Former college standouts Steve Johnson and Rhyne Williams are going head-to-head for the first time at an ATP event on Monday in Memphis. Both in-form Americans are making a steady push for direct entry into future Grand Slams and appearances in the Top 100. So, who will snag a big win at this 500-point event?
Ricky: Johnson and Williams will be squaring off for the second time at the professional level when they do battle in round one of the U.S. National Indoor Tennis Championships on Monday. They faced each other last fall at the Charlottesville Challenger (also on an indoor hard court), where Williams prevailed 4-6, 6-4, 6-4. Two of the nation’s best college players in recent seasons, they also collided twice in individual competitions. Williams won 1-6, 6-1, 6-4 for the 2010 indoor title before Johnson got revenge with a 4-6, 6-2, 6-1 victory to capture the 2011 National Championship.
Both men are off to a good start to their pro careers. Johnson qualified for the Australian Open before losing to Nicolas Almagro in five sets and he beat Ivo Karlovic last week in San Jose. Williams won the USTA’s wild card into Melbourne before falling to Florian Mayer in five. The world No. 159 (as of Sunday) already had a good weekend in Memphis, qualifying for the main draw thanks to defeats of Tim Smyczek and Daniel Munoz-De La Nava. As their past history and Williams’ recent results suggest, the former Tennessee Volunteer loves the fast conditions that an indoor setting provides. Johnson doesn’t mind them, but he likes to have more time to set up with his huge forehand and he wants to get as much kick as possible with his heavy-topspin serve. Williams seems to be playing just a little bit too well right now for Johnson to overcome his slight surface disadvantage.
Pick: Williams 6-3, 3-6, 6-3
Williams’ interview after winning entry into the Aussie Open:
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UxJuWAa2F08]
Romi (Tennis Grandstand): The two former college players have already faced each other on three previous occasions with the younger Williams leading their head-to-head 2-1. Williams bested Johnson in the final of the 2010 ITA Indoor Championships and at last October’s Charlottesville Challenger, while Johnson defeated Williams in the final of the 2011 NCAA Singles Championship. A first-time titlist at the recent Dallas Challenger and a wildcard qualifier in Memphis, Williams’ offseason training block in Florida has already been paying dividends with his improved agility, speed, and footwork this year. With his massive serve (he served 13 aces in his final qualifying win in Memphis) and whipping forehand, it’s no wonder he gives players ranked much higher than him trouble.
Johnson has similarly been having a breakthrough the last few months, brandishing his deft hands at net and impressive court coverage any young player would look to emulate. Williams and Johnson sport similar strengths, so watch for each to target his opponent’s weaker backhand. Both are also capable of upsets and deep runs–it’s just a shame they have to meet in the first round this week. And be prepared for plenty of emotions from both players. They may be great friends off court, but–as Williams has joked–they are “enemies on the court.” Historically, the winner of the first set has gone on to lose the match, so I’ll keep the rhythm going and push for a three-set brawl.
Pick: Williams 4-6, 6-3, 7-5.
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