A blockbuster day of third-round action in Rome features enticing matchups such as Stanislas Wawrinka vs. Tommy Haas and David Ferrer vs. Ernests Gulbis. Joey Hanf of The Tennis Nerds previews those two showdowns and makes his picks.
(3) Stanislas Wawrinka vs (15) Tommy Haas
Almost all the matches set for Thursday at the Internazionali BNL d’Italia are strong in prospect, but the easiest on the eyes will no doubt be Wawrinka vs. Haas. Two of the greatest one-handers on tour will battle it out for a spot in the quarterfinals. Wawrinka, who is trying to bounce back after an early exit in Madrid, needed less than an hour to dispatch Pere Riba in his first match at the Foro Italico. Meanwhile, Haas–at 36 years of age–is still inside the top 20 and is trying to make the quarterfinals of a Masters 1000 for the first time since Miami of last year. He defeated Andreas Seppi in three sets before taking down Igor Sijsling in straights, avenging his loss in Madrid to the Dutchman.
Although both men have been on tour together for numerous years, they have only played once. Haas defeated Wawrinka in three sets at the 2006 Doha event. It’s a shame they have not faced each other more often, because they are two of the most aesthetically pleasing players out there. The backhand to backhand battle will be interesting, because Wawrinka likes to have a little more time and rip it, while Haas is great at taking the ball early and absorbing pace. The difference now is that the Swiss’ forehand has become such a weapon, while Haas still has his days when he struggles off that side. Take a few years off Haas and this match would have been incredibly tough to call, but the 2014 Wawrinka will be too much for the German.
Hanf pick: Wawrinka in 3
Dimon pick: Wawrinka in 2
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(5) David Ferrer vs Ernests Gulbis
A match of polar opposites–and another Madrid rematch–Gulbis is up against the pitbull known as Ferrer. Gulbis has always played well in Rome; he beat Roger Federer at this event in 2010 and pushed Rafael Nadal to three sets on two occasions, including last year. He has been quietly making his way up the rankings over the last few months, and he is up to a career-high 17th. Gublis defeated qualifier Stephane Robert in three sets on Wednesday after receiving a retirement from Alejandro Falla in the first round. Ferrer, now 32, has talked this year about feeling the affects of aging, but his performances on clayhave proved otherwise. After taking out Nadal in Monte-Carlo, he looked in vintage form in Madrid–reaching the semifinals before bowing out in an epic three-setter to Kei Nishikori.
Ferrer has prevailed in all three previous meetings between these two, and Gulbis has only taken one set in those matches. But as stated earlier, the underdog always seems to play his best ball in Rome and this could be his day. Ferrer looked sharp in his win over Mikhail Kukushkin, but he is likely still feeling the affects from a long week in Madrid, combined with his ever-aging body. Gulbis will need a lot of free points, and he’ll need to manage the forehand well. The thinking here is that he will do just that.
Hanf pick: Gulbis in 2
Dimon pick: Ferrer in 3
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Ridiculous. Automated moderation is garbage.
@bgtennisnation @RobKoenigTennis
Haas has beaten former #1s: Courier, Sampras, Agassi, Kafelnikov, Rios, Moya, Hewitt, Safin, Kuerten…— Armand (@acestroke78) May 15, 2014
Must be a fedfan. He forgot to mention Djojovic and Federer.
However, there is one No. 1 conspicuously missing from Tommy’s resume.
#0-5
#GOAT
Rafa now 0-4 on BPs.
When he fixes this, he will be back.
#CanaryInACoalmine
Did Andy get a birthday cake at the end of his match? I was watching Rafa on the interactive towards the end of his match.
Two more BPs for Rafa.
BREAK!
1-5 on BPs
Now consolidate that break Rafa.
One of the commies just called the lady sitting between Rafa’s parents, Xisca.
It is Xisca
Yes. Her face was distorted by the glass in front of her. Nice to see her there.
Please Rafa, calm down!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Vamos!
Unbelievable.
forget djokovic or wawrinka, ANY player is a threat to rafa these days! he is soo anxious out there..
try to be calm rafa..and keep fighting.. He will get over this hurdle, I am confident..
This is what I’ve been saying. Rafa is MAKING Gilles, Youznhy, Mugro, Stan et. all look good. Youznhy is 4-8 coming into this match on the year.
https://twitter.com/cbfowler/status/466967382578065408
Ferrer looking rock solid. Takes the first set. Gulbis all over the place.
It takes a special kind of temperament to have taken on the job of coaching Ernie.
Ferru has already broken his serve in the first game of 2nd set. Another racquet due for the dustbin any moment soon.
What’s it like being a fan of Ernie? I don’t get this player. I just don’t. Marat used to break racquets all the time but he seemed more likeable.
Does Ernie still have any fans? Apart from Ricky that is :-p
Ricky is a fan of Ernie? 😮
That is an ‘in’ joke. Back in 2008 he was predicting great things for Ernie!
I only watched part of the Wawa/Haas match, but once again, Stan complained that his opponent was receiving coaching. What’s Stan’s problem? That’s his regular go-to complaint now. Good thing he wasn’t playing Rafa yesterday when the pigeon came onto the court….he would’ve complained that it was a carrier pigeon sent by Uncle Toni with coaching instructions for Rafa.
^^Hahaha, epic!
Stan’s got a persecution complex. He complains so loudly as if he wants pity from the viewing audience.
@jpacnw,
That was a good one! Too true! 🙂
Rafa/Muzza play at 9 pm local time, 8pm BST.
thanks
Even carrie might be a problem
Thanks @nadline10, just like I suspected, a night match just like it was against Gillou. Cooler conditions with low bounce for balls will favour Muzza’s flatter shots.
Vamos Rafa!!
Ricky, my posts as nadline10 or Nadline28 have stopped showing up
Try going back to being Carrie 😉
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Thanks augusta.
I think our server was down.