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  • Fiery Quarterfinal Day In Memphis

    2/29/08 1:22 PM | Jonathan Morgan
    - Donald Young will look to build on his first ATP Quarterfinal by making a semi. Stepanek is in action as well as others.

    Steve Darcis vs. Benjamin Becker

    Becker is coming off of a tough 7-5 in the 3rd victory over Tommy Haas while Darcis took out Melzer. Becker and Darcis have never played before, but Becker should have the advantage here. He showed great power and mental toughness beating Haas in the previous round, albeit Haas being injured. Becker hasn't had great results thus far this year, in fact, this is the first time either player has had back-to-back wins this season. Becker will look to dominate the baseline rallies and attack the Belgian's 2nd serve. Darcis is more of a claycourter but he's got some hard court skills. Becker should win this one, though.

    Jonas Bjorkman vs. Donald Young

    The wily old veteran Bjorkman took out in the previous round Sam Querrey in a 3rd set tiebreak. It was a tough win for the Swede and he's got a great shot to make the semis. Donald Young, the long touted, heavily talented, young lefty has won his first back to back wins on the ATP circuit. Donald Young looked good against a player with some good hard court credentials in Falla. Young will try to wear out the old man Bjorkman by moving him around with his unique combo of touch and power. Whether or not he can sustain it for the whole match is yet to be seen.

    Radek Stepanek vs. Chris Guccione

    Stepanek last week made the finals of the San Jose event before losing to Roddick and has looked good this week as well. Guccione looked solid in his win over another old Swede in Thomas Johansson in the previous round without even facing a break point. Guccione will try to dominate on serve and keep the points short. Ironically, so will Stepanek. Stepanek will have the advantage from the baseline, and his volleys are sublime. Stepanek will have the better shot in this match as he is simply better than Guccione. Guccione's only shot is to serve out of his mind and take it to a few tiebreaks and hopefully take it.

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