Most of the British media seem to think a Murray-Federer final is practically a nailed-on certainty. However, the guys left in the draw are no gimmes. Fed is seeded to meet Djokovic in the semis, & the Djoker has beaten him the last two times they've played. I reckon Roger in four sets though. Fed faces Soderling next up in the 4th round. I was courtside for the Swede's match on Monday, & he played well, but there's nothing to suggest that Roger wont take care of him again comfortably, as he did in the French final. Karlovic is a possible QF opponent, who with his huge serve always a big threat on grass-he hit 46 aces in beating Tsonga on Friday.
Murray plays Stan Wawrinka next, who will be no pushover, although Murray seems to have gone up a level since he was last beaten by the Swiss no. 2. Thomas Berdych was very impressive yesterday beating Davydenko, & next plays Roddick, which looks like a 50-50 match.
On the womens side, the smart money has to be on another all-Williams final. Ivanovic might give Venus a tough match in the 4th round, but the Serb has been struggling with the ball toss on her serve. Sharapova's 2nd round exit wasn't a huge surprise, watching her match on Monday she was struggling with her movement. Having only recently returned from a long layoff with he shoulder injury, her match fitness should improve with increased activity.
Ronster's tips for the championship: Fed & Venus.
Showing posts with label Ivanovic. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ivanovic. Show all posts
Sunday, 28 June 2009
Monday, 1 June 2009
King of Clay Hits the Dirt
Yesterday saw perhaps the biggest upset of the sporting year with Rafael Nadal's first loss at Roland Garros. The 23rd seed, Robin Soderling, won after 3 hr 30 mins, 6-2, 6-7(2-7), 6-4, 7-6(7-2) . I was in the stands for the concluding sets when they played a five-setter (over 5(!) days due to rain delays & the schedule) at Wimbledon 2007. Then, every time it seemed Nadal had nailed the lid on the Swede's coffin, he would come back from the dead & break back.
That encounter had clearly given him the confidence that he could compete with Rafa. Incredibly, only four weeks ago, Rafa had beaten him in Rome for the loss of only one game.
Rafa made a uncharacteristic number of unforced errors, but all credit to the Swede, he was hitting his groundstrokes with great depth & power, especially the forehand, & hit an incredible 61 winners.
Obviously Nadal's exit removed a huge obstacle for the other favourites, Federer & Murray (2nd & third seeds respectively).Both still have some tough matches to reach the final: probably Del Potro in the semi for Fed (though he has a 5-0 record against him) , while Murray has Gonzalez who can be brilliant or erratic, & Davydenko a possible semi-final opponent.
The ladies' defending champion also lost yesterday, but that was not such a massive shock. Ivanovic was seeded 8th & has lost form & confidence since she took the no. 1 ranking after wining here last year. The no. 1 seed, Safina has been in awesome form, & a final between her & Serena seems likely.
That encounter had clearly given him the confidence that he could compete with Rafa. Incredibly, only four weeks ago, Rafa had beaten him in Rome for the loss of only one game.
Rafa made a uncharacteristic number of unforced errors, but all credit to the Swede, he was hitting his groundstrokes with great depth & power, especially the forehand, & hit an incredible 61 winners.
Obviously Nadal's exit removed a huge obstacle for the other favourites, Federer & Murray (2nd & third seeds respectively).Both still have some tough matches to reach the final: probably Del Potro in the semi for Fed (though he has a 5-0 record against him) , while Murray has Gonzalez who can be brilliant or erratic, & Davydenko a possible semi-final opponent.
The ladies' defending champion also lost yesterday, but that was not such a massive shock. Ivanovic was seeded 8th & has lost form & confidence since she took the no. 1 ranking after wining here last year. The no. 1 seed, Safina has been in awesome form, & a final between her & Serena seems likely.
Sunday, 8 February 2009
King Rafa
Apologies to my legion of readers for the delay between posts. A central heating problem had made the blogger's den all but inhabitable for the best part of a month.
Australian Open Tennis
I predicted after the US Open last year that Federer would win the title in Melbourne to draw level with Sampras on 14 Slam titles. Unfortunately Roger came up against the phenomenon otherwise known as Rafa Nadal. The conventional wisdom used to be that Nadal would struggle to win a Slam on hard courts because of the pounding the surface gives his fragile knees. That theory can be discarded. Nadal won a thrilling 4 1/2 hour match to win his first Slam on hard courts. The first four sets were played at an exceptional standard, only the fifth was a bit of a let-down. Nadal again showed his ability to hit amazing running winners: once from way behind the baseline, & another off a good deep volley were just a couple of highlights. When Nadal called for the trainer in the 3rd set, it looked like he was feeling the effects of his marathon 5 hr 14 min semi-final against Verdasco. But it was Federer who was mentally fatigued in the fifth, dropping serve twice. Against other opponents, Roger has shown a Sampras-like ability to close out a match, serving strings of aces, but he now seems to have a mental block against the iron-willed Nadal. Federer was in floods of tears at the end of the match. Maybe he was thinking: if I can't beat him after he's played a semi-final lasting over five hours, will i ever beat him again. If Roger is to equal & surpass Sampras' record, he will have to hope it's not Nadal on the other side of the net in the final.
The womens final was a nightmare for Dinara Safina. She lost to 0 & 3 to Serena in under an hour. Needless to say, more competition is needed at the top of the womens game. Ivanovic is out of form, but Sharapova is aiming to make her comeback from injury in March.
Boxing
In my last blog i previewed two bouts. Having been scathing about the Froch fight, it turned out to be a superb contest, probably the British fight of the year. It did make you realise how good Calzaghe was- his fitness, accuracy & volume of punches thrown were all superior to what Froch produced. The American Jermain Taylor, who has twice beaten Bernard Hopkins on points, is the mandatory challenger to Froch's WBC title, but the fight may not happen, as Froch is not a box office draw in the US. Calzaghe announced his retirement this week, & Oscar de la Hoya should join him. He had nothing left in the tank in the fight against Manny Pacquiao, & was overwhelmed & beaten up by the smaller man before retiring after the eight round. Calzaghe retires undefeated, a very rare feat in boxing.
Australian Open Tennis
I predicted after the US Open last year that Federer would win the title in Melbourne to draw level with Sampras on 14 Slam titles. Unfortunately Roger came up against the phenomenon otherwise known as Rafa Nadal. The conventional wisdom used to be that Nadal would struggle to win a Slam on hard courts because of the pounding the surface gives his fragile knees. That theory can be discarded. Nadal won a thrilling 4 1/2 hour match to win his first Slam on hard courts. The first four sets were played at an exceptional standard, only the fifth was a bit of a let-down. Nadal again showed his ability to hit amazing running winners: once from way behind the baseline, & another off a good deep volley were just a couple of highlights. When Nadal called for the trainer in the 3rd set, it looked like he was feeling the effects of his marathon 5 hr 14 min semi-final against Verdasco. But it was Federer who was mentally fatigued in the fifth, dropping serve twice. Against other opponents, Roger has shown a Sampras-like ability to close out a match, serving strings of aces, but he now seems to have a mental block against the iron-willed Nadal. Federer was in floods of tears at the end of the match. Maybe he was thinking: if I can't beat him after he's played a semi-final lasting over five hours, will i ever beat him again. If Roger is to equal & surpass Sampras' record, he will have to hope it's not Nadal on the other side of the net in the final.
The womens final was a nightmare for Dinara Safina. She lost to 0 & 3 to Serena in under an hour. Needless to say, more competition is needed at the top of the womens game. Ivanovic is out of form, but Sharapova is aiming to make her comeback from injury in March.
Boxing
In my last blog i previewed two bouts. Having been scathing about the Froch fight, it turned out to be a superb contest, probably the British fight of the year. It did make you realise how good Calzaghe was- his fitness, accuracy & volume of punches thrown were all superior to what Froch produced. The American Jermain Taylor, who has twice beaten Bernard Hopkins on points, is the mandatory challenger to Froch's WBC title, but the fight may not happen, as Froch is not a box office draw in the US. Calzaghe announced his retirement this week, & Oscar de la Hoya should join him. He had nothing left in the tank in the fight against Manny Pacquiao, & was overwhelmed & beaten up by the smaller man before retiring after the eight round. Calzaghe retires undefeated, a very rare feat in boxing.
Monday, 23 June 2008
Strawberries & Cream
Wimbledon
The most probable match-up for the womens final, as well as the dream for the tv executives, is Ivanovic v Sharapova. The Williams sisters are formidable on grass though & could halt the glamour final in the semis. Dinara Safina could have another good run to match her form in Paris, but the winner will come from the first four mentioned.
I tipped Fed to win here back in January, & i still think he'll win his sixth straight title. The form of Nadal, & his crushing win over Federer at Roland Garros have made him the favourite for many pundits.However, I still feel that if Roger plays his 'A' game, he has the edge over Rafa, though it wil be very tight. Djokovic is in Federer's half, they are drawn to meet in the semis & the Serb won their match at the same stage in Australia. Nadal could face a tricky second round tie v the Latvian Ernest Gulbis. British hopes again rest with Murray. He's seeded to meet Gasquet in the fourth round, who made the semis last year. Murray has yet to reach a Grand Slam QF & I think Gasquet will prevent that statistic changing.
Euro 2008
My prediction of a Spain-Germany final is still on. Holland looked a good bet for the semis after their impressive displays in the group stages, especially v Italy & France. In the quarter final though they were completely outplayed by Russia, who look a team transformed with Arshavin back from suspension. Germany will have to be wary of the comeback kings, Turkey. I can't understand why Fabregas isn't a starter for Spain, but Aragones has preferred Xavi for the playmaker role. My player of the tournament so far is Ballack. Germany have played some good football, I had expected them to be more in the mould of Sweden, but they scored a great team goal with the first strike against Portugal.
The most probable match-up for the womens final, as well as the dream for the tv executives, is Ivanovic v Sharapova. The Williams sisters are formidable on grass though & could halt the glamour final in the semis. Dinara Safina could have another good run to match her form in Paris, but the winner will come from the first four mentioned.
I tipped Fed to win here back in January, & i still think he'll win his sixth straight title. The form of Nadal, & his crushing win over Federer at Roland Garros have made him the favourite for many pundits.However, I still feel that if Roger plays his 'A' game, he has the edge over Rafa, though it wil be very tight. Djokovic is in Federer's half, they are drawn to meet in the semis & the Serb won their match at the same stage in Australia. Nadal could face a tricky second round tie v the Latvian Ernest Gulbis. British hopes again rest with Murray. He's seeded to meet Gasquet in the fourth round, who made the semis last year. Murray has yet to reach a Grand Slam QF & I think Gasquet will prevent that statistic changing.
Euro 2008
My prediction of a Spain-Germany final is still on. Holland looked a good bet for the semis after their impressive displays in the group stages, especially v Italy & France. In the quarter final though they were completely outplayed by Russia, who look a team transformed with Arshavin back from suspension. Germany will have to be wary of the comeback kings, Turkey. I can't understand why Fabregas isn't a starter for Spain, but Aragones has preferred Xavi for the playmaker role. My player of the tournament so far is Ballack. Germany have played some good football, I had expected them to be more in the mould of Sweden, but they scored a great team goal with the first strike against Portugal.
Saturday, 7 June 2008
Feat of Clay
French Open Tennis
Dinara Safina has been the surprise of the tournament, backing up her win in Berlin by reaching the final. Her run has included two great comebacks against Sharapova (from a set & 5-3 down) & Dementieva (set & 5-2 down) saving a match point both times. Ivanovic has been undone by nerves in finals before & Safina can add another Slam to the family trophy cabinet. It looks like only the Williams sisters can prevent Serbo-Russian domination at Wimbledon & the US Open.
Federer looks to have his work cut out against Nadal in Sunday's mens' final. Rafa was awesome in beating Djokovic in straight sets in the semi yesterday. Nadal in 4 sets.
Euro2008
Euro 2008 looks quite an open tournament, the leading contenders seem to be closely matched. I've commented on the lopsided draw in my post of 15/12/07. Italy & France both have ageing squads. Italy don't appear to be as formidable defensively as they once were. Cannavaro will miss the tournament due to injury, & Nesta has retired from the national team (as has Totti). France are also getting long in the tooth through the spine of the team (Makelele, Viera, Henry) but Ribery has been in superb form. Portugal have man of the moment Mr C Ronaldo, but should suffer from lack of quality strikers. Spain are unbeaten in 15 matches & have beaten both France & Italy in that run, albeit in friendlies; & have in Torres arguably the best striker in Europe. Germany are in the easy half of the draw, and should be back to their traditional status as favourites, having performed miserably at both Euro 2000 & 2004. Croatia are my pick as dark horses. A Spain Germany final then, Miroslav Klose to finish top scorer.
Dinara Safina has been the surprise of the tournament, backing up her win in Berlin by reaching the final. Her run has included two great comebacks against Sharapova (from a set & 5-3 down) & Dementieva (set & 5-2 down) saving a match point both times. Ivanovic has been undone by nerves in finals before & Safina can add another Slam to the family trophy cabinet. It looks like only the Williams sisters can prevent Serbo-Russian domination at Wimbledon & the US Open.
Federer looks to have his work cut out against Nadal in Sunday's mens' final. Rafa was awesome in beating Djokovic in straight sets in the semi yesterday. Nadal in 4 sets.
Euro2008
Euro 2008 looks quite an open tournament, the leading contenders seem to be closely matched. I've commented on the lopsided draw in my post of 15/12/07. Italy & France both have ageing squads. Italy don't appear to be as formidable defensively as they once were. Cannavaro will miss the tournament due to injury, & Nesta has retired from the national team (as has Totti). France are also getting long in the tooth through the spine of the team (Makelele, Viera, Henry) but Ribery has been in superb form. Portugal have man of the moment Mr C Ronaldo, but should suffer from lack of quality strikers. Spain are unbeaten in 15 matches & have beaten both France & Italy in that run, albeit in friendlies; & have in Torres arguably the best striker in Europe. Germany are in the easy half of the draw, and should be back to their traditional status as favourites, having performed miserably at both Euro 2000 & 2004. Croatia are my pick as dark horses. A Spain Germany final then, Miroslav Klose to finish top scorer.
Saturday, 26 January 2008
Fed Express Derailed
Aus Open
What should we read into Djokovic's straight-sets defeat of Federer in the semi ? The great man certainly had an off-day with an uncharacteristically high amount of unforced errors. Does it mean his dominance of the game is over, or is it just a temporary blip ? I think the latter. The younger generation of Djokovic & Nadal may have to wait a while longer . I'm convinced Roger will win Wimbledon again this year, though Nadal will probably thwart him again at Roland Garros. Against Djokovic, though, Fed's Sampras-like ability to produce a couple of aces to get out of trouble, was absent.
The revelation of the tournament has been Jo-Wilfred Tsonga. Ranked 38 coming into the tournament, he plays Djokovic in tomorrow's final, having crushed Nadal in the semi as well as dispatching Andy Murray in the first round. Tsonga was in the zone against Rafa- he hit 49 winners in three sets. I think Djokovic will just be too consistent in the final though, & win it in five sets. It could be a classic if both men can reproduce the form they showed in the semis.
The women's tournament has also seen its share of upsets. In my last post I predicted a Henin-Venus Williams final. My betting slip was torn up after the the quarters: Ivanovic took out Venus Williams, & the biggest shock of the same round was Sharapova beating Henin 4 & 0, ending Justine's 32 match win streak. Sharapova's tournament win is being seen by some pundits as a sign that she will dominate this year, but I still expect Henin to be no. 1 at the end of the season, & to win in Paris for a fifth time.
What should we read into Djokovic's straight-sets defeat of Federer in the semi ? The great man certainly had an off-day with an uncharacteristically high amount of unforced errors. Does it mean his dominance of the game is over, or is it just a temporary blip ? I think the latter. The younger generation of Djokovic & Nadal may have to wait a while longer . I'm convinced Roger will win Wimbledon again this year, though Nadal will probably thwart him again at Roland Garros. Against Djokovic, though, Fed's Sampras-like ability to produce a couple of aces to get out of trouble, was absent.
The revelation of the tournament has been Jo-Wilfred Tsonga. Ranked 38 coming into the tournament, he plays Djokovic in tomorrow's final, having crushed Nadal in the semi as well as dispatching Andy Murray in the first round. Tsonga was in the zone against Rafa- he hit 49 winners in three sets. I think Djokovic will just be too consistent in the final though, & win it in five sets. It could be a classic if both men can reproduce the form they showed in the semis.
The women's tournament has also seen its share of upsets. In my last post I predicted a Henin-Venus Williams final. My betting slip was torn up after the the quarters: Ivanovic took out Venus Williams, & the biggest shock of the same round was Sharapova beating Henin 4 & 0, ending Justine's 32 match win streak. Sharapova's tournament win is being seen by some pundits as a sign that she will dominate this year, but I still expect Henin to be no. 1 at the end of the season, & to win in Paris for a fifth time.
Sunday, 13 January 2008
Up for the Cup
FA CUP
Dig out all the old cliches about the romance of the FA Cup. The Third Round saw its share of shocks. The biggest was third division (League One as its now ridiculously called) Oldham beating Everton away. Championship sides Huddersfield & Coventry also dispatched top-flight opposition. Havant & Waterlooville earned a replay against Swansea, to keep non-league representation in the competition. Incidentally, Sutton United were the last non-league side to beat top-flight opposition- Coventry in 1989 (3rd round). Coventry had been finalists the year before. The most replayed cup shock on TV is probably Motty's favourite, Hereford (Ronnie Radford et al. v Newcastle,1972).
Aus Open Tennis
Justine Henin is the hot favourite amongst the women, & is on a 28 match win streak. I think she will make the final, although Serena Williams should give her a tough match. Venus Williams is in the easier lower half of the draw, from which I would pick only Ivanovic & Kuznetsova as having realistic chances of beating Venus. So my tip is a Venus-Henin final.
In the men's, Andy Murray is in hot form after winning the title in Doha. He faces the big-hitting Frenchman, Tsonga, in the first round. Richard Gasquet is also in Murray's section though, against whom AM has a 0-2 record. I'll pick Federer to win, although some of the chasing pack (Djokovic, Nalbandian) showed last year it's not just Nadal who can beat the Swiss- Federer has lost some of his dominance. Other potential winners then, are Djokovic, Nalbandian & Gonzalez from the top half; Nadal, Gasquet, Murray, & Roddick from the lower half.
Dig out all the old cliches about the romance of the FA Cup. The Third Round saw its share of shocks. The biggest was third division (League One as its now ridiculously called) Oldham beating Everton away. Championship sides Huddersfield & Coventry also dispatched top-flight opposition. Havant & Waterlooville earned a replay against Swansea, to keep non-league representation in the competition. Incidentally, Sutton United were the last non-league side to beat top-flight opposition- Coventry in 1989 (3rd round). Coventry had been finalists the year before. The most replayed cup shock on TV is probably Motty's favourite, Hereford (Ronnie Radford et al. v Newcastle,1972).
Aus Open Tennis
Justine Henin is the hot favourite amongst the women, & is on a 28 match win streak. I think she will make the final, although Serena Williams should give her a tough match. Venus Williams is in the easier lower half of the draw, from which I would pick only Ivanovic & Kuznetsova as having realistic chances of beating Venus. So my tip is a Venus-Henin final.
In the men's, Andy Murray is in hot form after winning the title in Doha. He faces the big-hitting Frenchman, Tsonga, in the first round. Richard Gasquet is also in Murray's section though, against whom AM has a 0-2 record. I'll pick Federer to win, although some of the chasing pack (Djokovic, Nalbandian) showed last year it's not just Nadal who can beat the Swiss- Federer has lost some of his dominance. Other potential winners then, are Djokovic, Nalbandian & Gonzalez from the top half; Nadal, Gasquet, Murray, & Roddick from the lower half.
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