Spaniards David Ferrer and Roberto Bautista Agut are looking for spots in the Madrid semifinals as they take the court on Friday. They are set for respective meetings with Ernests Gulbis and Santiago Giraldo.
(5) David Ferrer vs. Ernests Gulbis
Ferrer and Gulbis will be going head-to-head for the third time in their careers when they collide in the quarterfinals of the Mutua Madrid Open on Friday. Both of their previous encounters have gone Ferrer’s way; 6-2, 6-1 at the 2007 Montreal Masters and 3-6, 6-4, 6-1 last fall in Stockholm. Playing at home in Spain and on clay will only bring added benefit to Ferrer, who opened this week with a three-set win over Albert Ramos before turning in a clinical performance to beat John Isner 6-4, 6-4 in the third round.
Gulbis is in the midst of by far his most consistent year on tour. The 20th-ranked Latvian is projected to surpass his career-high mark of No. 18 in the world on Monday even if he loses to Ferrer. Gulbis is 21-8 for his 2014 campaign following Madrid wins over Jerzy Janowicz, Alexandr Dolgopolov, and Marin Cilic. He also reached the quarters at the Indian Wells Masters in addition to a title in Montpellier. The altitude will help Gulbis, but it will still be difficult for him to successfully end points as fast as necessary against an awesome defender and returner like Ferrer.
Pick: Ferrer in 3
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Roberto Bautista Agut vs. (Q) Santiago Giraldo
Both Bautista Agut and Giraldo are playing the best tennis of their careers heading into their first-ever meeting on Friday. Bautista Agut registers at 45th in the world and will soar past his career-high ranking of No. 44 on Monday, regardless of what happens in this one. The Spaniard’s 2014 highlights include a semifinal in Auckland, fourth-round performances at the Australian Open and in Indian Wells, and now a Madrid quarterfinal following victories over Tommy Robredo, Fernando Verdasco, and Lukasz Kubot.
Giraldo has maintained his fine form two weeks after making a run to the Barcelona final, in which he fell to a red-hot Kei Nishikori. The 46th-ranked Colombian is 18-11 this season, the exact same mark as Bautista Agut. Giraldo, also a semifinalist on the clay courts of Houston, booked his spot in the quarterfinals by defeating Lleyton Hewitt, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, and Andy Murray. Those are impressive scalps, but none of those three is in good form. In a matchup that could not be more even on paper and probably not even between the lines, home-court advantage could be the difference in Bautista Agut’s favor.
Pick: Bautista Agut in 3
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These look to be two hard fought QFs. Agree with Ricky, the home crowd support will be the deciding factor – particularly in the Gulbis-Ferrer confrontation. Gulbis seems to have finally got a grip on his temper (haven’t seen a racquet smashing tantrum during this tourney) but if he is goaded by the crowd during this match his self-control might crack.
Ferrer in 3
RBA and Giraldo is a toss up. I’m plumping for RBA in 3
You can’t judge his behaviour when he is winning.
^^^^^ 😀
I have been going back and forth regarding the Ferrer/Gulbis match. This is a tough one. But after seeing how good Ferrer looked against Isner, I will go with him winning in three sets. I think this could be a close one. But Ferrer will have the crowd behind him and that might set off Gulbis. So far he’s been good this tournament. No meltdowns yet. We are overdue.
I also struggled with Giraldo/RBA. They are both playing really good tennis right now. Back and forth, but finally I will take Giraldo in three sets. This is one that I think could really go either way.
Ferru;
RBA. I have kinda developed an affinity for RBA because of all the abuse he has suffered at the hands of Gulbis. So this is my heart picking him to win, not my head.
Rather hoping Gulbis will give Ferrer a really, really tough match so lightening doesn’t strike twice. Trouble is at 32 Ferru still doesn’t do tired 🙁
^^Ferru is beginning to annoy me with his Duracell Bunny routine! grrrrrr………
Not to mention I am having a hard time forgiving him for making Rafa look ordinary at MC……..
Don’t blame Ferru.
Rafa did that all on his own.
Serena has withdrawn due to an oncoming injury problem with her leg.
Oops. Ongoing NOT oncoming
Must remember to read my posts before hitting send.
If Kei beats Feli today and he’ll be in the Top 10. Well deserved, imo……………
Earnests (Earns for “some”) in two over Ferru.
Giraldo in three.
Sharapova’s wailing is giving me a headache………..
Imagine how poor Li Na must feel.
#MuteButton
Maria shrieks her way to victory again.
RBA very tough…we saw him in Indian Wells. ….and Gulbis in 2!!!!
Gulbis already lost!