Ricky Dimon of The Grandstand and Pete Ziebron of Tennis Acumen preview and pick the four men’s singles matches on Sunday at the Australian Open. Roger Federer is back in action against David Goffin.
(3) Roger Federer vs. (15) David Goffin
Ricky: Goffin had some near-disastrous mental walkabouts in the first two rounds but survived both in four. He also needed four sets to beat Dominic Thiem on Friday but that featured a much better performance in a very high-quality match. Federer won in four in the third round, as well, in a mediocre showing against Grigor Dimitrov. Facing his idol for the fourth time, Goffin should be less psyched out than he was in the previous meetings. But he is 0-3 lifetime against Federer and that will be 0-4 after this one–but not before flashes of outstanding play from both guys. Federer 6-4, 4-6, 6-1, 6-3.
Pete: Has it really been nearly four years since a relatively unknown Goffin stole the first set in his fourth-round match against his idol Federer at Roland Garros? It has been that long and after a rough patch a few years ago, the trajectory of Goffin’s world ranking has climbed steadily. Both Federer and Goffin played four-set matches in the third round. For Federer, dropping a set was most likely a slight wakeup call and he responded mightily, dropping just five games the rest of the way against Dimitrov. Goffin meanwhile, had to scratch and claw his way to victory against Thiem in one of the more entertaining matches this fortnight. Following the match, Goffin even playfully boasted that he could play his next match that same day. Getting back to reality, expect a near carbon-copy of Federer’s performance against Dimitrov in this match. Federer 6-3, 4-6, 6-2, 6-3.
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(9) Jo-Wilfried Tsonga vs. (7) Kei Nishikori
Ricky: These are two of the most talented, most injury-plagued stars on tour. Tsonga (knee) was the one who dealt with physical problems during the offseason, but now it is Nishikori (wrist) who is question mark. All things being equal, this should be a good one. They faced each other at the same stage of this same tournament in 2012 and it went to five sets, with Nishikori prevailing. Aside from Nishikori’s minor injury scare against Guillermo Garcia-Lopez, both men have been in stellar form through three rounds. Tsonga, who loves it Down Under, is just barely a safer pick. Tsonga 6-3, 4-6, 6-7(4), 6-3, 6-2.
Pete: Tsonga and Nishikori have met twice before in majors and both have gone the distance, with Nishikori coming back from a two set to one deficit to win four years ago in Melbourne and Tsonga winning last year at Roland Garros. The last round featured familiar scenes involving the players: the trainer was once again called by Nishikori, while Tsonga hit yet another inexplicable one-handed backhand for a winner at a crucial point. Tsonga blasted 23 aces two days ago, while Nishikori managed just a single ace through the first three sets before finishing with five. In short, Tsonga is playing well and too many questions currently cloud the physical ability and reliability of Nishikori’s game, especially as the tournament progresses and he must face better talent. The former Australian Open finalist will prevail. Tsonga 7-6(4), 4-6, 6-3, 7-5.
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(24) Roberto Bautista Agut vs. (6) Tomas Berdych
Ricky: A lot of people–me included–thought this would be Marin Cilic vs. Nick Kyrgios. Not so much. Bautista Agut has been on fire of late and Berdych was too good for Kyrgios. At what point is the Spaniard’s run going to end? He won the Auckland title, survived consecutive five-setters on Melbourne, then upset Cilic on Friday. With a 2-3 record against Berdych, Bautista Agut will certainly have belief. But the Czech positively thrives at this tournament and his power may be too much. Berdych 3-6, 6-4, 6-2, 7-6(5).
Pete: So far this January, Bautista Agut has recorded wins over heavy-hitters such as Tsonga, Cilic, John Isner, and Daniel Brands. He also claimed the Auckland title a few weeks ago. Next up is yet another blaster from the baseline in Berdych, who ousted Kyrgios in the second round. Berdych has fared well at the Australian Open, reaching the semis each of the last two years. He also reached the quarters for three consecutive years before finally advancing to the semis in ’14. More recently, Berdych played a highly competitive match against Djokovic in the Doha semis earlier this month. The favorite’s experience, particularly in Melbourne, provides him with a significant advantage in this fourth-round encounter. Berdych 6-4, 6-3, 5-7, 6-3.
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(1) Novak Djokovic vs. (14) Gilles Simon
Ricky: Djokovic leads the head-to-head series 9-1 and it is arguably even more lopsided than that score suggests. That’s because the top-ranked Serb has won eight in a row at Simon’s expense after losing their first showdown back in 2008. Djokovic has done just enough so far in Melbourne to advance without dropping a set. When necessary, he will raise his level–and it may be necessary against Simon. Expect plenty of entertaining rallies, but Djokovic will obviously be way too good for this familiar foe. Djokovic 6-4, 7-5, 6-4.
Pete: Since dropping their first meeting way back in 2008, Djokovic has won nine consecutive matches against Simon. After going 27-1 in majors last year, Djokovic is determined to keep his stranglehold on the ATP field and will relish the fact that the competition will continue to get stronger as he continues to advance in the draw. Simon is fortunate to still be playing in Melbourne, as Donskoy wasted golden opportunities to eliminate the Frenchman in the second round. That said, Simon is indeed alive in the draw and will play like the 14th seed that he is in this match. Unfortunately for the underdod, he is facing Djokovi–who currently has all of the answers against any and all opponents. Djokovic 6-3, 6-4, 6-3.
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who ya got?
Djoker in straights losing 11-13 games Tsonga in four Roger in straights with at least one breaker and Berdych in four
Djoker in 3 (losing 10-12 games)
Tsonga in 4 (Nishikori’s health problems)
Berdych in 5 (would love to pick RBA, but feel the Cilic win was more about Cilic’s failure and not RBA’s form)
Fed in 4 (Goffin steals the first set, Fed rolls from there)
Federer in 4 sets at most but most likely in 3 sets
Djokovic in 3
Nishikori in 4
Berdych in 4
I want Berdych to win because Berdych vs Federer should be more competitive than Federer Vs Bautista. Nishikori is more consistent unless he is injured he should beat Tsonga.
Fed in 4, Tsonga in 4, Nole in 3, Berdych in 3.
Fed in 4 sets over Goffin.
Tsonga over Nishi in 4 sets.
I am sticking with Berdy over RBA. I am just not sure if he will do it in 3 or 4 sets. I will go with 4 sets.
Novak in 3 sets over Simon, losing 11-13 games.
Tsonga seemed more confident towards the end of that first set. Kei not closing it out right away may be worse for him than he thinks because Jo started getting confidence and serving better even after he lost the set he jogged to his chair casually knowing that he should just keep up the way he was starting to play at the end of the set. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him jump out to an early lead in this second set after he got some momentum and all. And if he doesn’t go out to a lead I still think he will be extremely tougher to break in this second set.
Haha scratch that. I was way off there lol. Nishikori cruising looking super sharp and full of confidence that hiccup at the end of the first was nothing to be worried about for him considering he is dominating now. This is some of the best I’ve seen him play in a while I would say.
As I sad a couple of days ago Kei looking good and playing great tennis. It seems his injury is no longer a factor which makes him extremely dangerous for anyone including Novak!
Kei can sure make this AO very entertaining at the end… ?
I made a huge mistake picking Tsonga. I wasn’t sure about Kei’s form. Tsonga can look good, but is also so inconsistent. I am all for Kei being back to good form again. He can be a dangerous player when he’s on. The issue for him is trying to stay healthy.
I did think that Tsonga would make more of a match of it.
I’m glad that Berdych came through, at least he has chances vs Fed should Fed be his next opponent. Agut has no chance imo, he’s not used to playing against Fed.
Fed is striking the ball very well and is really looking sharp in 1st set.
If Fed is able to be so aggressive and keep UE count down..he has a good shot at Novak. I am super excited to see that match 🙂
Eager to see who gets night match on Tuesday. Djoko-Nishi or Fed – Berdych
Goffin – poor by any standard, no strategy, no nothing. The points rarely go beyond five shots, he can’t even sustain a rally. The no.16 player can be so far behind in level from a top four player, unbelievable!
Roger is playing so damn aggressive..Literally dancing inside the baseline.
You should have watched Fed at Cincy 2009 vs Murray and then Novak; thats really dancing inside the court! This Goffin makes Fed looks good.
Just like ten years ago.
#Vitamins
Goffin in the top ten for many years.
Hahahahahahahaha
^Agree, ha ha ha! Perhaps when the top five all retired.
He would have been in 2005-06.
Goffin is quite useless v Federer. Fed feels absolutely no pressure playing him. The only thing I’m thinking is Fed might get too casual and start Federror’ing.
Does not happen in night matches. Roger rarely dilly dallies if he gets out late on the Court. #mentalthing
Might happen versus Berd sadly.
You are right, Fedfan. And do you think Fed watched the Nole v Gilou match? hahaha…
That might have fired him up.
No I doubt it. If you look at his trends at AO, he wants makes short work of the opponent whenever he gets out late. Prefers to get it over with quickly and is more focused. Might also have something to do with the opponents not having the right warm up routines during the wait and ‘thinking’ too much before getting out.
you are so serious. I was thinking how he was watching the Sharapova v Davis match in the locker room with Dimi.
Yeah he was next on court and done with warm-up. This match was on Hisense. Not RLA.
Goffin be all like Roger federer you’re my hero.
true…he showed too much respect perhaps! He could definitely have played more aggressively from the baseline.
Exactly what I said first time I saw Fed’s draw.,,the young guns stand no chance ..,too much respect… Fed set for the semis as I am sure Birdman is no threat for the Swiss…
However, I am no longer convinced Novak will reach semis…if Nishi is not hampered by injury he will be tough for this Nole.,,Novak will have to raise his level and be sharp which might as well happen but Nishi will make him work hard..,
Come on Goffin. Get angry – start fighting!