Men’s Singles - Quarterfinals
Andy Roddick (USA) vs. Roger Federer (SUI)
Not many people know Julien Benneteau, but after watching him play Ivo Karlovic you know how good this guy is. He is one of the best service returners in the game, and for Roddick to win the match (as a big server) was not easy. But he did, and now he gets Federer. Roddick is full of confidence though, he has been playing excellent tennis this year, capturing two titles already and posting an 18-3 record thus far. He won this tournament back in 2004 and reached the quarters last year.
Everyone is talking, fans, coaches, announcers, everyone. They all want to know where the Roger Federer of past has gone. Does he still have mono? How come he is losing? All these questions have been circulating throughout the grounds. All I know is that Federer still has a #1 next to his name, and he is still the best player in the world.
Match-Up:
Much has been made of the 15-1 record that Federer has against Roddick in his career. The met three times in 2007, and Federer won all of those matches without dropping a set. I think this is going to be a very interesting match for Federer, and will be a measuring stick of sorts. He has played well, but has yet to win a title in 2008.
Roddick is going to have to serve well (of course), and is going to need to force the issue a bit. He can’t stand 8-10 feet behind the baseline and get into rallies with Federer and expect to win this match. I look for Federer to attack the Roddick backhand and to try to keep him from hitting his forehand as much as possible. Federer is a magician at negating his opponent’s strengths, and he has been able to do this against Roddick in the past. One thing I noticed about Federer in his fourth round win was that his slice was not biting like it normally does, and he doesn’t want to let Roddick get a hold of to many of those balls in this match. As much as I like the way Roddick is playing right now I still give the edge to Federer.
Nick’s Pick – Federer in 3 close sets
Nikolay Davydenko (RUS) vs. Janko Tipsarevic (SRB)
Davydenko is like an albino assassin! You never know he is there, but all he does is win. He defeated a very tough player in Mario Ancic 4-6, 6-3, 7-5 in the fourth round and is in the quarterfinals in Miami for the first time in his career.
Tipsarevic pulled off the upset in the fourth round, defeating Mikhail Youzhny 3-6, 6-0, 6-3 to reach the quarterfinals of a Masters Series event for the first time in his career. He came into the tournament with a 6-5 record on the year, and is ranked #41 in the world.
Match-Up:
Davydenko is 1-0 against Tipsarevic, with that win coming last year in Moscow. Tipsarevic may be new to the late-round-Masters-Series-scene, but remember he gave Federer all he could handle in the Australian Open before falling 10-8 in the fifth set. Davydenko is a model of consistency, and will not give up many free points. His two-handed backhand is one of, if not, the best on the ATP Tour and his movement is second to none. Tipsarevic will need to take some chances in this match and try to keep Davydenko guessing (which isn’t easy). Tipsarevic is very creative on the court, and plays with plenty of variety. Davydenko has to win this match in two sets, because if it goes three I am giving the edge to Tipsarevic.
Nick’s Pick – Davydenko in 2, Tipsarevic in 3
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