. Not to mention the fact that Williams, herself, wasn't even phased.
Caroline Wozniacki probably should have thought a little harder before deciding to impersonate Serena Williams. However, claims of racism by Wozniacki are ridiculous.
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
On the Gender Prize Money Debate
We all have, at least, heard of Gilles Simon's controversial statements a few months ago, basically saying that because men's matches are best of three instead of best of five, they deserve less money. This has been an ongoing debate for years, and Simon's statements just added fuel to the fire. I decided it would be a good time for me to jump into the debate.
I, personally, don't agree with what Simon, and many others have said. But, first let me look at it from the other perspective. I can definitely see why it would upset a player, not famous, but certainly not a mediocre tennis player, to see lesser ranked women taking home just as much money as him if they pull an upset or two and he happens to lose in an early round of a major. It just doesn't seem fair.
I can understand the frustration of when a seeded player loses in the First Round in a five set, physically taxing match, and a unranked nobody loses to another unranked nobody in less than an hour and takes home an equal share of prize money. I get it. The people want to get their money's worth with good players in every match.
Now listen to my point of view.
I feel we would be opening a huge can of worms do we decide to give women lesser amounts of money than men. Sharapova was right when she was talking in the article above that why should she receive lesser amount of money than Simon, when more people want to see her play.
It is not just about the match time, but also about people in the match. On average, a stadium with Maria Sharapova in it, will be a lot more full than one with Gilles Simon. Shouldn't that warrant Sharapova more prize money than Simon.
Does this mean that prize money should be awarded (to everyone who loses in the same round) based on attendance, or average attendance, of their matches, with the better round you get to, the higher the "minimum" amount of prize money.
It wouldn't be so easy as to say, "men's prize money will always be above women's". That's just not logical. If we are going to start giving out different amounts of money to be people who lose in the same round, then we need a better system of that.
This is why, I believe the tennis world should put this ridiculous argument to rest, and just let it be. It just isn't this simple.
I, personally, don't agree with what Simon, and many others have said. But, first let me look at it from the other perspective. I can definitely see why it would upset a player, not famous, but certainly not a mediocre tennis player, to see lesser ranked women taking home just as much money as him if they pull an upset or two and he happens to lose in an early round of a major. It just doesn't seem fair.
I can understand the frustration of when a seeded player loses in the First Round in a five set, physically taxing match, and a unranked nobody loses to another unranked nobody in less than an hour and takes home an equal share of prize money. I get it. The people want to get their money's worth with good players in every match.
Now listen to my point of view.
I feel we would be opening a huge can of worms do we decide to give women lesser amounts of money than men. Sharapova was right when she was talking in the article above that why should she receive lesser amount of money than Simon, when more people want to see her play.
It is not just about the match time, but also about people in the match. On average, a stadium with Maria Sharapova in it, will be a lot more full than one with Gilles Simon. Shouldn't that warrant Sharapova more prize money than Simon.
Does this mean that prize money should be awarded (to everyone who loses in the same round) based on attendance, or average attendance, of their matches, with the better round you get to, the higher the "minimum" amount of prize money.
It wouldn't be so easy as to say, "men's prize money will always be above women's". That's just not logical. If we are going to start giving out different amounts of money to be people who lose in the same round, then we need a better system of that.
This is why, I believe the tennis world should put this ridiculous argument to rest, and just let it be. It just isn't this simple.
Monday, January 7, 2013
Do Away With Hawk Eye?
Most of us have heard by now the Colorado-Arizona . Tied at 80, Colorado seemingly made a game winning shot, only to have it waived off. Tad Boyle had some interesting things to say when asked about it. Basically, due to the need for human error in sports, he wants replay abolished.
Taking us back to tennis, a question arises: Should we do away with hawk eye? Hawk eye is the most accurate video review in sports. If a line call is questionable, a player (assuming they have challenges remaining) can challenge the call and get a completely accurate review to whether the call was correct. But, is being this accurate too accurate? Should tennis have some human error?
My answer is no. Yes, in an ideal world we could still have some human error, but it wouldn't effect the outcome of the match. Everyone would go home happy, with the officials in the background.
But, this isn't an ideal world. In tennis, any wrong call could possibly turn around a match. That could, literally, be the difference between a win and a loss.
This is about the legitimacy of sports. We all saw what happened when an incorrect call costed a team the ball game. That "fail mary" single handedly led to an end to the officials lockout. Essentially, what Boyle is saying, is that he would like more of that. More of teams (or players in this case), losing games unjustly. Fairness is more important than having a "human" side to sports.
One of the best parts of tennis is when a great upset happens. Like Rafael Nadal, a perennial power, losing to unknown Lukas Rosol. That is what makes tennis great. Imagine if Rosol, on match point, slapped a forehand "winner", only for us to discover later it was a missed call. It didn't matter if the score was 40-0 at the point of the "winner", there would have always been doubts that Nadal could have possibly mounted a comeback, the momentum now on his "side". It would have taken away from Rosol's win.
Tennis needs hawk eye. Because without it, the legitimacy of the game is taken away.
Taking us back to tennis, a question arises: Should we do away with hawk eye? Hawk eye is the most accurate video review in sports. If a line call is questionable, a player (assuming they have challenges remaining) can challenge the call and get a completely accurate review to whether the call was correct. But, is being this accurate too accurate? Should tennis have some human error?
My answer is no. Yes, in an ideal world we could still have some human error, but it wouldn't effect the outcome of the match. Everyone would go home happy, with the officials in the background.
But, this isn't an ideal world. In tennis, any wrong call could possibly turn around a match. That could, literally, be the difference between a win and a loss.
This is about the legitimacy of sports. We all saw what happened when an incorrect call costed a team the ball game. That "fail mary" single handedly led to an end to the officials lockout. Essentially, what Boyle is saying, is that he would like more of that. More of teams (or players in this case), losing games unjustly. Fairness is more important than having a "human" side to sports.
One of the best parts of tennis is when a great upset happens. Like Rafael Nadal, a perennial power, losing to unknown Lukas Rosol. That is what makes tennis great. Imagine if Rosol, on match point, slapped a forehand "winner", only for us to discover later it was a missed call. It didn't matter if the score was 40-0 at the point of the "winner", there would have always been doubts that Nadal could have possibly mounted a comeback, the momentum now on his "side". It would have taken away from Rosol's win.
Tennis needs hawk eye. Because without it, the legitimacy of the game is taken away.
Sunday, January 6, 2013
Does Andy Murray Deserve To Be Australian Open Favorite?
Andy Murray had a great 2012. He made the finals of Wimbledon before finally having a breakthrough with a gold medal at the Olympics and a US Open victory. The momentum is definitely on Murray's side. But, does momentum turn into being the favorite at the next major championship?
Should we be so quick to say that he is the clear favorite to win his second major in a row? Should we be so quick to erase the earlier portion of his career due to a great second half in one half of a year?
The answer is no. Andy Murray has been on the tour for too long without sufficient results for the public to assume because he has finally won a major, he can do it again. And we cannot forget two other big pieces in regards to this question: Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer.
Novak Djokovic is the guy who won three straight majors and four of five. Now, that is an impressive feat. He deserves to be getting this "superstar" treatment. Djokovic has five majors total. Murray, with a lone major in his pocket, not so much.
Roger Federer's resume is even more impressive. Federer has won 17 majors total, 16 more than Murray. At on point, Federer had won 8 out of 10 majors. He had won three straight majors multiple times. Not to mention that he has the career grand slam. When, Murray does that, then we can talk.
With that said, does Murray really deserve to be favored or Djokovic or Federer? To me, the mere thought of this is an insult to all of the good these other men have done. And we haven't mentioned that Juan Martin Del Potro, who has the same number of majors has Murray, but much less attention, is in the field.
Andy Murray does not deserve to be the favorite at the 2013 Australian Open. If he wins a couple more majors, then we can talk.
Should we be so quick to say that he is the clear favorite to win his second major in a row? Should we be so quick to erase the earlier portion of his career due to a great second half in one half of a year?
The answer is no. Andy Murray has been on the tour for too long without sufficient results for the public to assume because he has finally won a major, he can do it again. And we cannot forget two other big pieces in regards to this question: Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer.
Novak Djokovic is the guy who won three straight majors and four of five. Now, that is an impressive feat. He deserves to be getting this "superstar" treatment. Djokovic has five majors total. Murray, with a lone major in his pocket, not so much.
Roger Federer's resume is even more impressive. Federer has won 17 majors total, 16 more than Murray. At on point, Federer had won 8 out of 10 majors. He had won three straight majors multiple times. Not to mention that he has the career grand slam. When, Murray does that, then we can talk.
With that said, does Murray really deserve to be favored or Djokovic or Federer? To me, the mere thought of this is an insult to all of the good these other men have done. And we haven't mentioned that Juan Martin Del Potro, who has the same number of majors has Murray, but much less attention, is in the field.
Andy Murray does not deserve to be the favorite at the 2013 Australian Open. If he wins a couple more majors, then we can talk.
Saturday, January 5, 2013
Is Rafael Nadal's Career Over?
Rafael Nadal, in a shocking development, has pulled out of the Australian Open due to an apparent illness.
I, for one, did not see this coming. Rafael Nadal, as we all know, is the ultimate fighter. He has won the French Open seven out of the last eight years, an amazing feat considering that a single clay court rally can be a physical challenge on it's own.
But, in the biggest upset I, for one, have ever seen, Nadal lost to Lukas Rosol in the Second Round of 2012 Wimbledon. This was after he won the French Open, a favorite to win this one. Rosol slapped the ball around, Nadal standing helpless.
That was the last time I saw Rafa. He fell off the map, injured. From there, the only news was about him dropping out of tournaments. First, it was the Olympics. Next, it was the US Open. Now, just as we think he might come back for the first major of the year, he pulls out of the Aussie. Now, we must ask: Is Rafael Nadal's Career Over?
I previously have speculated that Nadal's late return could be due to his embarrassing loss to Rosol in addition to his injury. And while that still may be true, with Nadal's work ethic, this is absolutely not how he wants to go out.
Nadal, the ultimate competitor does not want his lasting memory to be him, angrily, trudging off the court in an early-round upset.
Instead, I believe Nadal will come back for one more major, his favorite major. Rafael Nadal, I think, will retire after the French Open. But, not after winning it. Yes, I have the sense that Nadal will retire after the French Open, going out on top, leaving a ton of questions unanswered. Could Nadal have been the greatest of all time had he played longer? Who really was the better player, himself or Federer? And the answers to both are, we really don't know.
So, do I think Nadal's career is over. No. But it will be soon. After he is on top.
I, for one, did not see this coming. Rafael Nadal, as we all know, is the ultimate fighter. He has won the French Open seven out of the last eight years, an amazing feat considering that a single clay court rally can be a physical challenge on it's own.
But, in the biggest upset I, for one, have ever seen, Nadal lost to Lukas Rosol in the Second Round of 2012 Wimbledon. This was after he won the French Open, a favorite to win this one. Rosol slapped the ball around, Nadal standing helpless.
That was the last time I saw Rafa. He fell off the map, injured. From there, the only news was about him dropping out of tournaments. First, it was the Olympics. Next, it was the US Open. Now, just as we think he might come back for the first major of the year, he pulls out of the Aussie. Now, we must ask: Is Rafael Nadal's Career Over?
I previously have speculated that Nadal's late return could be due to his embarrassing loss to Rosol in addition to his injury. And while that still may be true, with Nadal's work ethic, this is absolutely not how he wants to go out.
Nadal, the ultimate competitor does not want his lasting memory to be him, angrily, trudging off the court in an early-round upset.
Instead, I believe Nadal will come back for one more major, his favorite major. Rafael Nadal, I think, will retire after the French Open. But, not after winning it. Yes, I have the sense that Nadal will retire after the French Open, going out on top, leaving a ton of questions unanswered. Could Nadal have been the greatest of all time had he played longer? Who really was the better player, himself or Federer? And the answers to both are, we really don't know.
So, do I think Nadal's career is over. No. But it will be soon. After he is on top.
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