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2010-04-16 00:54:17
Expert picks are going strong for the Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters, and they continue with Friday's quarterfinals. Join the fun and make your own predictions in the comments section for the right to become a guest picker this weekend! Also welcome today's guest picker kaitepai01....
Rafael Nadal vs. Juan Carlos Ferrero
Ricky "Montanes" Dimon: Nadal leads the head-to-head series 6-2, including 4-1 on clay courts. Ferrero's win over Nadal on the dirt came in their most recent meeting, but Nadal was SEVERELY hampered by foot blisters at the 2008 Rome Masters. The Mosquito was in awesome form against Tsonga in round three, but it had to take a lot out of him. Nadal is going to pounce on him early and often. Nadal 6-3, 6-3.
Cheryl "you can't GIVE YOURSELF a racket award" Murray: If Ferrero were going into this match fresh, Nadal actually might have had a fight on his hands. As it stands, Ferrero played a three-setter against Tsonga on Thursday, whereas Nadal hasn't played 2 hours the entire week so far. Besides that, Nadal has been absolutely fierce in his two matches so far. He'll have to work harder against Ferrero (for sure), but the fact is that Ferrero has only managed to beat his countryman once on the dirt - and that was with a golf-ball sized blister on the bottom of Nadal's foot. Nadal 7-5, 6-4.
Kelli "tied for second place are first losers" DeMario: Ferrero has had the hot hands on Tour this year, winning clay-court titles in Brazil and Argentina. The veteran earned a win against Nadal in Rome, albeit with the World No. 3 suffering from a bad bout with blisters. Mosquito's forehand could keep him competitive, but no more than that. On his best surface, and without a title for a calendar year, this is Nadal's match. Nadal 7-5, 6-2.
Kait "kaitepai01" O'Callahan: Nadal has been exactly what we expected him to be this week; destructive, aggressive, and a completely different player. Ferrero will put a halt to the bagal and breadsticks trend Nadal has taken a liking to, but don't expect him to hang with Nadal for long. Nadal 6-3 6-2.
David Ferrer vs. Philipp Kohlschreiber
Ricky: Kohlschreiber has been outstanding this week, beating clay-court specialist Thomaz Bellucci, destroying Andy Murray, and routining Philipp Petzschner. Ferrer, meanwhile, has not dropped a set in wins over Peter Luczak, Andrey Golubev, and Ivan Ljubicic. This one should feature high-quality tennis from start to finish, but Ferrer's dogged determination should give him an edge if it goes deep into a third set. Ferrer 6-7(4), 6-3, 6-4.
Cheryl: Might as well make yourself comfortable because this is going to be a looonnngggg match. Kohlschreiber isn't the type to go for too much, which means that he'll be content to hit from the baselline with Ferrer. Rallies will be lengthy, as they so often are with Ferrer. Expect the Spaniard to be on the winning end of the majority of the baseline exchanges. There will probably also be a lot of service breaks - so if your favorite is up a break, don't get too excited. This should be a grinder of a match. Ferrer 6-4, 6-7(5), 6-3.
Kelli: These two have split two previous meetings on clay, including a lopsided 2008 WTC match that Ferrer lost one and love. Kohlschreiber knows how to play on the dirt, as we saw him take out Andy Murray with ease in the first round. Ferrer has a clay-court title in hand already this year. With his consistency and will to run everything down, I don't see him losing this one. Ferrer 6-7(5), 6-3, 7-5.
kaitepai01: Kohlschreiber was as brilliant as Murray was woeful in the previous round. Ferrer has always been a good clay courter so expect this match to be very high quality. The difference could be confidence and Kohlschreiber, besides being the less accomplished clay-courter, has that in bundles. He will be positively glowing after his latest scalp. Kohlscheiber 6-4 7-5.
Fernando Verdasco vs. Albert Montanes
Ricky: Despite receiving none of the support from the Tennistalk panel on Thursday, Verdasco scored an impressive win over an in-form Tomas Berdych. The Spaniard, however, has never been a model of consistency and now the question is if he can come up with back-to-back stellar performances. He will have to against Montanes, who is a clay-court master. Monty upset Marin Cilic in round three and I think he has another surprise up his sleeve. Montanes 7-6(5), 3-6, 7-5.
Cheryl: Montanes has had a good run in Monte Carlo, but I'm going to have to go with Verdasco on this one. Unlike Cilic, Verdasco is actually an accomplished clay-courter (though he's fallen on hard times of late). Verdasco 6-3, 6-4.
Kelli: Verdasco can sometimes turn in wonky performances against his fellow Spaniards, but he has the edge over Montanes here. Montanes plays well on clay, obviously, but Verdasco lives for the big moments. If his serve and forehand are working well, the sixth seed will win without much trouble. Verdasco 7-6(4), 6-3.
kaitepai01: Both men have come through big wins over Cilic and Berdych respectively. Montanes can actually play tennis on clay and whilst looking shakey against Seppi was impressive in defeating Cilic. Verdasco, however, has much more power on clay than Cilic and whilst he has been prone to lapses at times, it isn't hard to see him getting past Montanes fairly easily. Verdasco 6-3 6-2.
Novak Djokovic vs. David Nalbandian
Ricky: Nalbandian did extremely well to bounced back from a three-hour marathon with Mikhail Youzhny and crush Tommy Robredo on Thursday. Djokovic, however, put out Stan Wawrinka's hot streak and he will most likely do the same to Nalbandian. The Argentine has not been this far in a tournament in ages while Djokovic makes a habit of going the distance at clay-court events. Djokovic 7-6(4), 6-4.
Cheryl: An intriguing matchup, but times up for Nalbandian I think. The Argie is bound to be tired after a pair of tough matches in the second and third round. I might actually give a fresh Nalbandian the nod, but not this time. Djokovic played well against Wawrinka and he looks like he's revving up nicely for the clay court swing. Djokovic 5-7, 6-4, 6-1.
Kelli: After a long recovery period from hip surgery, Nalbandian has been playing pretty well. He's got to be feeling some fatigue though, following the marathon with Youzhny in the second round. I think Djokovic is a better clay-courter right now, and with runner-up points to take care of, he'll make it through. Djokovic 5-7, 6-4, 6-3.
kaitepai01: This draw could be giving Djokovic the confidence he needs. He came through impressively against Serra and Wawrinka in straight sets (!) and once again looks poised to find his form on clay. Nalbandian has been amazing in his efforts coming back from hip surgery, but the Argentine will lack the stamina to challenge Djokovic the whole way. Djokvoic 7-5 4-6 6-3.
Tell a friend »
Congratulations on becoming guest picker, Katepai01.
My Picks:
Nadal 6-4, 6-2
Ferrer 6-3, 5-7, 6-4
Verdasco 5-7, 6-3, 6-4
Djokovic 6-7(4), 6-4, 6-1
Champion7 , 4/16/10 1:44 AM
Nadal : 6-3 6-3
Ferrer : 6-4 6-7 6-4
Verdasco : 6-4 6-3
Djokovic : 7-5 6-4
McQ , 4/16/10 1:48 AM
Nadal vs. Ferrero 7-5, 6-2
Ferrer vs. Kohlschreiber 6-4, 7-6(4)
Verdasco vs. Montanes 7-6(5), 7-6(6):)))
Djokovic vs. Nalbandian 6-4, 6-3
Let's see:)As I will go forward, in one thing I am sure: nadal vs. Ferrer will be three sets match...Ferrer is in very good form..But, wait till tomorow..Yes, I think none of these QFs will be in 3..See u,ppl,Cheers from Nis, Serbia:)
Marko , 4/16/10 1:49 AM
Nadal 6-2,6-2
Ferrer 6-4,6-7(4),6-3
Verdasco 6-4,3-6,6-3
Djoker 6-7(4),6-3,6-3
chr18 , 4/16/10 2:17 AM
You do realise that in history the Spanish Armada got absolutely pummeled in one of the most lopsided and embarrassing defeats ever? Just checking.
Thanks for the welcomes everyone :)
kaitepai01 , 4/16/10 2:56 AM
Nice that katiepai's picks are different from the rest of you. What does she get if she beats you all?!
_Rafa_ will not lose to Ferrero (6-2, 6-4)
_Ferrer_ should not need 3 (7-5, 6-3)
_Montanes_ has the belief (5-7, 7-6, 6-4)
_Nole_ doesn't drop a set yet (7-6, 6-2)
stu , 4/16/10 2:58 AM
Rafa 6-3, 6-7 (5), 7-5
Ferrer 6-7 (4), 7-6 (5), 6-3
Verdasco 6-4, 7-5
Djokovich 4-6, 6-4, 6-4
Hope I'm wrong, cuz if I'm right it'll be a long, although v. interesting quarters
Ramara , 4/16/10 4:29 AM
Nadal 6-2 6-3
Ferrer 6-4, 6-7 6-3
Veradasco 4-6 6-3 7-5
Nalbandian 6-4 3-6 7-5
janadevchp , 4/16/10 4:35 AM
kaitepai - don't confuse Ricky with historical facts. You'll throw him in a dither. :D
cherylmurray , 4/16/10 5:07 AM
ricky - just imagine the british vs the spanish armada as nadal vs federer RG 08... the beatdown was that bad
kaitepai01 , 4/16/10 5:50 AM
well everyone is quick to mention that rafa had a blister at rome 2 years ago.. and they are quick to forget that rafa had the same blister(maybe not the size of GOLF ball, but a big blister still) when he played in hamburg and defeated fed..
anyway here today there is 100% chance that my picks maybe wrong.. but i will simply go with the calling of my heart...
ferrero vs nadal
ferrero 2-6 7-6 6-4
ferrer vs kohlschreiber
ferrer 7-5 6-3
verdasco vs montanes
verdasco 7-6 6-4
nalbandian vs djokovic (toughest to choose)
nalbandian 3-6 7-5 6-4
i already accept i'm out of reckoning for semi guest picker race.. but then i really cannot say nadal.. hope atleast nalby saves my day..
clayking , 4/16/10 5:58 AM
kp - definitely was not THAT bad. I'd compare it to the 2007 installment.
RickyDimon , 4/16/10 6:00 AM
nadal 6-4 7-5
kohlschreiber 7-5 6-3
verdasco 6-4 6-3
djokovic 6-7 6-4 6-2
so here are my pics...
linuta , 4/16/10 7:02 AM
Nadal 6-3 6-4
Ferrer 7-5 6-3
Verdasco 7-6(3) 6-4
Djokovic 6-4 6-4
vmk1 , 4/16/10 7:12 AM
My picks:
nadal: 6-3 6-4
Ferrer: 6-4 5-7 6-2
Verdasco: 6-4 6-2
Nalbandian: 7-5 6-3
tj600 , 4/16/10 8:37 AM
i'm seriously, seriously considering taking another day off from writing my essay to watch all these matches. that's quite bad, haha
ok, my preditcions:
rafa in 2 - 7-6 6-4/3 (depending on whether he's serving first or not. it will only be one break of serve in that set)
ferrer in 3 - 6-7 6-3 6-4
verdasco in 3 - 5-7 7-6 6-2
nalbandian in 3 - 6-3 2-6 7-5
(yes. i'm wildly guessing on the last one :P)
Sib69 , 4/16/10 10:17 AM
Nadal 63 61
Verdasco 64 57 63
Djokovic 76 64
Jyocka , 4/16/10 11:02 AM
Ferrer in 2 6-4 6-4
Nadal in 2 6-2 6-4
Verdasco in 3 6-3 6-7 6-1
Nalbandian in 3 6-4 3-6 6-4
vamosrafa , 4/16/10 11:13 AM
and many congrats katepai :) good to see your name up there :) hope you beat our experts :P
vamosrafa , 4/16/10 11:20 AM
i wanna join!
nadal 6-4 7-5.
ferrer 7-5, 7-5.
verdasco 7-5 6-3.
djokovic 6-4 6-3.
mriiidula , 4/16/10 11:23 AM
@sib...LOL..u and I fal in the same category, i also have to write an essay but tennis is my priority :D
vamosrafa , 4/16/10 11:55 AM
kohlschreiber is really letting me down about now
kaitepai01 , 4/16/10 12:04 PM
So far mriiidula is at the top of the list of those kins of Nostradamus....:-]]
Kaitepai and linuta are at the bottom...need to replace their crystal balls lolz.
Raindrops , 4/16/10 12:52 PM
@vamosrafa well, i definitely think we have our priorities right :P
Sib69 , 4/16/10 1:30 PM
The weather forecast for Monte Carlo is rain today and tomorrow. :(
smr , 4/16/10 1:53 PM
Champion7, mriduula, and linuta bidding to get the Nadal score exactly right after one set....
RickyDimon , 4/16/10 2:30 PM
Hey what if my prediction scores are good but the sequence is wrong. 6-4 6-3 instead of 6-3 6-4. Is it treated differently?
vmk1 , 4/16/10 2:35 PM
vmk - maybe, but that would be the absolute LAST tiebreaker. So almost certainly no.
RickyDimon , 4/16/10 2:43 PM
I only have two more I can pick, so...
Djokovic 3-6, 7-5, 6-3
Verdasco 6-4, 6-3
Arvis , 4/16/10 2:49 PM
nadal wins 6-4 6-2. well done. on another note, I cant wait till the nole vs nalby match. the backhand to backhand rallies there are gonna be scorching.
tj600 , 4/16/10 3:10 PM
champion7 nails it on the number: 6-4, 6-2
RickyDimon , 4/16/10 3:11 PM
heyy comeonnn 6-2 6-4 is the same as 6-4 6-2 :P :P lol...i got it spot on too :D
anyway welldone champion7 , u really are a champion :) among the experts it si probably RIcky who got the closest....infact katepai too
vamosrafa , 4/16/10 3:17 PM
nadal wins.. just as everyone expected..
but i'm not sad because ferrero played quite well, inspite of the lopsided scoreline..
and somewhere down the line that fatigue was visible..
against any one other top 10 player, that game is good to take a set off and sometimes the match..
hope ferrero keeps this up..
he is sure to do well the coming weeks..
go mosquito go..
as for nadal.. since he has done the only thing that i always wish against, he should do something that i wish for...
he should now go and get that trophy.. its waiting for him..
vamos rafa!!!
clayking , 4/16/10 3:17 PM
Dammit! I predicted the Rafa score in reverse!
stu , 4/16/10 3:18 PM
djokovic wins 6-2 6-3
tj600 , 4/16/10 4:57 PM
nalby is so mysterious...such a disappointing match from him. very good performance from djo tho
vamosrafa , 4/16/10 5:00 PM
wow _nobody_ predicted such an easy win for Nole! Marko was close..and mriiidula..
stu , 4/16/10 5:01 PM
straight sets for Djokovic, as predicted by.........
RickyDimon , 4/16/10 5:02 PM
.... Djokovic himself .
rfzr , 4/16/10 5:07 PM
Dayummm so close!!! Guess I expected it to be more competitive match for Nole. On re other hand, I'm glad he's through to the semis!! Cmon noleeee
mriiidula , 4/16/10 5:11 PM
Pretty easy first set to Verdasco.
smr , 4/16/10 5:59 PM
"nalby is so mysterious...such a disappointing match from him. very good performance from djo tho"
too bad Novak ain't losing 600 pts yet.
rfzr , 4/16/10 6:19 PM
mriidula and vmk1 look poised to go 4-0 with perfect set predictions
mriidula will win via games tiebreaker if Verdasco finishes this off quickly
RickyDimon , 4/16/10 6:20 PM
kaitepai01, about the Spanish Armada (sorry to be a bit off topic) ;-)
For some reason there is a lot of myth about that historical event. Here are some facts:
1-The English Fleet far outnumbered the Armada (200 ships to 130), not the other way around.
2. When the Armada first arrived, they got the English stuck in port due to the tide. They could have easily defeated then, but King Phillip of Spain forbade it.
3-In their first two engagements both fleets were evenly matched.
4-Bad weather and accidents caused some Spanish Galleons to be lost and fall on English hands. By studying them they were able to devise a winning strategy in the final battle.
5-After that battle (Gravelines), because weather had delayed the Armada on the way to England, they were exhausted and out of supplies. They decided to retreat and return to Spain to resupply.
6- On the way back they were caught by the currents and storms. Many more ships were destroyed by weather than in all three battles against the English. Despite all, half the Armada still was able to return.
7- A year later the English tried to return the favor and attempted to Invade Spain and Portugal. They were defeated by the rebuilt Spanish Armada just as soundly as it had been beaten the year before.
grafight , 4/16/10 6:32 PM
"too bad Novak ain't losing 600 pts yet"
rfzr, what do you mean?
mriiidula , 4/16/10 6:37 PM
sigh. looks like its gonna be a long one :(
looks like i underestimated montanes a little bit.
alright, im off to bed, its weel past midnight here. goodnight everyone!
mriiidula , 4/16/10 7:02 PM
ladies and gentlemen, THAT is why I picked Montanes to win this match
RickyDimon , 4/16/10 7:04 PM
"It ain't over til it's over" - Yogi Berra.
Ramara , 4/16/10 7:07 PM
Well, Ricky, no one ever went broke betting on Verdasco to blow a Masters' quarterfinal, but are you staying with your pick then?
Ramara , 4/16/10 7:16 PM
4-0 for Verdasco in the 3rd ... who knows which way it will go.
smr , 4/16/10 7:21 PM
winner Verdasco, but not before an amazing mental walkabout
RickyDimon , 4/16/10 7:24 PM
Commentators at 5-0.
PlaybyPlay:"Surely Verdasco has this locked up now."
Color:"What do you mean? Montanes has him right where he wants him!"
Ramara , 4/16/10 7:25 PM
between the two of them they had almost 90 UE's.
smr , 4/16/10 7:27 PM
we had to go to the SECOND tiebreaker - set SCORES (not just sets) and vmk1 wins it over mriidula by ONE game
vmk1 what is your email - or email me ASAP at ricky.dimon@tennistalk.com or ridimon@gmail.com
mriidula you can go ahead and email me as well....
RickyDimon , 4/16/10 7:33 PM
Ricky, I was very close, only missed a set from Montanes,and looked a scoreline:)djordjevicmarko@gmail.com...ppl,send me e-mails to talk about tennis:)
Marko , 4/16/10 8:00 PM
mriiidula: in shortest: it is about being an honest predictor vs predictor who wants something to happen.
rfzr , 4/16/10 8:00 PM
congrats to the winners and marko its like u couldnot convert match point, better luck next time,good job tho :D
Alright, after some early action got plagued by gusts of wind there was plenty of good tennis. We saw Rafael Nadal rubbing dust off his eyes and the battle was INTENSE as always between our EXPERTS. Here is how they stand with 2 rounds to go:
1.Kelli Demario= 8 points , the flamboyant predictor was brutally effiicient. Enjoyed a flawless day of forecasting to extend the lead over her rivals and now she is the favorite to finish atop the table.
2.Cheryl Murray=7 points: calm and collected, the consistent forecaster is surely the one who can level things up at the top.
3.Ricky Dimon=6 points : the top seed fails to live up to his expectation and now needs to pull off a montanes(2nd set)-comeback to some how catch up with the leader. Perhaps he needs to change tactics (try some serve and volleying RIcky) :p
*Kelli Demario is bidding to overcome her tradition of withdrawing from tournaments and seemingly she is going to do it in FINE style :)
*Looks like Ricky Dimon's hold over the Golden Racket is gona elongate because he is holding it veryyy firmly.
*Good Luck to all Experts , stay tuned for because there is PLENTY more to come.
vamosrafa , 4/16/10 8:40 PM
i guess a non-required Masters event with 5 of the Top 10 players missing just isn't enough for me to get up for!
just wait till Rome, Madrid, and the French...
RickyDimon , 4/16/10 9:14 PM
yea yea and Ricky DEMON is playing his tricks now :P lol.... rickt you were the runner-up at a grand slam (oz open), the winner vincent glenn has retired I suppose (chronic knee tendinitis) :P ....looks like you have already given up for this one...i suggest you gamble and make odd picks and hope they are right :D
vamosrafa , 4/16/10 9:59 PM
Oh, come on Ricky. The boys are playing some lovely tennis.
You're going to tell us Estoril won't be exciting, even though Roger's playing?
Or Barca, with Feña's return, and returning finalist Ferru and defending champion Rafa, is going to be dull for you? :-)
mara002 , 4/16/10 10:48 PM
LOL..mara002,, Ricky was just joking and trying to defend his supremecy of being the BEST expert on TT :P
vamosrafa , 4/16/10 10:59 PM
Ricky, where are you?:) Post Expert Picks for SFs:)))I hope I will get the right score and have a right to predict Final,where Novak will beat Rafa:)
Marko , 4/16/10 11:06 PM
Lol, I never thought I'd see my name at the top of this list. I was very comfortable with my permanent place as the female equivalent to the Chicago Cubs baseball team. This is a proud day for me. *angel/wings* :D
Kelli , 4/16/10 11:11 PM
If you thought the tiebreaker for the "next guest picker" was close today, just wait until tomorrow!
stu , 4/16/10 11:18 PM
i havent received all the picks yet. AHEM KELLI, AHEM MRIIDULA, AHEM VMK1
once i do, expert picks SF installment will be up
RickyDimon , 4/16/10 11:41 PM
LOL@kelli , u just need to sustain the lead now, hoping you win the 1st ever official masters 1000 on TT , LOL
vamosrafa , 4/16/10 11:41 PM
I realize I'm holding up the show here....but I'd really like to win if possible. So I'm still thinking. Ricky takes these things for granted, because he picks these things in his sleep.
Aww, thank you vamosrafa. I am very happy to have you on my side. xoxoxo :)
Kelli , 4/16/10 11:47 PM
yep, that might have been why i picked Monty over Verdasco
(that and the fact that Verdasco is a headcase)
RickyDimon , 4/17/10 12:00 AM
This is so funny ... you guys are great for doing this. Good luck to all the predictors. And Congratulations Kelli ( are you sans cast now? ).
smr , 4/17/10 12:30 AM
I am smr, yes. Thank you for asking. Lol, it's funny having a cane, plus one leg decidedly skinnier than the other. (okay, going to work on the picks, for real)
Kelli , 4/17/10 12:48 AM
here we go - http://www.tennistalk.com/en/blog/Ricky_Dimon/20100417/Monte-Carlo_SF_ Picks:_Nadal_vs._Ferrer,_Djokovic_vs._Verdasco
RickyDimon , 4/17/10 2:21 AM
Mon 14/05 03:45
Approach Shots: Djokovic, Nadal look to rebound on red clay
Sun 06/05 03:03
Approach Shots: Tangled up in blue at Madrid Masters
Mon 30/04 05:57
Approach Shots: Djokovic out, Del Potro starts French Open prep
Mon 23/04 05:29
Approach Shots: Nadal, Murray return to action in Barcelona
Sat 21/04 19:01
Monte Carlo final expert picks: Djokovic vs. Nadal
Mon 16/04 02:46
Approach Shots: Djokovic, Nadal begin clay season in Monte Carlo
Tue 10/04 15:48
Approach Shots: Houston, Casablanca begin clay-court swing
Thu 05/04 18:40
Approach Shots: Davis Cup precedes clay-court swing
Tue 27/03 16:14
John Isner Top 10 tribute
Wed 21/03 05:08
Approach shots: On-fire Federer can pass Nadal in Miami
Thu 08/03 07:03
Approach shots: First Masters event of the year in Indian Wells
Tue 28/02 18:41
Approach Shots: Federer, Djokovic back in action
Mon 20/02 05:10
Approach Shots: Ferrer, Tsonga, Del Potro headline busy week
Sun 12/02 15:44
Approach Shots: Federer looks to rebound in Rotterdam
Thu 09/02 21:21
Approach Shots: Federer headlines Davis Cup first round
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same rules as yesterday apply: pick all four matches, winner and exact score
whoever gets the most correct (with scores as the tiebreaker) gets to be the semifinal guest picker
and everyone welcome kaitepai01 as today's guest picker!!!
RickyDimon , 4/16/10 1:07 AM