It's quarter final time in Madrid and we have eight thrilling matches to enjoy in Friday's action. We've been treated to some incredible tennis so far and although the big four haven't been firing on all cylinders, the supporting cast are certainly doing their bit to entertain the lively crowd. We're going to preview the first four matches and see who we think will be around on semi final day.
Rafael Nadal vs David Ferrer.
These two have had a long but one sided rivalry and on this surface, it's pretty simple to guess who will win this one. Not since 2004, their very first meeting, has Ferrer got the better of Nadal on clay. Since then they've met fourteen times and Rafa has won them all. In fact it's been five years since Ferrer won a set on clay against Rafa and when they met at the French Open last year he won just five games. Nadal is simply incredible on this surface with so few ever able to challenge him. Ferrer won an epic encounter with Tommy Haas today but Nadal is a beast he cannot tame. Rafa Nadal in two.
Serena Williams vs Anabel Medina Garrigues.
This one should be relatively straight forward for Serena given the huge power advantage she has over the Spaniard. Medina-Garrigues is no doubt a better clay court player than Serena but the problem she faces is trying to match Serena's groundstrokes and protecting her own serve. It's tough to break Serena so holding your own serve is crucial. Putting her under early pressure is key for Garrigues but I just don't see her having success. Serena in two.
Maria Sharapova vs Kaia Kanepi.
This one has potential to be an upset but if Maria is on form then it should be one she comes through. Kanepi has missed a lot of action this year and that worries me here. Sharapova has an aura about her that wins her a lot of matches but I don't think she is as unbeatable as she seems especially on clay. Her second serve is very poor and if she is under pressure her first serve goes too. Kanepi will try to expose that but I don't think she has it in her to successfully attack the Russian. I do think Sharapova is vulnerable on clay because of her movement and serve and somebody like but she should remain in the tournament for at least a day longer. Maria in two.
Kei Nishikori vs Pablo Andujar.
This match isn't hard to call. Nishikori is starting to show what he is made of and after beating Federer he isn't going to throw that away by losing to Andujar. The Spaniard is no pushover though. He knows his way around a clay court and can provide trouble. Like all the Spaniards he won't hand you a win, you have to go and win it. That will suit Nishikori, who likes to play an aggressive game. He handled the occasion very well against Roger today and I think he could be about to break the top ten. Winning tomorrow will be another step towards the top. Nishikori in two.
No comments:
Post a Comment