Ricky Dimon

• Expert picks: Cincinnati third round

  2010-08-19 05:26:42
  

  With the U.S. Open just two weeks away, it's time for the return of Tennistalk's expert picks in preparation for the final Grand Slam of 2010. And what better way to start than with the third round of the Cincinnati Masters, as a host of blockbuster matchups are on Thursday's schedule.
  
  (4) Andy Murray vs. Ernests Gulbis
  
  Ricky: An ankle injury at the French Open halted the biggest hot streak of Gulbis' career, but the 21-year-old Latvian is still playing relatively well. Murray triumphed in Toronto and while he might tire out in Cincinnati, it probably won't come against Gulbis. Murray 7-6(4), 6-3.
  
  Cheryl: Ooooh, this could be a good one. The Murray that beat Feds and Nadal in Toronto was nowhere to be found on Wednesday. I think Gulbis is going to press him hard. The Latvian for the upset win. Gulbis 3-6, 7-5, 6-2.
  
  (2) Novak Djokovic vs. David Nalbandian
  
  Ricky: This looks like a 50-50 showdown with Nalbandian still borderline on fire and Djokovic having reached the Rogers Cup semifinals. The fact that they are playing in the heat of the day at 2:00 on Thursday could tip the scale in Nalbandian's favor if Djokovic runs into any breathing problems. Nalbandian 7-5, 4-6, 6-3.
  
  Cheryl: This is another interesting match, though it's interesting because neither guy is playing all that well. Nalbs was down a break when Isner had to retire on Wednesday. And Djokovic has just been off. I'm calling Nole on this one, mostly because Nalby looked tired to me. Djokovic 6-4, 6-4.
  
  (7) Marcos Baghdatis vs. Tomas Berdych
  
  Ricky: Berdych is one of the hottest players on tour right now and who knows how far he could have progressed in Toronto had he finished off Roger Federer in the quarters. Baghdatis is also in fine form and is dangerous on fast hard courts, but Berdych is on too much of a roll. Berdych 6-4, 7-6(5).
  
  Cheryl: I think this one might be the easiest pick of the bunch. Baghdatis has won two matches this week, but he's had to work awfully hard to do it and Berdych has looked pretty solid. The Czech through in straights. Berdych 7-5, 6-3.
  
  (6) Nikolay Davydenko vs. (10) David Ferrer
  
  Ricky: Back in the day of the "Big 3" (Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic), Davydenko and Ferrer spent several seasons battling it out for the No. 4 spot in the world. That's no longer the case, but they have taken turns playing unreal tennis (Davydenko last fall, Ferrer this spring). The quality won't be quite as good on Thursday, but if nothing else, it should be a baseline thriller. Ferrer 3-6, 6-4, 6-3.
  
  Cheryl: Davydenko has not been himself for most of 2010. While at his peak he's a better hard-court player, the Russian ISN'T at his peak. Ferrer can hold his own on hards too. Ferrer 6-3, 6-4.
  
  (5) Robin Soderling vs. (9) Andy Roddick
  
  Ricky: Roddick has been dealing with mono and he somehow lost a set to Sergiy Stakhovsky, but he beat Thiemo De Bakker in straights on Wednesday and looked really excited about the effort. Soderling did well to beat Lleyton Hewitt in three, but Roddick's ability to win free points on serve could be the difference. Roddick 4-6, 7-6(4), 7-5.
  
  Cheryl: THIS is the matchup of the day. Soderling has looked a touch shaky this week, but Roddick's game is one that doesn't give Sod so much difficulty. Roddick beat Soderling in three in Indian Wells; I think the Swede gets revenge on Thursday. Soderling 6-7(3), 7-5, 6-2.

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