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6/12/08 5:22 AM | Cheryl Murray
Lleyton Hewitt (11) vs. Paul-Henri Mathieu (7)
Frenchman Paul-Henri Mathieu has had a good year in 2008. He reached the semi-finals in Marseille (hardcourt) and a semi-final in Munich (clay). He also advanced to the round of 16 in both Grand Slam events. His game is better suited to slower surfaces. Hewitt's year has not gone well at all. His ranking has dropped down to thirty in the world, in part due to a hip injury that he' struggled with on and off over the course of his career. Hewitt has posted two impressive straight set wins at Queens Club this week. As a four time chamion, Hewitt certainly knows how to win on the quick grass. His groundstrokes will most likely prove to be too much for Mathieu to handle. Hewitt in 2.
David Nalbandian (4) vs. Nicolas Mahut
David Nalbandian may have the toughest third round opponent of the top seeds. France's Nicolas Mahut decimated the draw last year and forged his way all the way to the final. Once there he pushed eventual winner Andy Roddick to the limit with his huge serve. Nalbandian enjoys faster surfaces, having won two Masters shields in 2007 on quick hardcourts in Paris and Madrid. The key to the match for Nalbandian will be how well he can cope with Mahut's serve. Mahut, in turn, will have to deal with Nalbandian's backhand. This one is likely an upset in the making. Mahut in three.
Richard Gasquet (5) vs. Mario Ancic
Richard Gasquet had a relatively easy second round match against clay-courter Simone Bolleli - he will not enjoy the same ease with Mario Ancic. Ancic has the distinction of being the last man to have beaten Roger Federer on grass, a feat he accomplished at Wimbledon back in 2002. Gasquet and Ancic have played twice and split wins, but Gasquet has the edge in head to head wins, because he beat the Croat at this very tournament in 2005. These are different times, however. Gasquet is struggling with his game, sitting out the French Open this year due to stress. Ancic's ranking has slipped to 44 in the world, but he is always a dangerous opponent on grass. The grass at Queens Club suits Gasquet's game - if he can keep his mental game on target, he should be able to pull out the win. Gasquet in three.
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Did you know that... Roger Federer and golf superstar Tiger Woods are good friends.
sstay, Sep 8, 2008 9:32 AM
mara2, Sep 8, 2008 7:00 AM
RafaNadalGirl20, Sep 8, 2008 6:50 AM
BernieEliza, Sep 8, 2008 5:47 AM
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DdV, Sep 7, 2008 5:43 PM
DdV, Sep 7, 2008 5:36 PM
Did you know that... Benjamin Becker was given the ATP-tour's rookie of the year award in 2006.
sstay, Sep 8, 2008 9:32 AM
mara2, Sep 8, 2008 7:00 AM
RafaNadalGirl20, Sep 8, 2008 6:50 AM
BernieEliza, Sep 8, 2008 5:47 AM
BernieEliza, Sep 8, 2008 5:42 AM
kaitepai, Sep 8, 2008 6:04 AM
DdV, Sep 7, 2008 5:43 PM
DdV, Sep 7, 2008 5:36 PM
