2010 Sony Ericsson Open – Nick’s Picks – Men’s Singles Quarterfinals
Tomas Berdych (CZE) vs. Fernando Verdasco (ESP)
Berdych took out top-seeded Roger Federer (and saved a match point) in the fourth round to advance to the quarterfinals of Miami for the second time in his career. He last was in the quarters back in 2008 when he lost in the semis to Nadal in straight sets. He reached the quarters at Indian Wells last week and was also a quarterfinalist at Memphis back in February.
Verdasco comes into the tournament ranked #12 in the world and with one title already this year (San Jose). He beat 23rd-seeded Jurgen Melzer in the third round and then took down top-ten player, Marin Cilic, in the fourth round to advance. This is the second straight year he has been to the quarters in Miami and he is looking for his first semifinal appearance here.
Match-up:
Berdych is 5-3 against Verdasco and just bear him last week at Indian Wells 6-0, 6-3. That was certainly a great win for Berdych in the fourth round, and it will be interesting to see how he follows it up. It seems like people have been talking about Berdych’s potential forever and now he may be finally starting to live up to it. Against Federer, he was calm and he didn’t get over-emotional which has been his problem in the past. If he plays like this against Verdasco he will be right there in the end. Speaking of Verdasco, he is in great shape, hits a very heavy ball, and has both a huge serve and forehand. This match is going to be a barnburner and I see it going three sets. I know Berdych beat Verdasco badly at Indian Wells, but I think this match is going to be different. I give a slight edge to Verdasco, but it could go either way.
Nick’s Pick – Verdasco in 3 sets
