Nick’s Picks- Australian Open First Sunday

•January 19, 2013 • Leave a Comment

 

Serena Williams Vs. Maria Kirilenko 

Maria is a super counter puncher and has one of the best slices to throw off the time of big hitters.

No reason to write too much about Serena except for her power and speed. She has flat penetrating deep groundies.

Nick’s Pick- If I was a betting man, I would bet everything I have except my 8th wife and 8 children that Williams moves on.

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga Vs. Richard Gasquet

Gasquet is playing the best tennis of his career and is full of confidence. Tsonga fire power. This match is two frenchman going toe to toe. Can Tsonga breakdown the super backhand of Gasquet. Tsonga is a crowd pleaser and will need this support to beat Gasquet.

Seppi Vs. Chardy

Chardy played a fantastic match, beating the favorite Del Potro. Seppi, of course he is italian, has quietly moved into the 4th round. How much of a tool did the 5 setter take out of Chardy and will he he have the leg movement to hit his huge forehand.

Milos Raonic Vs. Roger Federer 

Milos is a big boy and only 22. His game is based on fire power with a huge serve, knock you down forehand, and a very steady two handed backhand. He is a player to look out for and sure to be a top 10 player.

With his size, he must be careful not to stand too far behind the baseline making his power less effect.

No need to write and write about Roger. He is in my opinion the best player in the history of the game. He will have to break serve only a few times to win this match, he does not have the huge boom boom serve but comes up with the big, well placed serve when he needs to.

Nick’s Pick- Federer in 3, maybe 4 sets .

Nick’s Picks

•January 18, 2013 • Leave a Comment

David Ferrer Vs. Kei Nishikori

Not too many fans or young players know about David Ferrer, but I assure you that the tour players, tournament directors and coaches know who he is. If it werent for Djokovic, Murray, and Nadal, he would be in contention to win a grand slam. David is a coach’s dream. His techniques are the best, return of serve is one of the best on tour. His serve isnt the fastest but both serves keep him at least neutral.

He is so darn tough to beat that he makes most players overhit. He is not huge in size but he makes up for that by using every inch and pound in his competitive body.

Kei has been at the IMG Academy since he was 13 years old. It was a difficult transition for him because he did not know english and the culture was totally different, but he came through it. He can do just about everything, his footwork ranks among the best of the best. Lots of work has been given to his serve, especially being more aggressive on his second serve. He has a great coach in Dante Bottini and manager in Olivier Van Lindonk

This will be an interesting match. It is imperative that Kei play aggressively and attack the net.

Nick’s Pick- The advantage goes to Ferrer but this match can be an upset in the making.

 

Novak Djokovic Vs. Stanislas Wawrinka 

The more I look at Novak play, I rub my eyes to make sure that I am not dreaming. You can go back to the early days of tennis and it is hard to accept how darn good he is. If his opponent does something spectacular he accepts it because its only a rare occurrence.  Wawrinka is no one to fool with and his one handed backhand ranks among the very best.

When he ahs to be in a long rally, he gets anxious and starts missing. Watch out for her kick out wide serve to the ad side and slice out wide to the deuce side. Wawrinka must go for broke with his forehand. He must risk the serve out to the ad side and attack a short defensive return.

Nick’s Pick- Novak in 3, possibly 4

 

Sloane Stephens Vs. Laura Robson

Sloane is 20 years old and one heck of an athlete. She has the perfect build for a tennis player. Her weapon is her forehand but beware of her two handed backhand. Both her groundies are hit with a wee bit of spin. Her serve is consistent but is improving every single day. She has also developed a slice that can buy time or change the pace of the rally.

Robson is going up the ladder and gaining a lot of respect from the veteran players. Her serve and forehand are defintely her weapons. Will her movement be a major factor in this match? The winner of this match will certainly not be an underdog for their next opponent.

 

Nick’s Picks – Australian Open 3rd Round

•January 17, 2013 • Leave a Comment

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.

 

Nick’s Analysis

•January 16, 2013 • Leave a Comment

Trying something new- I will give you my breakdowns on the match-ups including each players weaknesses and strengths. Post to my twitter @nickbollettieri your thoughts and predictions

Women’s  

Venus Williams Vs. Maria Sharapova 

This match will be watched so closely that many will think it is the super bowl. We are all aware that Venus has experienced very difficult times with her health, which has affected one of her strong factors in her game; movement. She played in a warmup tournament the week before and clearly showed some of her previous balance.

Maria is #2 in the world and shows no signs of letting up or her shoulder injury. Both of these girls play close to the baseline and for the most part play very aggressively. If Venus can regain her serve, move well, and attack the net the match will be something to watch.

Maria will hit hard and flat to every inch of the court, that is her style and she is tough as nails. The second serve of Sharapova must be attacked by Venus

Heather Watson Vs. Agnieszka Radwanska 

Heather- Former IMG Academy student, still comes back all the time. This is a big opportunity for Heather.

1. Very solid groundstrokes

2. Stands fairly close to to the baseline

3. Excellent movement

4. Lots of confidence in her volleys

5. Return of serve is darn good

6. Serve is a question mark

7. She must go for it, especially on big points

Agnieszka-

1. Excellent foot speed

2. Has very soft hands in executing her touch shots

3. Does not go for just winners

4. Reaches almost every ball

Julia Goerges Vs. Zheng Jie

Julia-

1. Big girl and only 24 years old

2. Good 1st serve but you can attack her 2nd serve

3. Improved her forehand

4. Shows little emotion

Zheng-

1. Both serves put her on the defense

2. She dictates play standing close to the baseline with flat groundies

3. She has a very effective slice

4. Forehand breaks down

IF YOU WERE  JULIA’S  COACH WHAT WOULD YOU DO?? ESPECIALLY WITH HER BEING A SHOT MAKER.

Li Na Vs. Sorana Cirstea

This matchup favors Li Na.

Li Na-

1. Hits the ball early with very little spin

2. Aggressive return of serve

3. Moves real well and is comfortable at the net

4. Has cut down on errors and is getting smarter

Sorana-

1. Hits the tar out of the ball

2. Backhand is strongest

3. Very emotional

4. Good 1st serve and moves her 2nd around

Ana Ivanovic Vs. Jelena Jankovic

The outcome of this match will be decided by the emotions from Jelena. She must look to herself not her coaches. She changes coaches more than I have changed wives.

Ana-

1. Big girl

2. Played top level tennis but is now too defensive

3. Techniques are a coach’s dream

4. Moves extremely well but must get more aggressive

5. Has trouble closing out matches

Jelena- 

1. One of the best movers on the tour

2. Fantastic 2 handed backhand down the line

3. Hits an aggressive forehand

4. Gets too emotional

Men’s 

Novak Djokovic Vs. Radek Stepanek

Radek lives in Bradenton and has trained at the IMG Academy Bollettieri Tennis Program for many years. He is 34 years old and does not have an extra ounce of body fat in his body. He has excellent groundstrokes from both sides. His backhand down the line is very dangerous. He prefers to serve out wide to both sides and he has darn good touch.

There is no reason to write much about Novak. Novak will move Radek around the court and try to breakdown his forehand. I dont see Radek having much of a chance from the backcourt.

He must go for winners and do all sorts of things to confuse Novak and throw off his timing.

David Ferrer Vs. Marcos Baghdatis 

David is the most underrated player on the tour and I am sure this doesnot bother him, especially being seeded #4 in the ATP. Once again, he really has no weakness but to win a grand slam he does not have that 1-2 weapon.

Marcos is Marcos and a delight to watch and he should charge a cover for the show he puts on. He has a darn good first serve but an inconsistent 2nd. He has a super backhand down the line but he makes silly mistakes.

This is not a good matchup for Marcos because David will not miss but he should know this going in. To make this a battle, Marcos must keep his temper in check and play aggressive.

Lets see if Marcos tests his rackets by banging them on the ground again.

Nick’s Picks Australian Open 2nd round

•January 15, 2013 • Leave a Comment

Men’s 

Novak Djokovic Vs. Ryan Harrison 

Once again, I can write and write but it only takes a few sentences to describe Djokovic. He has NO weaknesses, his movement is off the charts. HE gets many points with his 1st and 2nd serve. He is very comfortable at the net and he is one of the best returners.

Ryan Harrison must go into the match not only to play well but to win. What must he do?

1. Must drive through the forehand with less spin (this is a must)

2. Must have a super serving day and can not get into just keeping the ball in play.

Yes, Ryan is the underdog but he cannot let this change his mindset. He controlled his emotions against Giraldo and must be stronger against Djokovic.

Nick’s Pick- Djokovic is the favorite but who knows what lurks in the mind of Ryan Harrison

 

Janko Tipsarevic Vs. Lukas Lacko

Tipsarevic has proved to the tennis world and even more important to the ATP Tour that he is not a flash in the pants. You are not seeded #8 just for your name. HE can do just about anything that is needed, it is a must that he believes he can do it. He has a great serve out wide, and his forehand is very aggressive.

Lukas Lacko is 25 and is built athletically. He hits his forehand very flat, and lets his opponent play from the baseline and commit errors.

Nick’s Pick- Advantage to Tipsarevic because he is very confident playing when the big points are on the line. Tipsarevic in 4 sets.

 

Juan Martin Del Potro Vs. Benjamin Becker

Juan is a player that most coaches would die for. He has experienced some setbacks with injuries, but he is back on the winning path. Not too many players have his ammo. He has a huge 1st serve and a big kick 2nd. He comes forward and takes advantage of defensive returns. He has as good s they come, his two handed backhand is one of the best.

Benjamin Becker has a big, big 1st serve. Many players underestimate him doing this because he is not very big in size. H has very reliable ground strokes but he prefers his forehand.

Nick’s Pick- Ben’s serve is big but wait until he goes against Del Potro’s serve. The word on the tour is that Ben has a tendency to get down on himself. This match goes to Del Potro. Too much fire power from every inch of the tennis court.

 

Roger Federer Vs. Nikolay Davydenko

The more that I watch Roger play and the more I hear about the thought and time he gives to his schedule and his family, the more I respect him. There is no doubt in my mind that many of the players and tennis fans wish they could do the same. KEEP DREAMING BABY! There are only a few like Roger. Yes, he is 32 but his style of play gives him options to play on and on. He does everything without extra energy. He comes up with the serve on the big points, moves with ease and is not hesitant to come forward.

Nikolay Davydenko usually wears all white clothing, has no tan, and his style of play will lull you to sleep, but his play will not.  He has very steady groundies and hardly ever misses his 2 handed backhand.

Nick’s Pick- Roger must move Davydenko at all times and mix up the tempo with his biting low slice. Roger must also attack Roger’s one handed bakchand at all times and then run him wide to his forehand. Oh yes Roger, don’t forget your drop shots. This match will go to Federer but it can go 4 sets.

PS. Paul Annacone is a former student at the IMG Academy Bollettieri Tennis Program, and is doing a great job with Roger. He knows exactly what to say. A little here, a little there, and in a calm voice.

 

Women’s 

Jie Zheng Vs. Sam Stosur 

Jie is a small girl and she tries to dicate the match, standing very close to the baseline with solid flat strokes from both the forehand and two handed backhand.

Sam is 5’8″ and has not one ounce of extra body fat. She has a bundle of experience including a gram slam win. Her forehand is heavy with spin and she has an excellent two handed backhand. After her injury a few years ago, she worked endless hours to get fit physically.

Nick’s Pick- Sam must not hit short and flat. She must move Jie around with heavy deep balls. Wait for defensive balls and then go for broke. Jie Must hit the tar out of the ball.  This match goes to Stosur.

 

Li Na Vs. Olga Govortsova 

Olga stands 6 feet tall and is not afraid to play big time tennis. She moves well for a big girl except when she is pulled out wide. She has a better than average forehand and a steady backhand when in position. Her serve is consistent but applies no pressure to her opponent.

Li Na is seeded #6 and she deserves that seeding because she is most difficult to beat when you completely overpower her.  Her nickname is never misses. She stands close to the baseline and moves well laterally. She can change the pace and will come to the net, but her serve could be better.

Nick’s Pick- Olga must go for all sorts of shots including hitting winners and go for broke. Li Na can become a bit emotional at times. This match goes to Li Na in 2 sets.

 

The Entire Draw Opens Up

•January 15, 2013 • Leave a Comment

There is no sure thing in life. Watching Serena play last night vs. Edina Gallovits, she was in outer space but did not miss a ball. Running wide to her forehand side, she slid onto the shot and then it happened. SHE ROLLED HER ANKLE!

The fans and all the TV audience held their breath as the trainers and doctors ran to her side. During the 10 minute delay, the trainers took minutes to unravel the mountain of tape that she had on her already weak ankle. Then they wrapped it again with enough tape to wrap an entire football team.

The match resumed and who knows how she did it, but Serena went on to win 6-0. 6-0. She will have x-rays and an MRI done today to determine if she has any serious injuries. At the post game interview she said that you must play through difficult times and plans to still play doubles with Venus.

Lets pray that the examination does not show major damage. If Serena cannot move at full speed the trophy will go in another direction.

 

Recap of day 1

•January 14, 2013 • Leave a Comment

It sure was a long night of tennis.  I started watching at 7:30 and stayed up till 1:30 am. Then I woke up at 5 and watched till 9.  I enjoyed every minute of it and will give you some of my thoughts on the players.

Congratulations to the IMG Academy pros who won last night including: Heather Watson, Jelena Jankovic,  Xavier Malisse, Maria Sharapova, Kei Nishikori, Venus Williams, and Ryan Harrison.

Venus Williams, who played like a young girl, has people already talking about a 3rd round match up with Maria Sharapova. This match will be special.

Both the American ladies and men had a good start, and Novak Djokovic showed that he truly is a joy to watch and a crowd pleaser.

 

Sam Stosur- 

1. When she is not feeling the ball, go to your very effective low slice

2. She has one of the most effective kick serves in the history of the WTA, players are now finding ways to handle it. Sam must change it around and get more first serves in.

3. Stosur is not a natural mover, especially when moving to her right side.

 

Steve Johnson Vs. Nicolas Almagro 

This was a long 5 set match. Steve was one of the most successful college players. He won 42 matches in a row while attending USC. He is a big boy at 6’2″ and not only is he a big serve, but takes advantage of any defensive returns hit to his best shot; his huge forehand. He likes quick points and is very comfortable at the net. H has the game to crack the top 25 but needs to play against more seasoned pros.

 

Lleyton Hewitt vs. Janko Tipsarevic

Yes, Janko won this match in 3 sets, but it was a battle that I truly enjoyed watching. I gained so much more respect for Lleyton if that is even possible. Lleyton has helped the game in so many ways, especially fighting and thinking he can reach every ball.

Janko is not well known to many people, but he isnow in the top 10 and he deserves to be there. Why? He has an excellent out wide serve, his forehand is very explosive and he has cut down on the errors. He has a beautiful two handed backhand.

 

Ryan Harrison-

Ryan gained a great deal of confidence when he and his coach trained at the IMG Academy before this tournament. His father got to spend more time with him and his new coach, this was totally productive.

We can talk all day about his match against Giraldo, but Ryan was able to win because he was in total control of his emotions after a shaky first set. Giraldo lost his cool and it was one of the main factors why he lost.

 
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