Madrid masters starts today after a lot of hype about the "blue clay". The start is kind of slow given that there are only 2 matches from the main draw. Rest are qualifiers and WTA. Nonetheless the matches that are today, indeed are very interesting.
1. Ivo KARLOVIC (CRO) vs Nikolay DAVYDENKO (RUS)
A battle of the old dogs. Davy is having his prolonged poor run of form which started with in injury in 2010. Karlovic had his own share of injuries and on route to recovery. But returning to from is tough for both old men. It may not be a highly entertaining match.
Match prediction: This is tough match to predict. Stakes are big considering both are unseeded and making a wrong choice will put award me -17 points. If Davy can even play his solid game, he should see this off. For karlovic to win, his serves need to be firing hard. He needs to do it fast, grinding on caly isn't much suitable for him. Davy off late isn't returning well and making too many errors. Also Davy hasn't played in any clay tournament this year as yet.
So my pick is : Davydenko in 3 sets. Karlo will take a tie breaker.
2. Kevin ANDERSON (RSA) vs Alex BOGOMOLOV JR. (RUS)
Anderson is a good young player with a huge serve. His forehand is good but it can produce a lot of errors. He sometimes struggle to finish points and gives away with silly errors. Bogo is a good mover and has a solid play. But he is having a tough year. His performance last year was credible, but I as I said last year, he will be back to around #100 by year end.
Match prediction: Again a very tough one to predict. Lots of points at stake. Anderson needs his serves and a solid forehand. Bogo is down in confidence, but this win could help him gain that.
So my pick: Anderson in 2. But he will be broken on serve at times with daft errors but I expect him to see this off.
ATP Matches Of The Day: Madrid 2012
posted on 6/5/12
Davy played some really great tennis at the end of last year, but this year not so.
I ascribe it to lack of training and form.
If Karlovic was a notch better, I'd go for him, but I think Davy will find his way to get the best of allegedly fast blue clay.
As for Anderson and Bogomolov, both are the similar level of players, although I don't remember seeing that much of Jr.
This could also be a close one, but Anderson should be able to deal with Bogggo in straights.
Last abut not the least, thanks for the Matches of the Day thread, rotla. May it prosper and bring tennis fans lots of good times here
posted on 6/5/12
Good. I am not sure I understand the rules of the game but I'll say Davy in 2 and Anderson in 2 as well.
posted on 6/5/12
Davydenko won this afternoon.
posted on 6/5/12
Ah! in 2?
posted on 6/5/12
Yes, much before your comment.
posted on 6/5/12
Btw Tenez you haven't answered my comment on the 'Federer overtakes nadal' thread.
If you make a comment, and then fail to back it up or provide evidence, then that is poor.
posted on 7/5/12
Results of Day1:
1. Nikolay DAVYDENKO (RUS) def Ivo KARLOVIC (CRO)
7-6 6-3
Points:
rotla: +17
amri: -17
Summerblues: +17
nitb: +17
Tenez: +17 [ late submission but I'll give you this time ]
2. Kevin ANDERSON (RSA) def Alex BOGOMOLOV JR. (RUS)
6-3 6-2.
Points:
Everyone got this one correct.
rotla: +17
amri: +17
Summerblues: +17
nitb: +17
Tenez: +17 [ late submission but I'll give you this time ]
-----------------------------------------------------------
Total points:
rotla: +34
amri: 0
Summerblues: +34
nitb: +34
Tenez: +34
---------------------------------------------
Total no. of correct guesses till now:
rotla: 2/2
amri: 1/2
Summerblues: 2/2
nitb: 2/2
Tenez: 2/2
----------------------------------------------------
Daily winner: With only 2 matches in the day, a big tie was always going to happen.
rotla, nitb, Summerblues, Tenez
Amri: tough luck on day1; good luck for the next predictions.
-----------------------------------------
Eliminations: None. This is not an elimination game. Everyone can keep participating and winning till the tournament ends.
posted on 7/5/12
!
posted on 7/5/12
Karlovic cost me 34 points
And why did Tenez get the Davydenko points? The match had finished for hours. Are we allowed to predict after the matches are finished, that's nonsense?
posted on 7/5/12
Relax amri, cool down. Day 1's prediction was mainly to get people to understand the game and create some interest. Only 2 matches it had. Its points may not count in the tournament end results.
No worries. The MOTD for Day2 is out. Use your 'crystal ball' if you have and predict the winners :D. I have mine, but its malfunctioning.
Lots of matches to select today. Good luck.