David Ferrer and Kevin Anderson will continue their treks toward the weekend in Acapulco. Standing in their way of the semifinals are Bernard Tomic and Viktor Troicki, respectively.
Bernard Tomic vs. (2) David Ferrer
Ferrer and Tomic will be going head-to-head for the third time in their careers when they clash in the quarterfinals of the Abierto Mexicano Telcel on Thursday. Both of their previous encounters–also on hard courts–have gone Ferrer’s way; 6-3, 6-4 at the 2010 Kuala Lumpur event and 6-4, 6-4 three years ago in Miami.
Thanks in part to a clean bill of health after a tumultuous 2014 campaign, Tomic is fourth on the ATP Tour in wins this season with 14. So far in Acapulco, the 42nd-ranked Australian has taken out Adrian Mannarino and Benjamin Becker. Ferrer earned his place in the last eight by defeating both Igor Sijsling and Marinko Matosevic in straight sets. The 32-year-old Spaniard is an incredible 15-1 for the season. A three-time champion and one-time runner-up in this city when the tournament was held on clay, Ferrer at the moment is playing like it does not matter what surface is under his feet.
Pick: Ferrer in 3
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(4) Kevin Anderson vs. Viktor Troicki
Sweltering, windy conditions will be of no detriment to Ferrer and they should help Troicki against Anderson, as well. Outside elements–especially wind–tend to have more of an adverse impact on big severs. Troicki not only has the power to hit through the conditions but also the consistency to deal with them. Even more importantly, the 43rd-ranked Serb remains in resurgent form during his comeback from a year-long suspension. Troicki is 12-3 for the season following routine wins this week over and Daniel Garza and Santiago Giraldo.
The runner-up at this tournament in 2014, Anderson is in the midst of an up-and-down year. He has already lost three matches to opponents at least 40 spots lower than him in the rankings, but he also reached the fourth round of the Australian Open and the title match in Memphis. Anderson secured a spot in the Acapulco quarterfinals by beating Dustin Brown in straights and Steve Johnson in three. A well-rested, confident Troicki will be an even tougher test of the 15th-ranked South African.
Pick: Troicki in 3
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Anderson for the win.
Tomic would have to play an absolute blinder and dial the aggression up several notches to trouble Ferrer. Daveed in 2.
I like Ferrer in straight and Ason in 3.
The boy, Harrison, appears to have growed up………
I like his attitude and game on court. Playing Ferru tight right now. Nice to see a bunch of youngsters finally showing up.
real good so far. should have already won the set.
He gets the 1st set. Who is commentating in Acapulco? Atrocious. He is totally ignoring the FACT that Harrison is playing very, very well and going on about how Ferru is off colour, no credit to Harrison. Not fair. The reason Ferru is leaking so many errors is because Harrison is putting him under pressure so much.
not sure.
Whoa! If Harrison continues playing like this, with this sort of attitude, I may become a fan……..
Bamos!
RT @AmyFetherolf : “I’ve never been so excited to watch a match between David Ferrer and Ryan Harrison.”
Colour me surprised, me too……..
I was happy to see Harrison beat Dimitrov. He’s needed a victory like that for a long time to try and turn things around. I hated to see Harrison slipping down into oblivion in the rankings. The kid always had talent, but seemed lost on the court.
Now it seems that he may be starting to find his way back. Good for him!
Whatever happens in this match, I am firmly on Team Harrison!
Shame he appears to be tiring. I hear he came into the tournament ailing, so not surprised if he begins to tire now.
#TeamHarrison
Buenos Aires SF previews and picks: Nadal vs. Berlocq, Monaco vs. Almagro – https://tenngrand.com/2015/02/28/buenos-aires-sf-previews-and-picks-nadal-vs-berlocq-monaco-vs-almagro/
strategic tank to rest up for the 3rd
Well done young man! Get some rest and focus on your stamina……
Ferrer. Oh my god.
Congrats little beast. Straight sets over Special Kei for the title.
After K.Nishikori’s loss in Acapulco:
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B-_M6psUsAAVkYB.png
Well done to Ferrer for this win! Nishi didn’t play the way we know he can, but full credit to Ferrer for getting the job done.
There is going to be some jockeying back and forth with #3, 4 and 5 in the rankings. Very close. At least for now Rafa is #3.