Nick’s Picks – Australian Open 3rd Round
Juan Martin Del Potro Vs. Jeremy Chardy
Jeremy was in a group with Simon, Berdych, and others that have the ability to be in the top 10 but has fallen short of his goals.
When you have an aggressive serve, plus a high kick to the ad side, it gives you an advantage to win your serve. He favors his inside out forehand, his backhand is steady, and he can change the pace with his darn good slice. His backhand can be a question mark.
Del Potro is healthy and will not leave Australia until the grand slam is finished. Yes, he has what it takes to take out any of the top seeds because he is healthy again. He can hurt you with his serve, powerful forehand, and coming into the court hitting his two handed backhand very early.
Nick’s Pick- This match goes to Del Potro
Richard Gasquet Vs. Ivan Dodig
My only comment- Richard is playing the best tennis of his life and feel he will get to the next round.
Bernard Tomic Vs. Roger Federer
Tomic is really waking up and drawing lots of attention with his dad telling the world that Bernard is ready to make his move.
Roger does all of his talking with his racket and has the ability to change the pace of the game at any time. Do not bet against Roger but I feel that Tomic will be on the top real soon.
Giles Simon Vs. Gael Monfils
Two frenchmen going up against each other. Simon has more power but Monfils has everything including the kitchen sink. Anytime that Monfils plays it is a stage show
Victoria Azarenka Vs. Jamie Hampton
Jamie is only 24. She is a fierce competitor who is not timid about playing the big game. She has an all court game with no major weaknesses.
Azarenka plays the game with only one thought in mind- I’m going to take it to you and will not quiet it down.
Nick’s Pick- The odds favor Azarenka but who cares; Jamie can come out and compete. She has nothing to lose.
Serena Williams Vs. Ayumi Morita
Ayumi has solid groundies, plays close to the baseline, moves well, and has an average serve. Sorry, the only way Morita can win this is if Serena cant play.
Svetlana Kuznetsova Vs. Carla Suarez Navarro
It wasnt too long ago that Svetlana was ranked amongst the best in the world. Then the bottom fell out for so many reasons. She is a seasoned veteran who always fought for every point and got to every ball. Her groundies are darn good, she stands close to the baseline.
Carla is fiesty, with a one handed backhand. She will get to just about every ball and feels she can beat the best.
Nick’s pick- I pick Kuznetsova to pull off the upset.
