Men’s Singles - Round 2
Roger Federer (SUI) vs. Gael Monfils (FRA)
Federer has been the topic of conversation on the tennis circuit, and among tennis fans across the world. They are shocked and beyond words, asking the same questions over and over. What’s happened to Roger Federer? Has he reached his highest point? The answer to the first question is that, everyone must accept the human element, not everyone is perfect, including Roger Federer. And to the second point, I think Federer is still the main man and can get even better!
Monfils surprised me with his three set victory over John Isner in the first round. He hasn’t played much at all this year, but is a superb athlete and can dazzle the audience with his brilliant shot making. He is simply fun to watch.
Match-Up:
Federer must get into action very quickly, and not let Monfils gain any confidence early. Both players are capable of hitting any shot at any time, and this match is a must watch! If this match goes three sets, Federer could be in trouble because Monfils is capable beating anyone on the ATP Tour.
Nick’s Pick – Federer in 2 sets
Nikolay Davydenko (RUS) vs. Ernests Gulbis (LAT)
Davydenko doesn’t play very flashy, but he gets the job done. In fact, to watch one of his matches you may want to drink a couple espressos beforehand! All that counts at the end though, is the “W” next to your name in the boxscore, and the #4 next to your name in the rankings.
Gulbis is from Latvia (where?) and is a very talented young player. He is only 19 years old, and made a run to the fourth round of the US Open last year. If you get a chance, make sure you check him out.
Match-Up:
Davydenko is like a brick wall, nothing gets by him and everything comes back to you. He has one of the best two-handed backhands on either tour, and will never stop working during a match. One thing you do know is that he isn’t going to implode because of emotions, in fact I don’t think I have ever seen him smile! Gulbis has a big game all around. He must keep Davydenko pinned far behind the baseline or he has no chance in this match. I think unforced errors and mistakes will be the difference here.
Nick’s Pick – Davydenko in 2 sets
Fabrice Santoro (FRA) vs. Ivan Ljubicic (CZE)
All the young inspiring players on the ATP Tour should paid heed to Santoro, because at the ripe age of 35 he defeated his 35-year old counterpart Jonas Bjorkman in the first round. Santoro was magical on the court again, hitting shots that most players couldn’t even dream of! How can anyone chop, chip, and hit with the two hands from both sides and still compete today? It’s because no one else can do what he does!
Ljubicic is 4-3 against Santoro in his career, including a victory over him last year here in Miami. He received a bye in the first round, and comes in ranked #24 in the world. He is 8-5 on the year and has yet to win a title.
Match-Up:
This match is like David and Goliath! You can predict the play of Goliath, as he will use his big sonic serve and take advantage of any defensive shots that are hit. David, aka “Santoro” will drive Ljubicic crazy! He will negate the big serve by chipping and sliding it down at his feet. This is different that many of the other players on the ATP Tour who go for big returns. This makes it extremely difficult if you try to serve and volley, or have to come up for his unpredictable returns. Ljubicic must have a big serving day and be a little bit more patient than normal. He has to play intelligently, but in the end I think he has too much firepower for the old “magician”
Nick’s Pick – Ljubicic in 2 sets.
Richard Gasquet (USA) vs. Dmitry Turusnov (RUS)
Turusnov got a big first round win over his fellow Russian Evgeny Korolev in the first round. He came into the tournament ranked #35 in the world, and is only 8-6 on the year. He won the title in Syndey earlier this year, which was the fourth of his career.
Gasquet comes in ranked #8 in the world, and having received a bye in the first round he should be rested and ready to go. He got to the fourth round last week at Indian Wells before falling to James Blake in straight sets.
Match up:
Tursunov is 2-1 against Gasquet in his career, and the two have already faced each other twice this year. Turusnov won in Sydney and Gasquet took the most recent match in Dubai. Turusnov plays one way: he hits fantastic groundstrokes, good counter-ouncher, and will try to move his opponents around the tennis court keeping them pinned behind the baseline. His serve is more than adequate, and he will need a good serving day to beat the Frenchaman.
Gasquet’s reputation is well-known. He can create from any position on the tennis court, and has more talent than almost anyone on the ATP Tour. With the Davis Cup coming up very shortly, I am sure Pat McEnroe and his boys will be taking a close look at Gasquet. His movement’s is second to none and he can do anything and everything with his one-handed backhand.
Nick’s Pick – I give the edge to the Frenchman in this match, Gasquet in 2 sets.
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