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  • Indianapolis Day 2 Preview

    7/15/08 7:25 AM | Ricky Dimon
    - A menu of distinct U.S.A. flavor will be on tap for Day 2 in Indianapolis. Two all-American matches will pit John Isner against Robert Kendrick and Vince Spadea against Donald Young.

    John Isner vs. Robert Kendrick

    Huge serves and short points should be the order of the day in this contest between Isner, who is 6'9'', and Kendrick, who is 6'3''. Isner put up strong fights in first-round losses at both the French Open and Wimbledon, to Juan Ignacio Chela and Ernests Gulbis respectively, but the big man was not competitive in a blowout loss to Jesse Levine last week in Newport. Kendrick, meanwhile, has not won a match at the ATP level this season. This is Isner's match to win or lose but he must serve well and he has to get off to a good start because he cannot be playing with much confidence at the moment.

    Vince Spadea vs. Donald Young

    Spadea and Young both have losing records this season (Spadea is 10-14 and Young is 6-11), so something's got to give when these two compatriots do battle for the first time in their careers. They have similar games, but Young is 15 years Spadea's junior and that could make the difference. This match will come down to Spadea's two-handed backhand against Young's forehand, but Spadea will have to be that much more error-free than his opponent since Young can get to a lot more balls at this point in his career. Spadea is tougher mentally, however, so Young better win in straight sets if he wants to advance.

    (5) Tommy Haas vs. Jesse Levine

    Haas is often injured and this season has been no different, yet the German played at Wimbledon after missing the French Open and he took Andy Murray to four sets in round three. Levine struggled on the U.S. hard courts earlier this year, but his victory over Isner in Newport was impressive even though he lost to Prakash Amritraj immediately thereafter. Haas should be able to overpower his opponent in this one, but he needs to serve well because Levine has a strong return and can take advantage if he gets a lot of looks at second deliveries.

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