French Open
Considering Djokovic is on a 39 match win streak, I was surprised to see that Nadal is still favourite with the bookies for the French Open.
Prior to this year, he had never beaten Nadal on clay, now he has done it twice (Madrid & Rome finals). The question is whether he can do it over five sets.
In the past, some commentators have (harshly) has questioned his attitude due to several high profile retirements, eg Wimbledon 2007 semi v Nadal, with foot blisters (though his previous two rounds were five & four hour matches respectively v Baghdatis & Hewitt ) & 2009 Aus Open (v Roddick) with heat exhaustion. Clearly there’s nothing wrong with the mental side of his game now. Serbia’s Davis Cup victory in December has been the catalyst for this amazing run which has pushed Federer down to no. 3 in the rankings
I think the Djoker can stay unbeaten until the grasscout season, surpassing Vilas’ record (46 straight wins) in the process.
Sharapova has returned to her best form recently, achieving her best ever result on clay in winning Rome, & is back in the top ten. Wozniacki will again be trying to justify her no. 1 ranking by breaking her duck at the majors, but for me Clijsters is still favourite to win her first title at Roland Garros.
Champions League Final
This year sees a dream final, between the two teams who have been consistently the best two club sides in the world over the last four years or so. The Reds play their 3rd final in four years, Barca’s sequence since 2008 reads semi, final, semi, final. Man U are domestic champs for the 4th time in five years, & Barca completed a league threepeat this year. Hopefully Barcelona will not repeat the diving & histrionics which marred their semi with Madrid; & instead showcase their ability as the undisputed masters of the possession game. If Man U can cut off the supply to Leo Messi, they still have to cope with Villa, Iniesta, Xavi …
Barca to win 2-1.
Showing posts with label Xavi. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Xavi. Show all posts
Saturday, 21 May 2011
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.
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