FRIDAY, 20 AUGUST, 2010
[WC] M Fish (USA) vs [4] A Murray (GBR)
I simply do not know what this match will hold. Murray’s match with Gulbis was a tad disappointing; it really should not have been that close, but it’s over three sets instead of two and streaky players are favored in that format. So, I’m leaning towards a possible upset by Fish because he’s probably the fresher player and the hungriest at this point. I see him going the distance here rather than at the USO.
[9] A Roddick (USA) vs [2] N Djokovic (SRB)
From what I saw of Roddick today, he was fortunate to be playing Soderling. His serve was on fire but his groundstrokes were not solid at all. He also seemed to be conserving his energy and not making much penetration on Soddy’s service games. I would expect Djoko do a better job picking up Andy’s serve and do more damage with his groundies but there’s no counting out Andy’s fighting spirit and his awareness that a solid run here will get him back in the top ten. My head says Djoko should take it in straight sets but with an expected humidity of 92% Djoko may have some trouble doing it in two on these fast Cincy courts.
[3] R Federer (SUI) vs [6] N Davydenko (RUS)
Can one be too fresh for a match? This has possibly been the easiest road to the quarters for Feddy in a long while. He usually doesn’t have a problem with Davy except for the beginning of the year and late last season, when Davy suddenly got a bump up in their H2H. Has Davy been playing the kind of ball he was playing then? Not so much but I think his match with Ferrer was a step in the right direction. I expect Feddy to get through this one quite easily but there may be a slight hiccup if he’s not feeling match ready and starts out as sluggish as he did with Murray in the Toronto final.
[1] R Nadal (ESP) vs M Baghdatis (CYP)
This match could go all kinds of ways and I’d love to see it because I’ve never seen them play.