Unfortunately it looks like it is going to be a frustrating time for us tennis backers over the next week. Day 9 was cancelled as a whole as the rain showed no signs of abating, and the forecast for the rest of the week does not exactly bode well for the tournament.
I am almost sure the Men's Final will have to be played on a Monday for the 4th year in succession- for the first time in a long time, the US Open is going to be left behind by the other Grand Slams.
This has always been my favourite Grand Slam, but the decision to not create Arthur Ashe Stadium with a roof looks to be a terrible one considering the last few years rain.
Australian and London both have roofs for their main court, while Paris is due to have completed work on a roof by 2014, meaning New York will be the only Grand Slam without the benefit of playing regardless of the weather.
Things are not exactly helped with the decision NOT to put down 'ugly' covers over the courts which could speed up the chances of getting things going quicker than it takes right now.
The forecast for today suggests play will not start on time and the players are likely to be going on and off court for most of the day- the organisers will be desperate for the 4 remaining Men's 4th Round matches to be completed today and also hope at least 2 of the Women's Quarter Finals can be played.
The schedule also looks to be favouring Novak Djokovic, in my opinion, as he is due on 2nd on Arthur Ashe, and there is a good chance he could have booked a Semi Final spot while his rivals wait on their Quarter Final clashes.
Day 10 Picks:
Novak Djokovic - 8.5 games vs Janko Tipsarevic: If this match had occurred earlier in the tournament, I think Tipsarevic could have caused plenty of problems, but he looked to be running out of gas a little in his win over Juan Carlos Ferrero in the last Round.
Tipsarevic is a player capable of pushing the very best players, but there may be a slight lack of belief mentally as he plays his compatriot knowing everything Djokovic has done this year.
I imagine the first set could be close, but I think Djokovic will end up breaking any belief Tipsarevic has by winning that set and then running away with the match.
The World Number 1 will want to get his match completed as quickly as possible so he has additional rest on some of his rivals and I expect he will come through 7-5, 6-3, 6-2.
Roger Federer to win 3-1 in sets vs Jo-Wilfried Tsonga: I still have the belief that Roger Federer is capable of winning a Grand Slam, and this match could be the key to his success this year.
Everyone knows that Tsonga is capable of beating Federer, as he has proven in his last 2 meetings including that fabulous come from behind win at Wimbledon at this very stage.
We have also seen Federer beaten by the bigger hitting players on the tour over the last 18 months, with players like Robin Soderling, Tsonga and Tomas Berdych all recording wins over the former World Number 1.
However, I also know Federer had beaten Tsonga twice this season before the loss at Wimbledon, and that was actually due to a special performance from the Frenchman.
I think Tsonga is still more than capable of hitting through Federer to take a set, but he looked a little out of sorts against Mardy Fish in the last Round and looked certain to exit the tournament before a mental lapse from the American allowed him back in.
The potential for rain delays during their match may also favour Federer as Tsonga could be cooled off by breaks in play.
I feel a Federer win coming, 6-3, 7-6, 4-6, 6-4.
Serena Williams - 6.5 games vs Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova: Serena Williams did not play that well against Ana Ivanovic in the last Round, but was still far too good in a routine win. She admitted she didn't play her best and I expect her to come out firing in this one.
Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova has proven in the past she can hang with Williams, although that came on a clay court, and I think this match will be very difficult for her. Williams has the better serve, is quicker and has better variation in her shots off the ground.
I expect that to bamboozle the Russian more often than not, and I think Serena will come through 6-3, 6-2.
MY PICKS: Andy Murray - 8.5 games (from Day 9)
John Isner (from Day 9)
David Ferrer to win 3-1 (from Day 9)
Sam Stosur (from Day 9)
Novak Djokovic - 8.5 games @ 1.91 Paddy Power (2 Units)
Roger Federer to win 3-1 in sets @ 4.00 Sporting Bet (1 Unit)
Serena Williams - 6.5 games @ 2.00 Sky Bet (2 Units)
US OPEN UPDATE: 22-14, + 20.83 Units
Featured post
NBA Playoffs 2026- Conference Finals Game 1-4 (Monday 18th May-Monday 25th May)
We are going to be down to the final four teams in the NBA once Game 7 of the Second Round Series between the Detroit Pistons and Cleveland ...
Wednesday, 7 September 2011
Tuesday, 6 September 2011
US Open Day 9 Picks
The rain did finally begin falling yesterday, only half an hour after Roger Federer managed to book his place in the Quarter Final, and today's play looks to be affected completely.
According to reports, there will be steady rain the entire day and I think the tournament is in a bit of bother now as the forecast for the next few days does not exactly make me confident.
We have to expect a few stop-start matches with showers expected from tomorrow afternoon all the way through till Sunday.
The conditions could be a little reminiscent of the tournament last year as the wind was picking up too and it might be a physical examination of players, particularly the Men in the bottom half of the draw who are still in the 4th Round.
These are my Day 9 Picks, but don't be surprised if none of them are finished today:
Andy Murray - 8.5 games vs Donald Young: The flashy Donald Young has finally made a real impact at this level, after many years of expectations, but I think he is in for a tough time against Andy Murray, even though he beat the Brit at Indian Wells earlier this year.
Murray played brilliantly against Feliciano Lopez in the last Round and I expect he will end up frustrating Young on his way through to a straight sets win.
Young has the shot making ability to push Murray close for a set, but it is the World Number 4 that has the edge in almost all departments and I expect him to show that.
Murray may be pushed to a 6-4 first set win, but I expect him to get a couple of breaks in the last two sets and come through 6-2, 6-3 to cover the spread.
John Isner vs Gilles Simon: John Isner has enjoyed a wonderful Summer that will see him finally going back up the Rankings. There is no doubt he enjoys the American hard courts the best and I think the additional rest he is likely to get today will serve him well after playing a lot of tennis over the last 6 weeks.
Isner won in Winston Salem the week before the Open began, and he is likely to get plenty more free points on his own serve.
Simon was brilliant in dispatching Juan Martin Del Potro in the last Round, and he will be used to the fact that many serves he will be facing are unreturned, but he will feel confident he can at least trouble Isner.
However, the Frenchman is always liable to throwing in a bad service game in sets and that could cost him a Quarter Final place here as Isner is a wonderful front runner.
Simon is also only 11-12 in tie breaks this season, even including the 2 he won against Del Potro, and Isner may be able to punish him in those considering he is 32-19 in tie breakers this year.
I think the match could go 5 sets, but I think Isner's serve, coupled with the additional rest for his body, will be the last American standing at this years Open.
David Ferrer win 3-1 in sets vs Andy Roddick: This is scheduled to be the first night game and so the atmosphere will be electric IF the weather decides to make a drastic move away from Flushing Meadows.
David Ferrer has far too much consistency for Andy Roddick these days, and it is indicative from the head to head which is led by the Spaniard 5-3. In fact, he has won 4 of the last 5 matches between the players and Ferrer will not feel more pressure from the crowd than when he knocked off Roddick in straight sets in Austin, Texas in July.
Roddick has the edge in terms of serve, but Ferrer is the better returner, is definitely better off the ground on both wings and is faster. The Spaniard is super-consistent and I think he will keep the pressure on Roddick throughout the match.
I think Roddick is capable of pushing the match to 4 sets if he is serving well, especially considering Ferrer can sometimes throw in a poor service game, but once the dust settles, I think Ferrer will have come through, 6-3, 3-6, 7-5, 6-3.
Samantha Stosur vs Vera Zvonareva: I feel like I am always tipping Sam Stosur to win her matches, mainly because the layers continuously underestimate the gritty Australian, and the fact she keeps winning the picks for me.
Vera Zvonareva was Runner Up here last season, and she is favoured by the layers, but the fact is she is 7-2 down in the head to head with Stosur, losing the last SEVEN meetings.
Stosur has come back from a set down in her 2 wins over Zvonareva this season, and it just seems the added spin she plays with bamboozles the Russian.
I think Stosur is set as a bigger underdog due to the time she has spent on court, but she has shown some really good mental strength to overcome losing the 2nd set in her last 2 matches, and that is a department she holds a real edge over Zvonareva.
It could go 3 again between these two players, but the added rest Stosur is likely to get thanks to the weather could see the Aussie fighting through.
MY PICKS: Andy Murray - 8.5 games @ 2.00 Stan James (2 Units)
John Isner @ 2.00 Pinnacle (2 Units)
David Ferrer to win 3-1 in sets @ 4.33 Sporting Bet (1 Unit)
Sam Stosur @ 2.10 Ladbrokes (2 Units)
US OPEN UPDATE: 22-14, + 20.83 Units
According to reports, there will be steady rain the entire day and I think the tournament is in a bit of bother now as the forecast for the next few days does not exactly make me confident.
We have to expect a few stop-start matches with showers expected from tomorrow afternoon all the way through till Sunday.
The conditions could be a little reminiscent of the tournament last year as the wind was picking up too and it might be a physical examination of players, particularly the Men in the bottom half of the draw who are still in the 4th Round.
These are my Day 9 Picks, but don't be surprised if none of them are finished today:
Andy Murray - 8.5 games vs Donald Young: The flashy Donald Young has finally made a real impact at this level, after many years of expectations, but I think he is in for a tough time against Andy Murray, even though he beat the Brit at Indian Wells earlier this year.
Murray played brilliantly against Feliciano Lopez in the last Round and I expect he will end up frustrating Young on his way through to a straight sets win.
Young has the shot making ability to push Murray close for a set, but it is the World Number 4 that has the edge in almost all departments and I expect him to show that.
Murray may be pushed to a 6-4 first set win, but I expect him to get a couple of breaks in the last two sets and come through 6-2, 6-3 to cover the spread.
John Isner vs Gilles Simon: John Isner has enjoyed a wonderful Summer that will see him finally going back up the Rankings. There is no doubt he enjoys the American hard courts the best and I think the additional rest he is likely to get today will serve him well after playing a lot of tennis over the last 6 weeks.
Isner won in Winston Salem the week before the Open began, and he is likely to get plenty more free points on his own serve.
Simon was brilliant in dispatching Juan Martin Del Potro in the last Round, and he will be used to the fact that many serves he will be facing are unreturned, but he will feel confident he can at least trouble Isner.
However, the Frenchman is always liable to throwing in a bad service game in sets and that could cost him a Quarter Final place here as Isner is a wonderful front runner.
Simon is also only 11-12 in tie breaks this season, even including the 2 he won against Del Potro, and Isner may be able to punish him in those considering he is 32-19 in tie breakers this year.
I think the match could go 5 sets, but I think Isner's serve, coupled with the additional rest for his body, will be the last American standing at this years Open.
David Ferrer win 3-1 in sets vs Andy Roddick: This is scheduled to be the first night game and so the atmosphere will be electric IF the weather decides to make a drastic move away from Flushing Meadows.
David Ferrer has far too much consistency for Andy Roddick these days, and it is indicative from the head to head which is led by the Spaniard 5-3. In fact, he has won 4 of the last 5 matches between the players and Ferrer will not feel more pressure from the crowd than when he knocked off Roddick in straight sets in Austin, Texas in July.
Roddick has the edge in terms of serve, but Ferrer is the better returner, is definitely better off the ground on both wings and is faster. The Spaniard is super-consistent and I think he will keep the pressure on Roddick throughout the match.
I think Roddick is capable of pushing the match to 4 sets if he is serving well, especially considering Ferrer can sometimes throw in a poor service game, but once the dust settles, I think Ferrer will have come through, 6-3, 3-6, 7-5, 6-3.
Samantha Stosur vs Vera Zvonareva: I feel like I am always tipping Sam Stosur to win her matches, mainly because the layers continuously underestimate the gritty Australian, and the fact she keeps winning the picks for me.
Vera Zvonareva was Runner Up here last season, and she is favoured by the layers, but the fact is she is 7-2 down in the head to head with Stosur, losing the last SEVEN meetings.
Stosur has come back from a set down in her 2 wins over Zvonareva this season, and it just seems the added spin she plays with bamboozles the Russian.
I think Stosur is set as a bigger underdog due to the time she has spent on court, but she has shown some really good mental strength to overcome losing the 2nd set in her last 2 matches, and that is a department she holds a real edge over Zvonareva.
It could go 3 again between these two players, but the added rest Stosur is likely to get thanks to the weather could see the Aussie fighting through.
MY PICKS: Andy Murray - 8.5 games @ 2.00 Stan James (2 Units)
John Isner @ 2.00 Pinnacle (2 Units)
David Ferrer to win 3-1 in sets @ 4.33 Sporting Bet (1 Unit)
Sam Stosur @ 2.10 Ladbrokes (2 Units)
US OPEN UPDATE: 22-14, + 20.83 Units
England v Wales Pick and Preview
Just a very brief post pointing you in the direction of my preview of the England v Wales game this evening.
England v Wales (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-11506-England-v-Wales.htm)
MY PICK: England to win and 5 or more total goals in the match @ 3.60 Paddy Power (1 Unit)
SEPTEMBER UPDATE: 0-1, - 1 Unit
England v Wales (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-11506-England-v-Wales.htm)
MY PICK: England to win and 5 or more total goals in the match @ 3.60 Paddy Power (1 Unit)
SEPTEMBER UPDATE: 0-1, - 1 Unit
Monday, 5 September 2011
US Open Day 8 Picks
The picks were very successful yesterday and have pushed the profits up above 20 units from the daily picks alone during this tournament.
All of the outright picks are also in tact, barring the small pick on Agnieszka Radwansksa, so all in all the US Open has been a good tournament for me so far.
However, this is now the stage where the tournament gets tougher to predict as we are almost at the Quarter Final stage in the Women's event and the 4th Round of the Men's event beginning today.
I am going to do my best to ensure I do not give back the hard earned profits from the last 7 days.
Day 8 Picks:
Francesca Schiavone vs Anastasia Pavyluchenkova: I am picking the underdog, Francesca Schiavone, to open the days proceedings with a win over the young talented Russian.
I feel the odds have been set the way they have due to the time on court Schiavone has spent in the last Round, coupled with Pavyluchenkova's impressive straight sets win over the in-form Jelena Jankovic.
However, Schiavone has had a days rest since her win over Chanelle Scheepers, and I think Pavyluchenkova was in a good place mentally to take on Jankovic as she had won their 2 previous meetings.
This match will pose a different sort of pressure on the Russian as she is down 1-3 in the head to head with Schiavone and was beaten at the French Open in May and also here in Flushing Meadows in 2010 by this opponent.
I expect the dogged Italian to force Pavyluchenkova to hit one more ball on one too many occasions and grind her way to a win, possibly in 3 sets.
Janko Tipsarevic win 3-1 in sets vs Juan Carlos Ferrero: The Serb is definitely getting better and more accustomed to reaching the latter stages of tournaments and I think he will be good enough to see off the veteran Spaniard Juan Carlos Ferrero and pick up his first career win over him.
However, Tipsarevic is plenty short in the market and he still has the tendency to check out of sets so the option of picking him to win while losing a set appeals to me.
Ferrero has fought through two 5 set matches to reach this stage of the tournament, but he was given an extended rest after his opponent in the last Round retired.
I just don't think he has consistency these days to keep up with Tipsarevic as the match enters the latter stages and I think the Serb will have enough to come through with a 6-4, 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 win.
Serena Williams-Ana Ivanovic Under 18.5 games: The handicap has moved another game in favour of Serena Williams and I think it looks a little long now, but the American should be far too good for Ana Ivanovic and I expect a routine straight sets win.
Williams is hitting the ball so well at the moment and it is like she has never been away. She outplayed Victoria Azarenka in the last Round for most of the match, with the World Number 4 barely surviving into a tie break in the 2nd set through heart and guts alone.
Ivanovic does not strike me as someone who has the belief in her game to come back if Williams gets off to a similar start to Saturday in this match, especially considering the Serb's recent form and also the fact she has lost her 2 previous meetings against Serena.
They met here at the US Open in 2006, when Ivanovic was swiftly moving up the Rankings, and I see a similar 6-4, 6-2 result this time for the favourite to win the title.
Mardy Fish vs Jo-Wilfried Tsonga: This should be a brilliant tennis match regardless of the winner, but I am going to back the American to come through and I know I will be joined by Roger Federer in that hope as he is most likely going to be the next opponent for the winner.
Mardy Fish has been in excellent form this season as he has begun to feel more and more comfortable in his position as America's Number 1 Male player. The pressure for a long time would have been on Andy Roddick in that position coming into Flushing Meadows, but Fish has escaped such expectation as he really is a late bloomer at this level.
I have read some opposition to Fish tonight because of the amount of tennis he has played in recent weeks, but he is in the best shape of his career and did take a week off before the tournament started.
Both players have a similar game, liking to be on the offensive and putting down a foundation with a strong first serve. Both are also very comfortable up the court at the net and the match could come down to who gets the first strike off first.
I just feel Fish is a little more consistent off the ground, even if Tsonga possesses the flashier shots, and that could be enough to take out the Frenchman. It could go a long time though so I would clear a bit of time on your schedule if you want to watch the match.
Roger Federer - 9.5 games vs Juan Monaco: The first thing to say is Juan Monaco has given Roger Federer a tough time in their 2 previous meetings, and only lost a tight 2 setter in Miami when they played earlier this season.
However, I fancy the former World Number 1 to win this one with a bit to spare as the conditions should suit him much more and Monaco does not really have the game to threaten Federer consistently.
Federer will, I imagine, also be aware of the adverse weather conditions due to hit New York in the next couple of days and I expect him to play fully focused to win this match as soon as possible.
His serve has been working effectively and he has been rallying well, and I would expect a 6-1, 6-4, 6-3 win for Federer.
MY PICKS: Francesca Schiavone @ 2.20 Ladbrokes (2 Units)
Janko Tipsarevic win 3-1 @ 4.00 Sporting Bet (1 Unit)
Serena Williams-Ana Ivanovic Under 18.5 Games @ 1.83 William Hill (2 Units)
Mardy Fish @ 2.10 Ladbrokes (2 Units)
Roger Federer - 9.5 games @ 2.20 William Hill (2 Units)
US OPEN UPDATE: 20-11, + 21.43 Units
All of the outright picks are also in tact, barring the small pick on Agnieszka Radwansksa, so all in all the US Open has been a good tournament for me so far.
However, this is now the stage where the tournament gets tougher to predict as we are almost at the Quarter Final stage in the Women's event and the 4th Round of the Men's event beginning today.
I am going to do my best to ensure I do not give back the hard earned profits from the last 7 days.
Day 8 Picks:
Francesca Schiavone vs Anastasia Pavyluchenkova: I am picking the underdog, Francesca Schiavone, to open the days proceedings with a win over the young talented Russian.
I feel the odds have been set the way they have due to the time on court Schiavone has spent in the last Round, coupled with Pavyluchenkova's impressive straight sets win over the in-form Jelena Jankovic.
However, Schiavone has had a days rest since her win over Chanelle Scheepers, and I think Pavyluchenkova was in a good place mentally to take on Jankovic as she had won their 2 previous meetings.
This match will pose a different sort of pressure on the Russian as she is down 1-3 in the head to head with Schiavone and was beaten at the French Open in May and also here in Flushing Meadows in 2010 by this opponent.
I expect the dogged Italian to force Pavyluchenkova to hit one more ball on one too many occasions and grind her way to a win, possibly in 3 sets.
Janko Tipsarevic win 3-1 in sets vs Juan Carlos Ferrero: The Serb is definitely getting better and more accustomed to reaching the latter stages of tournaments and I think he will be good enough to see off the veteran Spaniard Juan Carlos Ferrero and pick up his first career win over him.
However, Tipsarevic is plenty short in the market and he still has the tendency to check out of sets so the option of picking him to win while losing a set appeals to me.
Ferrero has fought through two 5 set matches to reach this stage of the tournament, but he was given an extended rest after his opponent in the last Round retired.
I just don't think he has consistency these days to keep up with Tipsarevic as the match enters the latter stages and I think the Serb will have enough to come through with a 6-4, 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 win.
Serena Williams-Ana Ivanovic Under 18.5 games: The handicap has moved another game in favour of Serena Williams and I think it looks a little long now, but the American should be far too good for Ana Ivanovic and I expect a routine straight sets win.
Williams is hitting the ball so well at the moment and it is like she has never been away. She outplayed Victoria Azarenka in the last Round for most of the match, with the World Number 4 barely surviving into a tie break in the 2nd set through heart and guts alone.
Ivanovic does not strike me as someone who has the belief in her game to come back if Williams gets off to a similar start to Saturday in this match, especially considering the Serb's recent form and also the fact she has lost her 2 previous meetings against Serena.
They met here at the US Open in 2006, when Ivanovic was swiftly moving up the Rankings, and I see a similar 6-4, 6-2 result this time for the favourite to win the title.
Mardy Fish vs Jo-Wilfried Tsonga: This should be a brilliant tennis match regardless of the winner, but I am going to back the American to come through and I know I will be joined by Roger Federer in that hope as he is most likely going to be the next opponent for the winner.
Mardy Fish has been in excellent form this season as he has begun to feel more and more comfortable in his position as America's Number 1 Male player. The pressure for a long time would have been on Andy Roddick in that position coming into Flushing Meadows, but Fish has escaped such expectation as he really is a late bloomer at this level.
I have read some opposition to Fish tonight because of the amount of tennis he has played in recent weeks, but he is in the best shape of his career and did take a week off before the tournament started.
Both players have a similar game, liking to be on the offensive and putting down a foundation with a strong first serve. Both are also very comfortable up the court at the net and the match could come down to who gets the first strike off first.
I just feel Fish is a little more consistent off the ground, even if Tsonga possesses the flashier shots, and that could be enough to take out the Frenchman. It could go a long time though so I would clear a bit of time on your schedule if you want to watch the match.
Roger Federer - 9.5 games vs Juan Monaco: The first thing to say is Juan Monaco has given Roger Federer a tough time in their 2 previous meetings, and only lost a tight 2 setter in Miami when they played earlier this season.
However, I fancy the former World Number 1 to win this one with a bit to spare as the conditions should suit him much more and Monaco does not really have the game to threaten Federer consistently.
Federer will, I imagine, also be aware of the adverse weather conditions due to hit New York in the next couple of days and I expect him to play fully focused to win this match as soon as possible.
His serve has been working effectively and he has been rallying well, and I would expect a 6-1, 6-4, 6-3 win for Federer.
MY PICKS: Francesca Schiavone @ 2.20 Ladbrokes (2 Units)
Janko Tipsarevic win 3-1 @ 4.00 Sporting Bet (1 Unit)
Serena Williams-Ana Ivanovic Under 18.5 Games @ 1.83 William Hill (2 Units)
Mardy Fish @ 2.10 Ladbrokes (2 Units)
Roger Federer - 9.5 games @ 2.20 William Hill (2 Units)
US OPEN UPDATE: 20-11, + 21.43 Units
Sunday, 4 September 2011
US Open Day 7 Picks
An interesting day yesterday as Serena Williams became a short priced favourite to win the Women's tournament and Roger Federer moved through after a fairly impressive win over Marin Cilic.
Novak Djokovic looks to be making easy progress through the draw, but may have a tougher time against Alexandr Dolgopolov than some may expect, while a match between Mardy Fish and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in the next Round should be a classic.
The picks improved to 15-9 for the last 7 days and hopefully that trend can continue.
Day 7 Picks:
Rafael Nadal - 7.5 games vs David Nalbandian: David Nalbandian was one of the few players that would give both Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal fits when he played them a few seasons ago, but he is clearly not the same player and I expect Nadal to roll.
The head to head is 2-2, with Nadal winning the last 2 matches including a comfortable win in Miami last season.
Nalbandian can push Nadal for a set, but his losses to Andy Murray, James Blake and Stanislas Wawrinka in the last 6 weeks shows he is still far short of matching it with the top 4 where he is in his career.
I expect Nadal to win 6-4, 6-2, 6-2
David Ferrer - 7.5 games vs Florian Mayer: David Ferrer was my tip to come through this Quarter of the draw and I expect he will be far too good for the awkward Florian Mayer tonight.
Mayer had lost his only 2 matches on the US hard courts this Summer before coming through the first 2 Rounds here, but he has been very fortunate with the draw and now faces a battle hardened Ferrer who beat Igor Andreev and James Blake.
Ferrer leads the head to head 3-2, winning their last 3 matches and he has not lost a set in those including a destruction here at the US Open in 2007.
I expect Ferrer's consistency to break down Mayer, and come through with a 6-4, 6-3, 6-3 win.
Andy Roddick - 4.5 games vs Julien Benneteau: I think Julien Benneteau has been overestimated in this match due to his excellent run at the Winston Salem Open last week, but that amount of tennis could catch up with him against Andy Roddick.
Roddick has looked in decent, if not spectacular, form in the tournament and his 3 wins last week at the Winston Salem Open will have gotten him in some shape. His serve will cause Benneteau problems and put the Frenchman under pressure on his own service games.
Roddick leads the head to head 3-1 but they have not played one another since 2008. In that time, I think Benneteau has regressed as a player and I expect the American to continue going forward.
I fancy a Roddick 6-3, 6-4, 6-4 win
Sam Stosur - 3.5 games vs Maria Kirilenko: Both women have done very well to come through the draw to this 4th Round encounter, but it is Sam Stosur who has been showing better form over the last 6 weeks and I expect she will be too good for her Russian opponent tonight.
Stosur had a hard time against Nadia Petrova in the last Round due to the heavy hitting nature of her opponent, but Kirilenko is less likely to bludgeon her off court.
Stosur's serve should be the difference between the two players and I think she will increase her head to head advantage to 4-2 tonight.
I expect the Australian will come through 6-3, 6-4.
Vera Zvonareva vs Sabine Lisicki: Sabine Lisicki has been in wonderful form over the last 2 weeks as she won a tournament in Dallas and has made easy progress through the draw here at Flushing Meadows, but I feel her run will come to an end against Vera Zvonareva.
Zvonareva enjoys playing on the hard courts and has also been in decent form of late. She also has won all 3 previous meetings with Lisicki, including in San Diego recently.
I expect the match will go 3 sets, as have all their previous meetings, but I think last year's Runner Up will still be standing at the end of a titanic battle.
Juan Martin Del Potro to win 3-1 in sets vs Gilles Simon: This is definitely going to be a closer match than some people may imagine because Gilles Simon's style of play gives Juan Martin Del Potro fits.
Just take a look at their head to head record- Simon won the first meeting in 3 sets in New Haven, Del Potro won in 5 here at the US Open in 2008 and then won in straight sets at Wimbledon in June (7-6, 7-6, 7-5) in a match that could easily have gone a lot longer.
The difference in the match will come down to the fact Del Potro gets plenty more free points on his serve, because I think Simon can hang around in rallies, and so I do expect the Argentine to get through.
I just wouldn't be that surprised if Simon manages to take a set off of him on the way as Del Potro wins 7-5, 6-7, 6-3, 6-4.
Andy Murray to win 3-1 in sets vs Feliciano Lopez: These two players last met at Wimbledon in June in what was a routine straight sets win for Andy Murray but that was at a time when Feliciano Lopez was shattered after a long run in the tournament.
The Spaniard has been serving well in the tournament so far and usually plays some solid stuff on the hard courts with a big serve and good volleying skills.
He has only taken 1 set in 5 meetings against Andy Murray, whose strong returning game makes life a little awkward for Lopez, but I see him picking up his 2nd tonight as the British Number 1 has not been serving as well as he can.
I think the match will be close for 2 sets, which will be split between the players, before Murray's superior returning begins to tell on Lopez and he comes through 6-3, 6-7, 6-4, 6-3
MY PICKS: Rafael Nadal - 7.5 games @ 1.91 Stan James (2 Units)
David Ferrer - 7.5 games @ 2.10 Sky Bet (2 Units)
Andy Roddick - 4.5 games @ 2.18 Pinnacle (2 Units)
Sam Stosur - 3.5 games @ 1.83 Paddy Power (2 Units)
Vera Zvonareva @ 2.05 Paddy Power (2 Units)
Juan Martin Del Potro win 3-1 in sets @ 3.80 Sporting Bet (1 Unit)
Andy Murray win 3-1 in sets @ 3.75 William Hill (1 Unit)
US OPEN UPDATE: 15-9, + 13.29 Units
Novak Djokovic looks to be making easy progress through the draw, but may have a tougher time against Alexandr Dolgopolov than some may expect, while a match between Mardy Fish and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in the next Round should be a classic.
The picks improved to 15-9 for the last 7 days and hopefully that trend can continue.
Day 7 Picks:
Rafael Nadal - 7.5 games vs David Nalbandian: David Nalbandian was one of the few players that would give both Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal fits when he played them a few seasons ago, but he is clearly not the same player and I expect Nadal to roll.
The head to head is 2-2, with Nadal winning the last 2 matches including a comfortable win in Miami last season.
Nalbandian can push Nadal for a set, but his losses to Andy Murray, James Blake and Stanislas Wawrinka in the last 6 weeks shows he is still far short of matching it with the top 4 where he is in his career.
I expect Nadal to win 6-4, 6-2, 6-2
David Ferrer - 7.5 games vs Florian Mayer: David Ferrer was my tip to come through this Quarter of the draw and I expect he will be far too good for the awkward Florian Mayer tonight.
Mayer had lost his only 2 matches on the US hard courts this Summer before coming through the first 2 Rounds here, but he has been very fortunate with the draw and now faces a battle hardened Ferrer who beat Igor Andreev and James Blake.
Ferrer leads the head to head 3-2, winning their last 3 matches and he has not lost a set in those including a destruction here at the US Open in 2007.
I expect Ferrer's consistency to break down Mayer, and come through with a 6-4, 6-3, 6-3 win.
Andy Roddick - 4.5 games vs Julien Benneteau: I think Julien Benneteau has been overestimated in this match due to his excellent run at the Winston Salem Open last week, but that amount of tennis could catch up with him against Andy Roddick.
Roddick has looked in decent, if not spectacular, form in the tournament and his 3 wins last week at the Winston Salem Open will have gotten him in some shape. His serve will cause Benneteau problems and put the Frenchman under pressure on his own service games.
Roddick leads the head to head 3-1 but they have not played one another since 2008. In that time, I think Benneteau has regressed as a player and I expect the American to continue going forward.
I fancy a Roddick 6-3, 6-4, 6-4 win
Sam Stosur - 3.5 games vs Maria Kirilenko: Both women have done very well to come through the draw to this 4th Round encounter, but it is Sam Stosur who has been showing better form over the last 6 weeks and I expect she will be too good for her Russian opponent tonight.
Stosur had a hard time against Nadia Petrova in the last Round due to the heavy hitting nature of her opponent, but Kirilenko is less likely to bludgeon her off court.
Stosur's serve should be the difference between the two players and I think she will increase her head to head advantage to 4-2 tonight.
I expect the Australian will come through 6-3, 6-4.
Vera Zvonareva vs Sabine Lisicki: Sabine Lisicki has been in wonderful form over the last 2 weeks as she won a tournament in Dallas and has made easy progress through the draw here at Flushing Meadows, but I feel her run will come to an end against Vera Zvonareva.
Zvonareva enjoys playing on the hard courts and has also been in decent form of late. She also has won all 3 previous meetings with Lisicki, including in San Diego recently.
I expect the match will go 3 sets, as have all their previous meetings, but I think last year's Runner Up will still be standing at the end of a titanic battle.
Juan Martin Del Potro to win 3-1 in sets vs Gilles Simon: This is definitely going to be a closer match than some people may imagine because Gilles Simon's style of play gives Juan Martin Del Potro fits.
Just take a look at their head to head record- Simon won the first meeting in 3 sets in New Haven, Del Potro won in 5 here at the US Open in 2008 and then won in straight sets at Wimbledon in June (7-6, 7-6, 7-5) in a match that could easily have gone a lot longer.
The difference in the match will come down to the fact Del Potro gets plenty more free points on his serve, because I think Simon can hang around in rallies, and so I do expect the Argentine to get through.
I just wouldn't be that surprised if Simon manages to take a set off of him on the way as Del Potro wins 7-5, 6-7, 6-3, 6-4.
Andy Murray to win 3-1 in sets vs Feliciano Lopez: These two players last met at Wimbledon in June in what was a routine straight sets win for Andy Murray but that was at a time when Feliciano Lopez was shattered after a long run in the tournament.
The Spaniard has been serving well in the tournament so far and usually plays some solid stuff on the hard courts with a big serve and good volleying skills.
He has only taken 1 set in 5 meetings against Andy Murray, whose strong returning game makes life a little awkward for Lopez, but I see him picking up his 2nd tonight as the British Number 1 has not been serving as well as he can.
I think the match will be close for 2 sets, which will be split between the players, before Murray's superior returning begins to tell on Lopez and he comes through 6-3, 6-7, 6-4, 6-3
MY PICKS: Rafael Nadal - 7.5 games @ 1.91 Stan James (2 Units)
David Ferrer - 7.5 games @ 2.10 Sky Bet (2 Units)
Andy Roddick - 4.5 games @ 2.18 Pinnacle (2 Units)
Sam Stosur - 3.5 games @ 1.83 Paddy Power (2 Units)
Vera Zvonareva @ 2.05 Paddy Power (2 Units)
Juan Martin Del Potro win 3-1 in sets @ 3.80 Sporting Bet (1 Unit)
Andy Murray win 3-1 in sets @ 3.75 William Hill (1 Unit)
US OPEN UPDATE: 15-9, + 13.29 Units
Saturday, 3 September 2011
College Football Week 1 Picks (Saturday 3rd September)
Baylor somehow managed to hold on and win their game with TCU yesterday, but you can only imagine how I was feeling as they managed to throw away a 24 point lead in the Final Quarter and looked all set to not only being beaten, but failing to cover the spread.
Thankfully they held on to improve the Week 1 Picks to 3-0 and I just have 1 pick from today's loaded schedule:
Tulsa Golden Hurricanes @ Oklahoma Sooners (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-11503-Oklahoma-Sooners-v-Tulsa-Golden-Hurrica.htm)
MY PICK: Oklahoma Sooners - 24.5 Points @ 1.95 Pinnacle (1 Unit)
WEEK 1 UPDATE: 3-0, + 2.79 Units
Thankfully they held on to improve the Week 1 Picks to 3-0 and I just have 1 pick from today's loaded schedule:
Tulsa Golden Hurricanes @ Oklahoma Sooners (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-11503-Oklahoma-Sooners-v-Tulsa-Golden-Hurrica.htm)
MY PICK: Oklahoma Sooners - 24.5 Points @ 1.95 Pinnacle (1 Unit)
WEEK 1 UPDATE: 3-0, + 2.79 Units
US Open Day 6 Picks
What could go wrong yesterday, did go wrong as my picks fell to a disappointing 0-4.
Lucie Safarova's start to the day (winning 1 game) set the tone, but things got worse from there. Andy Murray had a chance to secure the cover but blew a 4-0 lead in his final set against what looked like a deflated Haase.
James Blake had a break advantage against David Ferrer in sets 2 and 3 but couldn't get over the line and Sam Stosur had plenty of chances in her match against Nadia Petrova but couldn't do the same.
Still, I won't complain about a lack of luck as I have had my fair share too this week and I will hopefully bounce back with a bit of style today.
Day 6 Picks:
Janko Tipsarevic vs Tomas Berdych: This will be a small play on the Serb as I think he is being vastly underestimated against a 'bigger name' in Tomas Berdych.
Tipsarevic can certainly play good tennis and normally thrives against the better players, pushing Roger Federer to 5 sets in Australia in 2008 and beating Andy Roddick when early losses for the American were still a surprise.
To further his credentials, Tipsarevic has beaten Berdych, in the Czech Republic no less, in a Davis Cup tie- and not a meaningless Rubber either, but Rubber 1 in a Semi Final.
Neither player has been pushed too hard in the tournament so far, but Tipsarevic leads the head to head 3-2, including a straight sets win in Montreal last month, and he is worth chancing.
Juan Carlos Ferrero vs Marcel Granollers: This has been set as a pick 'em because of the two 5 setters Juan Carlos Ferrero has played so far in the tournament, but the veteran Spaniard is the better hard court player of the two and I can see him coming through.
Ferrero's win over Gael Monfils, from 2-1 down in sets, shows he is in good form and the former Finalist here will fancy his chances against Granollers who he has beaten in all 3 meetings they have played, including Stuttgart in July.
Granollers has won both his matches in straight sets, but this could be a step too far against a player he would have grown up watching and I think Ferrero will come through in 4.
Roger Federer - 6.5 games vs Marin Cilic: Big hitters have given Roger Federer plenty of problems in the last 6 weeks with both Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Tomas Berdych beating him on the hard courts, but I struggle to believe Marin Cilic has the consistency to do the same.
It is true that Federer is not the player of old and he may have even lost half a step, yet he still has too much consistency for the erratic Croatian.
There are some real positive signs coming from Cilic in the last 2 months since really struggling in 2011, but his 2nd serve remains a little problem, while the inconsistent forehand will struggle against Federer's biggest weapon.
Federer has won both previous meetings in straight sets against Cilic, and I think this could be his statement match of the tournament so far.
Jo-Wilfried Tsonga win 3-1 in sets vs Fernando Verdasco: This has to be the 'popcorn' match of the day as two players who can play some electric tennis meet in the late evening- the match has all the credentials to be a classic and I expect the atmosphere will be special.
Tsonga gets the clear edge considering his recent form, but he is yet to beat Verdasco having lost the 2 previous meetings while winning 1 set and losing 5.
However, the Spaniard's game is not of the level of early 2010 and I think Tsonga has bypassed him comfortably now.
Verdasco is still capable of the sublime though, and I can see him taking a set, but not stopping Tsonga's march to a very interesting match with Mardy Fish (his most likely opponent).
Novak Djokovic - 9.5 games vs Nikolay Davydenko: Go back a couple of seasons and I would have jumped all over the Davydenko + 9.5 games, but the form of the Russian is so far removed from then, while Novak Djokovic is playing some lights out tennis.
They met recently in Montreal and I picked Djokovic to cover 5.5 games in that match, which he went on and won 7-5, 6-1.
That showed me Davydenko is capable of playing some of his old tennis, but not with anything like the consistency of old. I think we will see something similar today where he pushes Djokovic for a set, but will be well beaten by the end of the match as it is the Serb's consistency and power that overwhelm him.
Serena Williams - 5.5 games vs Victoria Azarenka: Serena Williams is playing some exceptional tennis and will surely feel she can go all the way if she can negotiate this tough 3rd Round match.
Maria Sharapova's exit yesterday has made Williams the clear favourite to win the tournament, but Azarenka is no pushover.
Williams beat Azarenka 6-3, 6-3 in Toronto and I think her power will overwhelm her opponent again tonight. She has won her last 2 tournaments she has contested, and has only lost 3 games in 2 matches at Flushing Meadows and looks to be playing close to her best.
Azarenka did well to beat Gisela Dulko in straight sets in the last Round, but did give up a few opportunities on her own serve and that could lead to her downfall in this match.
MY PICKS: Janko Tipsarevic @ 3.00 Pinnacle (1 Unit)
Juan Carlos Ferrero @ 1.90 Stan James (2 Units)
Roger Federer - 6.5 games @ 2.00 Pinnacle (2 Units)
Jo-Wilfried Tsonga win 3-1 in sets @ 3.75 Paddy Power (1 Unit)
Novak Djokovic - 9.5 games @ 1.90 Pinnacle (2 Units)
Serena Williams - 5.5 games @ 2.00 Ladbrokes (2 Units)
US OPEN UPDATE: 12-7, + 10.29 Units
Lucie Safarova's start to the day (winning 1 game) set the tone, but things got worse from there. Andy Murray had a chance to secure the cover but blew a 4-0 lead in his final set against what looked like a deflated Haase.
James Blake had a break advantage against David Ferrer in sets 2 and 3 but couldn't get over the line and Sam Stosur had plenty of chances in her match against Nadia Petrova but couldn't do the same.
Still, I won't complain about a lack of luck as I have had my fair share too this week and I will hopefully bounce back with a bit of style today.
Day 6 Picks:
Janko Tipsarevic vs Tomas Berdych: This will be a small play on the Serb as I think he is being vastly underestimated against a 'bigger name' in Tomas Berdych.
Tipsarevic can certainly play good tennis and normally thrives against the better players, pushing Roger Federer to 5 sets in Australia in 2008 and beating Andy Roddick when early losses for the American were still a surprise.
To further his credentials, Tipsarevic has beaten Berdych, in the Czech Republic no less, in a Davis Cup tie- and not a meaningless Rubber either, but Rubber 1 in a Semi Final.
Neither player has been pushed too hard in the tournament so far, but Tipsarevic leads the head to head 3-2, including a straight sets win in Montreal last month, and he is worth chancing.
Juan Carlos Ferrero vs Marcel Granollers: This has been set as a pick 'em because of the two 5 setters Juan Carlos Ferrero has played so far in the tournament, but the veteran Spaniard is the better hard court player of the two and I can see him coming through.
Ferrero's win over Gael Monfils, from 2-1 down in sets, shows he is in good form and the former Finalist here will fancy his chances against Granollers who he has beaten in all 3 meetings they have played, including Stuttgart in July.
Granollers has won both his matches in straight sets, but this could be a step too far against a player he would have grown up watching and I think Ferrero will come through in 4.
Roger Federer - 6.5 games vs Marin Cilic: Big hitters have given Roger Federer plenty of problems in the last 6 weeks with both Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Tomas Berdych beating him on the hard courts, but I struggle to believe Marin Cilic has the consistency to do the same.
It is true that Federer is not the player of old and he may have even lost half a step, yet he still has too much consistency for the erratic Croatian.
There are some real positive signs coming from Cilic in the last 2 months since really struggling in 2011, but his 2nd serve remains a little problem, while the inconsistent forehand will struggle against Federer's biggest weapon.
Federer has won both previous meetings in straight sets against Cilic, and I think this could be his statement match of the tournament so far.
Jo-Wilfried Tsonga win 3-1 in sets vs Fernando Verdasco: This has to be the 'popcorn' match of the day as two players who can play some electric tennis meet in the late evening- the match has all the credentials to be a classic and I expect the atmosphere will be special.
Tsonga gets the clear edge considering his recent form, but he is yet to beat Verdasco having lost the 2 previous meetings while winning 1 set and losing 5.
However, the Spaniard's game is not of the level of early 2010 and I think Tsonga has bypassed him comfortably now.
Verdasco is still capable of the sublime though, and I can see him taking a set, but not stopping Tsonga's march to a very interesting match with Mardy Fish (his most likely opponent).
Novak Djokovic - 9.5 games vs Nikolay Davydenko: Go back a couple of seasons and I would have jumped all over the Davydenko + 9.5 games, but the form of the Russian is so far removed from then, while Novak Djokovic is playing some lights out tennis.
They met recently in Montreal and I picked Djokovic to cover 5.5 games in that match, which he went on and won 7-5, 6-1.
That showed me Davydenko is capable of playing some of his old tennis, but not with anything like the consistency of old. I think we will see something similar today where he pushes Djokovic for a set, but will be well beaten by the end of the match as it is the Serb's consistency and power that overwhelm him.
Serena Williams - 5.5 games vs Victoria Azarenka: Serena Williams is playing some exceptional tennis and will surely feel she can go all the way if she can negotiate this tough 3rd Round match.
Maria Sharapova's exit yesterday has made Williams the clear favourite to win the tournament, but Azarenka is no pushover.
Williams beat Azarenka 6-3, 6-3 in Toronto and I think her power will overwhelm her opponent again tonight. She has won her last 2 tournaments she has contested, and has only lost 3 games in 2 matches at Flushing Meadows and looks to be playing close to her best.
Azarenka did well to beat Gisela Dulko in straight sets in the last Round, but did give up a few opportunities on her own serve and that could lead to her downfall in this match.
MY PICKS: Janko Tipsarevic @ 3.00 Pinnacle (1 Unit)
Juan Carlos Ferrero @ 1.90 Stan James (2 Units)
Roger Federer - 6.5 games @ 2.00 Pinnacle (2 Units)
Jo-Wilfried Tsonga win 3-1 in sets @ 3.75 Paddy Power (1 Unit)
Novak Djokovic - 9.5 games @ 1.90 Pinnacle (2 Units)
Serena Williams - 5.5 games @ 2.00 Ladbrokes (2 Units)
US OPEN UPDATE: 12-7, + 10.29 Units
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