Article

  • A nice Tuesday in Houston

    4/15/08 4:49 AM | Jonathan Morgan
    - After Harrison's huge win on Monday, more Americans will look to grab wins, including Vince Spadea, John Isner, and Mardy Fish.

    Vince Spadea vs. Agustin Calleri

    When looking at the draw simply, Calleri seems to be the player to beat at this event, and just on paper, should be the tournament favorite. But of course, that is why they actually play the matches, and not give Agustin the trophy now. These two's head to head is 2-2, but they haven't played in over 4 years. Calleri is a much more accomplished player on the clay, and has had some solid results this year on the dirt as well. Spadea has played the Houston event the past 2 years, reaching the Quarterfinals both times, while it is Calleri's first Houston tournament. The American crowd has spurned their home talent to some wild wins here in the past, and Spadea can win, but Calleri should be too much.

    Mardy Fish vs. Rainer Schuettler

    Mardy Fish has been riding high the past month since defeating Federer in Indian Wells and reaching the finals. Fish actually won this event in 2006, having a walkover Schuettler in the 2nd round 2 years ago. Rainer's form has been deplorable on any surface in recent years and is playing mainly on the challengers. Anything can happen, but Fish should have no problem winning here and moving on to the next round.

    Sergio Roitman vs. John Isner

    Big serving John Isner will bring his game to the clay courts for the first time since he became a staple on the tour last summer. How will his game translate? Will he be able to dominate on serve and squeak out tiebreaks? Or will he be annihilated in the baseline rallies? Roitman should win all the rallies that go beyond 2 strokes, but his form has also been questionable this season. Sergio will have the upper hand, but this is another one that can go either way.

    Marcel Granollers-Pujol vs. Ernests Gulbis

    Gulbis, the young Lativan standout much prefers a faster surface, but isn't completely clueless on clay either. As for his opponent, Grannolers-Pujol (MGP), he is the definition of a clay court specialist. He plays almost exclusively on the dirt, with the Australian Open being his only non-clay event this year. He has already won a challenger on clay, and made the final of another one this year. He is the better clay court player than Gulbis and should take this.

Tell a friend »

Comments


Write comment

You have to be logged in to comment. If you do not have an account, click here to register. It only takes a minute and you'll be redirected back to this page.
Username:

Password: