Ricky Dimon of The Grandstand and Chris de Waard of Tennis Atlantic preview and pick the four best men’s singles matches on Friday at the Australian Open. All eight seeds have advanced in the second quarter of the bracket–among them are Roger Federer and Grigor Dimitrov.
(3) Roger Federer vs. (27) Grigor Dimitrov
Ricky: Federer is 4-0 in the head-to-head series and 8-1 in total sets. If there is any good news for Dimitrov, it’s that his lone set victory came earlier this month in Brisbane, where the Bulgarian dropped a quarterfinal clash 6-4, 6-7(4), 6-4. But an under-the-weather Federer was not 100 percent–and it showed in a 6-4, 6-4 loss to Milos Raonic two days later. The 34-year-old Swiss is back in business now, coming off straight-set Australian Open beatdowns of Nikoloz Basilashvili and Alexandr Dolgopolov. Dimitrov has been unspectacular in taking out Paolo Lorenzi and Marco Trungelliti. The underdog will raise his level to make this interesting, but Federer will seal the deal without too much trouble. Federer in 4; 6-3, 4-6, 6-4, 6-3.
Chris: If the first two rounds are anything to go by, it’s clear that Federer indeed was suffering from the flu during his first tournament of the year in Brisbane. He looked really flat throughout the tournament and was an easy prey for Raonic in the final, who wasn’t playing all that well, himself. However, despite not being 100-percent fit, Federer still managed to beat Dimitrov in the semifinals over three tough sets. Now that Federer is looking sharp again, it’s hard to imagine Dimitrov suddenly threatening him. Best-case scenario for Dimitrov is taking Federer to three tight sets again. Federer in 3.
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(6) Tomas Berdych vs. (29) Nick Kyrgios
Ricky: In terms of both competitiveness and quality, this should be the best match of the third round–and maybe of the entire tournament. Both guys have a history of success Down Under. Berdych has made two consecutive trips to the semifinals and has not lost prior to the quarters since 2010. Kyrgios made a memorable run to the last eight in 2015, saving match points in an epic fourth-rounder against Andreas Seppi in the process. Even better now (definitely on the court and maybe off it, too), the 20-year-old Aussie is primed for a big run. Getting to play Berdych in the third round instead of one of the top 4 is a huge opportunity. Kyrgios should be able to capitalize on it amidst what will be a wild and wacky atmosphere. Kyrgios in 5; 7-6(4), 5-7, 3-6, 6-3, 9-7.
Chris: By far the match of the day and probably even the match of the tournament so far. It might be one of those matches that will be decided by the crowd support. Berdych has fallen flat during big matches a lot in recent times, while Kyrgios is known to thrive under the spotlight–which will especially be a factor with everyone in the stadium rooting for Kyrgios. Tactically, Kyrgios will have to stay focussed and aggressive, especially trying to avoid lengthy backhand exchanges. I’m expecting magic. Kyrgios in 5.
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(19) Dominic Thiem vs. (15) David Goffin
Ricky: These two occasional doubles partners are becoming increasingly familiar foes on the singles court. They have faced each other five times–all since the summer of 2014. Goffin leads the head-to-head series 3-2, but Thiem has won two in a row (although one of the Austrian’s victories came via retirement). It would not be overly shocking to see Goffin struggle with physical problems once again. The Belgian dropped 10 of 11 games during a stretch in which he looked almost lifeless before suddenly righting the ship to beat Damir Dzumhur in four sets on Wednesday. Thiem has been outstanding in defeats of Leonardo Mayer and Nicolas Almagro. The ball-striking in this one is going to be phenomenal, but Goffin will eventually wilt under his opponent’s offensive onslaught. Thiem 5-7, 6-3, 7-6(3), 6-1.
Chris: This is one of those funny and overlooked rivalries. Over the course of 2014 and 2015, they faced each other six times–with Goffin taking the first four meetings and Thiem the last two. Goffin looked to be a bad matchup for Thiem, but in my eyes it was simply a case of different career trajectories. Thiem is only getting better and on his way to the top 10, while Goffin seems unlikely to advance further than his current place between 15 and 20 in the world. Thiem has his power game more under control these days and should be able to hit Goffin off the court, like he did during his comfortable 7-5, 6-2 victory over the Belgian in the Gstaad final last year. Thiem in 4.
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(24) Marin Cilic vs. (12) Roberto Bautista Agut
Ricky: One-slam wonders are often overrated. Cilic’s 2014 U.S. Open triumph has actually resulted in exactly the opposite. He consistently receives unfair criticism for failing to back up his major triumph; “fluke” is a word often thrown around. The truth, of course, is that Cilic was plagued by injury immediately thereafter and should not be so underrated. He almost finished in the top 10 last year despite missing basically all of the first three months with shoulder problems. Bautista Agut has been in absolute warrior mode this year. He captured the Auckland title last week and has won consecutive five-setters in Melbourne against Martin Klizan and Dusan Lajovic. Cilic got off to a slow start against Thiemo De Bakker but has been dominant ever since. The Croat is going to blast a worn-out Bautista Agut off the court. Cilic 6-2, 7-6(6), 6-2.
Chris: Bautista Agut struggled enormously to start the tournament, needing five sets against both Klizan and Lajovic. Cilic endured a similar struggle in the first round against Thiem De Bakker, coming within one point of going down 2-0 in sets, but recovered and hasn’t dropped a set since. These two guys played each other in the Moscow final in both 2014 and 2015, with Cilic winning 6-4 6-4 on both occasions. Taking all these factors into consideration, it’s hard to see Cilic facing a lot of resistance. Cilic in 3.
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Baaaah, I’m kicking myself for picking Kyrgios over Berdych in the tourneytopia pool.
Kyrgios is a mental midget and Berdych just stays the course. I remember going against my instinct when I made that pick.
Kyrgios is the new Monfils.
I also way underestimated Goffin (nothing new) and overrated Thiem (new).
Thiem will be very good but still very green.
Goffin is 25 and No. 16 in the world.
He may very probably get top 10 but Ricky is overstating it when he says he will be Top 10 for many years to come. He has to get there first and he ain’t no spring chicken.
And while I like his raw talent, Kyrgios is a moron.
Frustrating to watch talent like that squandered. He wouldn’t have a chance against Fed either.
I’ve got nothing for a rebuttal at this time.
I have to agree about Krygios. Sorry to say it and don’t mean to offend anyone who likes him. There is no question that he is talented, but I have real doubts as to whether he will realize his potential.
The guy’s behavior and attitude is quite poor.
^NNY: More than ‘quite poor’. It’s obnoxius IMO. The hype and publicity have gone to his head. I hate his bang wham thank you ma’am style of play and his sulky, petulant behaviour when he falls behind on the scoreboard.
ed,
You and I have always been in agreement about Krygios. I am sticking to what I believe about how tennis players should conduct themselves on the court.
I must agree, such a waste of talent…he never seemed serious in this match…at times I thought he was there only to have fun and nothing else… Mental midget he is…I am glad Berdy won…
waste of talent? the guy is 20 years old.
Ricky,
So you don’t think his bad attitude and behavior is a problem for him and may cause him not to do well in this sport? The guy has talent, but it takes more than that. He has to put in the hard work just like the top guys. He also needs to control himself on the court. I am not writing him off at this point, but I just don’t know if he is going to make it in this sport. There is still time. No question about that.
no
Waste of talent because he could have beaten Berdy easily if he took it seriously… He could have been in top 15 by now but his immaturity wouldn’t let him…I am afraid he will never grow up! This was his bih chance, home GS, the crowd loving him and he blew it…
um, the Australian Open is EVERY year. Not once every 10 years. He already made the quarterfinals. Will play it 10 more times IN HIS PRIME. He didn’t blow anything.
Hahahaha. This was his chance lol. Sure it’s not like he’s gonna have about ten more chances in which he will have a much better chance than this year.
No, he didn’t blow anything yet, but he is in the process of doing so with zero signs of change.
#HoldingPattern
It’s not a holding pattern with Nick. It’s more like hiking in scree – 2 steps forward, 1 step backward. I’m as frustrated as anyone that Kyrgios didn’t beat Berdych but I didn’t call it right.I failed to consider more about Berdych, who has his side of the story. He’s got Andy Murray’s old team behind him – have to expect he’s going to put more effort in for awhile, anyway, an go after an upstart like Nick. Berdych has pride – he’s been in the top ten for how long? He just sucks when he plays Nole, Rafa, Andy, and even old Roger. I mean he’s not Rosol or anything. Do you think? or don’t you?
Well, I just don’t see any sign of maturing from what I’ve watched.
He was ridiculously childish today which takes energy and had to be a distraction on some level for him (rather than a strategy to distract his opponent as some have said).
I agree on Berdych though who usually beats the guys he’s supposed to beat.
Ricky,
No, what? I don’t get what you are saying. Are you saying that you don’t agree with me that his bad attitude and behavior may cause him problems in this sport? As a matter of fact, they already have. He just got lucky that this time he wasn’t suspended.
Look at the difference between the maturity of Rafa, Nole and Muzza and how seriously they took the sport at a young age.
Kyrgios may be 20 but mentally, he’s stuck in junior high.
And with absolutely zero evidence of maturing any time soon which is key.
Murray? hahahahahahahahahaahaha.
Yah. Murray.
You know the guy that had a 6-2 record vs peak Fed when he was just 21 years old – a year older than “only 20” Kyrgios.
#CheckYourFactsNextTime
Kyrgios may be a little immature but he’s good for the game. And the guy is improving his attitude every day it seems. He didn’t smash his racket after the Berdych match or yell or anything he seemed pretty down but he wasn’t a total jerk. He had every right to be beyond mad too he wasn’t able to play well at big moments in that match it seemed. His ceiling is higher than high. I’m gonna say he probably has a very good chance of getting more slams than Murray. I didn’t see Murray when he was a young gun though because I was in elementary school at that point and didn’t watch tennis yet so I don’t really know how good he was then. He is part of the generation with Novak Rafa and Roger though so he has it tougher than Nick I guess. Sorry that was kind of a mini rant I guess but I’m a fan of Nick so I guess that’s why I’m kinda defending him here. I just think people give him a bit too much wrap at times. Not saying some of his actions like the Montreal thing with Stan is excusable though. I feel like he’s improved his game and attitude since then though. By the way didn’t Murray have a bad temper when he was younger too?
He’s definitely good for the game no doubt.
I don’t see the improvements in consistency or maturity though.
At almost 31, he’s No. 30 which is very respectable. As I said, he can win a few slams.
But he has the raw talent to potentially win 10+ IMO.
At the same age, Sampras was No. 3, Nole was No. 3, Murray was No. 9, Fed was No. 11.
At 19 Rafa was No. 2!!!
So yeah, he may win a few slams, but he could do so much more as I’ve seen him do things that I’ve not seen from anyone else but occasional brilliance is not enough.
Consistency and mental strength is what separates the true tennis legends from the next tier.
And that’s just how good I thought he could be, but the odds aren’t going in the right direction.
I was trying to be polite, but hawks said it best when he called him a moron. A talented one, but still a moron.
Exactly. Kyrgios has used his talent extremely well he’s already made two slam QFs and has wins over Rafa and fed and even Murray in exhibition. Berdych is more of a wasted talent than Kyrgios. Not saying Berdych is a wasted talent but he’s more so than Kyrgios considering he’s 30 and never has won a slam and has only been to one final.
Nick’s talent is way bigger than Berdy’s! He is GS material and he sure will have plenty of chances in the future! However, my thinking is that he could have distinguished himself from the likes of Thiem and Goffin as he has much more to offer already at the age of 20!..Beating Birdman and then making Fed work hard and even beating him to meat No 1 player in the world would have been fantastic for the young hope… He would be even more motivated to do well in the future…
Big names in sports take their chances when they are offered one…mediocre players settle with slow progress and little improvements.,,the thing is that I really think Nick can progress at faster pace but he seems indifferent about it..,that is so unfortunate..,
But I sure understand Fed’s fan being happy sbout Nick going home and not having a shot at the old fox.,,?
I am not comparing Berdy and Krygios. Two entirely different players in different circumstances. Berdy has never won a lot of titles and been able to break through into the top four. He hasn’t been mentally strong enough to do it. But he’s worked on that aspect of his game. He had a lot of potential, but there are other things required to be a champion.
Kyrgios may be only 20, not yet 21, but if he continues to behave like he has then I don’t see him achieving what he could in this sport. Raw talent will only take you so far.
I acknowledge that he is quite gifted and has enormous potential. But I don’t like him. I don’t like his bratty attitude and his sense of entitlement. That’s just how I see it. Others are free to disagree and have their own opinion.
Haha new monfils. The guy’s 20 not 27 just keep that in mind. I see your point though but I disagree that Ricky is far fetched in saying that NK will be in top 10 for many years. That’s more than likely. He’s got #1 potential to be honest if he can mature which he probably will as he’s only 20. I get how NNY says he has that kind of sense of entitlement but he will grow out of that and mature. I would be super surprised if he doesn’t lessen the attitude. I don’t see him staying all immature and stuff for his whole career which is what people seem to think right now. Also Kyrgios thrives on the big stage so why is everyone calling him a mental midget? Yes he has shown some bad mental performances but he’s also shown some good ones like when he came back to beat Seppi last year and when he beat fed in Madrid and even when he had that amazing serve performance against Nadal. Also his confidence and arrogance could be toned down but it’s actually good for him to be super confident like that as well. He has wins over Rafa Roger and Andy in exho. The other young guns don’t really have those kinds of wins and I think a big reason is that Kyrgios has a great build and power play and all that talent of course but also he has so much belief. That mindset of his comes across badly at times but it also helps him get big wins like this because he has insane confidence in his abilities. Belief is the most important thing u can have in order to beat the top players and be one of the best. Prime example would be the surge of the Stanimal over the past few years. He knows he can beat anyone when he is playing well so now he has won one slam each of the past two years.
Well Rafa, Novak and Murray, even Berdy had beaten the no.1 player when they were teenagers.
Berdych has his talent but he’s not mentally strong. Comparing him to Kygrios is not fair because Berdych plays in the era of the big four his entire career. He’s a consistent top ten player for the past six years, reached as high as no.4. He’s the best player after the big four plus Stan.
Among the young guns, Coric also has wins over Rafa and Murray; Thiem has his over Stan. However that’s not proof enough for great things to come. Raonic, Kei, Dimi all had their wins during their early 20s over the big four member(s) but until now, while they’re in the top ten (albeit not consistently except for Kei) they couldnt progress past the big four and Stan.
I think let Kygrios gen prove it first vs the Dimi gen before we expect big things from their generation.
I am proud that I stuck to my guns and went with Berdy!
Congratulations to me! I picked him in tourneytopia, too! I did believe that he would beat Krygios here. I can’t wait to see the replay of this match later today.
It’s good to go with one’s gut and instincts!
NNY, presumably the problem for most people here in the tourneytopia is that they they picked rafa to go through at least to the semis and often the final.
one of the reasons i didn’t want to do it was because i didn’t want to pick against him but i would have picked stan for sure…(nevermind the fact that i thought he was going out early)
amy,
Yes, that’s the problem with me. I decided for the first time to do tourneytopia and picked Rafa to get to the final. I just went with it. It’s not that I couldn’t pick against him, though. I really thought he had a good shot to at least get through to the semis and maybe the final. That’s why I was so upset when he lost. I really thought Rafa would do well here.
I thought Rafa would beat Stan. Picking him to beat Murray was harder, but I went for it. So that will mess up my bracket.
nny, well you never know whether stan or stanimal will show up so i can understand that. will be interesting to see how andy will play…i did think it would also be tough for rafa to beat stan and andy back to back given that i reckoned if he got through he would have continued his habit of letting sets slide and playing long matches..
amy,
But you warned me that Rafa could lose to Verdasco. I didn’t see it coming. I felt that it could be tricky and might be difficult, but I honestly never expected to see what I saw. That’s why I have been having such a tough time. You had it right. For whatever reason, I just did not see it coming. Maybe I should have.
I should have been born in Missouri.
I had Rafa going out in the quarters (given that he hasn’t reached a semi in his last six (now seven) slam efforts.
#ShowMe
hahahha…you crack me up, hawkstra
Just call me #DjokerHawkstra.
Yes, Nny! To the head of the pool you go, see?
For awhile, I think. What I see Hawk does is pick against Rafa. That’s an insurance policy for the pointy end of the tournament. Rafa loses; Hawk wins the pool hehehehe…. I do it too sometime, but not lately.
ratcliff,
Are you kidding me? For real?
I guess Hawks is smarter than me for picking against Rafa. But I honestly thought he would get a good result here. That’s why I have been so bummed out since he lost.
I never thought I would do in a bracket challenge.
rc knows me too well. I’m pretty transparent.
That’s why I’m regretting picking Nole over Fed in the semis. Should have picked fed.
Pool glory be damned!
Congrats rc for picking Grisha to win a set.
Still don’t know how that happened.
ratcliff,
I went on there and don’t see me at the top. Do you have the link? Maybe something was updated. I just don’t see it.
Nny, it takes forever for Tournytopia or Tennis channel to update the standings…have to wait all day or they could do it soon. You never know. But each round gets more important for every pick you get right. Not picking Berd will cost Hawkstradamus and me.
Nny – Our Pool link.
http://www.tourneytopia.com/RacquetBracketAussieOpenATP/TheGrandstand2016/default.aspx
And, if you don’t log out, you can search tourneytopia and you end up on the Tourneytopia main page and your username should be at the top, kinda to the right. This is funny – hawk already has changed his username how many times? More than I change my avatar, almost. Like a mood ring, anyway.
ratcliff,
I see you and hawks tied for #1 and I am second right behind both of you. If you noticed, I did change my name. It’s my middle name and that’s what everyone I know calls me. So it’s still me, same last name.
Way to go, nny! Beat hawkeye! I am cheereing for you! ?
I’m cheering for NE1butDD. 🙂
Do you???
(Hope I’m not banned again.)
??? ?
nats,
Careful, don’t jinx me! I have very tough competition! 🙂
I saw as much of Fed and Dimi as I could before I had to go to sleep. When Fed took control of the third set, I figured he would win. I didn’t think Dimi could take a set off him, but he played well in the second set. Fed just came right back and just blew him away in that third set.
I made the mistake of underestimating Goffin. Now I wonder why I picked him over Thiem, who is more inconsistent. I also picked Thiem in my bracket.
ratcliff,
Well done to you for picking Dimi to win a set. I went back and forth on that one, but thought Fed was just too good.
Ricky will jump to 2nd in the tourneytopia pool gaining 12 points (four 3rd round picks correct).
Perhaps he chose the right moniker after all.
The pool winner will all come down to the Stan Murray section of the draw. I have CryBaby and Phoenix Rising has Muzza. Whoever’s player goes deeper from here will win the pool.
Could go either way. Muzza looking unstoppable thus far.
Dunno who I’d prefer in the final. Probably Stan as he has a better chance to beat Fed (Nole too for that matter) in Australia than Murray.
However I like Murray much more than Stan as a player.
Won’t know who I’m for in that semi should it happen, until the match starts.
The heart wants what it wants.
(Am guessing I will cheer for Andy.)
I like Andy way better but he will not be focused given that he is soon to be a father…I don’t like Stan but I admire hiim for his gutsy performance against Nole at RG.,,so let the best man win!
And his gutsy performance Fed at RG too!!! 🙂
Vamos Stanimal!!!!
^^^^Correction: Vamos CryBaby!!!
??
As for “CryBaby”, this word reminds me that Mrs. Mirka couldn’t keep her mouth shut during the Fed-Waw match at the 2014 WTF and called Waw ‘crybaby’ after he complained about that. Mrs. Mirka’s husband should have been fined for that (according to ATP Rulebook, pages 177 & 178).
Who is Ricky on tourneytopia?
Damn ratcliff. Whatchoo talkin’ ’bout. You are the new tourneytopia pool leader!!!!
I’ve been dethroned!!!
Actually, it’s a tie I believe but Phoenix is OTR.
Tourneytopia updated for the day. We are tied um…hawk, Lol your avatar…, followed closely by 1st time bracketeer, Nny, and a wily expert Phoenix Rising, whoever that is. 😀
Ah the Big Four are at the top again where they should be.
Or Gang of Four.
Dunno why you get top billing over me however.
Doesn’t seem right to Me.
#Humb2e
Oooh just noticed Ricky has Tsonga and we have Kei.
That could be trouble too.
Don’t think you can practically pass me rc (unless Simon beats Nole or Goffin beats Roger).
Stay calm – let me soak it up. I won’t be there long!
Haven’t don the math but there’s red all over me bracket.
nny has Tsonga, Berdych and Isner so she’s a definite dark horse just laying low acting all who me?
#DangerousFloatersAreEverywhere!!!
Nice caricature of Nick you’ve found there rc.
hawks,
You are killing me today! 🙂
I haven’t checked my picks recently, so thanks for reminding me who I picked.
Dark horse laying low? All who me? LOL!
This is my first time in one of these bracket things. I just did not want to embarrass myself. I know that I won’t win, but at least so far I have done well. Whether I will ever do this again, remains to be seen! 🙂
Yeah yeah, SURE nny.
Starting to think I’m being hustled.
#NE1ButDD
Hawks,
Who is DD?
No, you are not being hustled!
There was no atmosphere at the Berdych v Kyrgios match. Not the usual fan support the Aus players have had there. I don’t think Berdych could have handled it and Kyrgios would have lifted his energy & focus earlier. It would have been a completely different game. Lucky for Berdych the crowd came D.O.A.
I tend to agree…surprisingly the crowd was not as loud and wild as I thought they would be…it could have been different..
That does not surprise me at all. Even his hometown fans can’t really get behind him.
Checking the match scores, I am surprise that RBA beat Cilic. Didn’t see that one coming.
He’s been in fantastic form having taken the title in Auckland so I had him beating Cilic at start of tournament. Then I chose Cilic on daily picks because of Bautista’s five set battles in round one and two. Thankfully I had him winning over Marin in tourney topia. Anyways that guy has incredible fitness. He kinda reminds me of Robredo in that sense. Also they’re both Spanish lol. All I know is I’ll be backing RBA for the upset against Berdych in round four. VAMOSSSS!!!
It’s true that RBA was in great form in Auckland. I did see that. But I just thought that Cilic would be too much for him. However, this is not the Cilic of 2014, the year he won the USO.
RBA has had his ups and downs but right now he’s on a nice roll. It remains to be seen how long it lasts. I did pick Cilic in my bracket, so for me it would have been him against Berdy. But I am sticking with Berdy.