ATP Rio

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Busy Month on ATP Tour Sees Federer Claim Title #100, Monfils Return to Form
Steen Kirby, Tennis Atlantic

After Novak Djokovic claimed the Australian Open title, the ATP season roared into February with multiple 500 level events and a number of 250s on clay and hard courts across the globe. Here is your look at all the action for the month that was.

ATP Montpellier

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Veteran Jo-Wilfried Tsonga won an all French final in this indoor 250 6-4 6-2 against Pierre-Hugues Herbert. The veteran beat Gilles Simon, Jeremy Chardy and Radu Albot in consecutive matches to reach the final, overall he defeated four French players to win the tournament. PHH upset Denis Shapovalov and Tomas Berdych to reach the final.

ATP Sofia

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Bulgaria’s only ATP event was won by the in-form Daniil Medvedev 6-4 6-3 against Marton Fucsovics. Fucsovics had a breakthrough after upsetting Andreas Sepi and getting a walkover against Roberto Bautista Agut in the quarters (then edging Matteo Berrettini in the semis). Medvedev got past Gael Monfils in the semis and prior to that he scored wins against Robin Haase and Martin Klizan in consecutive matches. Medvedev’s win helped him reach the top 15, he’s now 1-1 in ATP finals this year.

ATP Cordoba

On clay in Argentina home hero and wild card Juan Ignacio Londero won his first ever ATP title prevailing against Guido Pella 3-6 7-5 6-1 in a huge moment for him. Londero’s breakthrough pushed him to a new career high in the top 70 and he beat clay courters Nicolas Jarry and Federico Delbonis most notably to make the final. Pella had a good month edging Paolo Lorenzi, Diego Schwartzman, Albert Ramos, and Pablo Cuevas to reach the final in what was a tough path for a 250.

ATP New York

The first ATP 250 in the States this year saw Reilly Opelka lift his first title in three sets 6-1 6-7 7-6 against maiden finalist Brayden Schnur, a Canadian. Opelka also upset top American John Isner, while Schnur edged Sam Querrey in the semis. Opelka’s powerful serve was a difference maker and he should be a factor in Indian Wells and Miami coming up.

ATP Buenos Aires

The 250 on clay in Buenos Aires resulted in Marco Cecchinato’s third career ATP title 6-1 6-2 against home player Diego Schwartzman. Schwartzman upset Dominic Thiem and also beat Aljaz Bedene and Albert Ramos to reach the final. Cecchinato beat Christian Garin, Roberto Carballes Baena, and Guido Pella to reach the final, three accomplished clay courters. This was a great result for Cecchinato outside of Europe.

ATP Rotterdam

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Gael Monfils returned to form winning his 8th career title 6-3 1-6 6-2 against fellow veteran Stan Wawrinka. It was a thrilling moment played in good spirits and filled with joy for both players who have overcome injuries and adversity to return to the top of the game. Monfils 500 level title included wins against Daniil Medvedev, and David Goffin. Wawrinka upset Milos Raonic, Denis Shapovalov, and Kei Nishikori before falling short in the final. Both players would love to contend at the slam level again.

ATP Rio

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The Rio 500 on clay was the top event on the Golden Swing and Serbia’s Laslo Djere claimed his first title 6-3 7-5 against young gun Felix Auger-Aliassime. FAA played well but Djere was the player of the week, as he upset Dominic Thiem and also claimed wins against clay courters Casper Ruud and Aljaz Bedene to reach the final. FAA defeated Fabio Fognini, Christian Garin, Jaume Munar, and Pablo Cuevas to reach the final, showing his all court talent that is set to make him a top 20 player in the near future. Djere broke into the top 40 with the win, the tournament was filled with upsets.

ATP Marseille

Young gun Stefanos Tsitsipas found form and got past Mikhail Kukushkin 7-5 7-6 in the final after defeating David Goffin, and Sergiy Stakhovsky in the late rounds to reach the final. Kukushkin upset Denis Shapovalov and Andrey Rublev before getting a winnable semi against Ugo Humbert. This indoor hard court 250 saw some early round upsets but in the end the #1 seed Tsitsipas won his second career title.

ATP Delray Beach

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Radu Albot made history, winning his first career title and breaking into the top 60 with a 3-6 6-3 7-6 win against Dan Evans in a battle of journeymen in the Delray 250 hard court final. Evans edged John Isner in the semis and upset Frances Tiafoe in round 1 while Albot got past big servers Ivo Karlovic and Nick Kyrgios before nipping Americans Steve Johnson and McKenzie McDonald to reach the final.

ATP Dubai

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Roger Federer won his 100th career title at the Dubai 500 6-4 6-4 on hard courts against the in-form Stefanos Tsitsipas. Federer found form late in the tournament after dropping sets against Philipp Kohlschreiber and Fernando Verdasco in the first two matches. Marton Fucsovics and Borna Coric were his quarterfinal and semifinal opposition, while Tsitsipas had a relatively easy path until Gael Monfils was his semifinal opponent and he prevailed in that match in a third set tiebreak. The young Greek played well but Federer was just too good.

ATP Acapulco

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The Acapulco 500 was won by the struggling big server Nick Kyrgios 6-3 6-4, as he defeated Alexander Zverev in a battle of talented finalists. Kyrgios was focused on the week, edging John Isner in the semis, Rafael Nadal in the second round, and Stan Wawrinka in the quarters while Zverev had a smooth path that included Alex De Minaur in the quarters and Cam Norrie in the semis. Kyrgios has always had the talent to be an elite player, if he can keep this form he will contend in both upcoming Masters tournaments, but that can’t be predicted.

ATP Sao Paulo

Argentina’s Guido Pella won his first ATP title, winning the 250 on clay to close the Golden Swing 7-5 6-3 against Christian Garin. Pella edged Laslo Djere in the semis, while Garin upset Ruud. Pella didn’t have the toughest draw (Roberto Carballes Baena and Marco Trungelliti) but it was still a massive accomplishment to win his first title.

Young Guns Karen Khachanov and Frances Tiafoe Join Diego Schwartzman in ATP Winner’s Circle This Week
Steen Kirby, Tennis Atlantic

ATP Marseille

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Russia’s Karen Khachanov won his second career ATP title, taking the championship in Marseille 7-5 3-6 7-5 over Lucas Pouille. Khachanov beat Frenchman Julien Benneteau, veteran Tomas Berdych, Mischa Zverev, and Ruben Bemelmans on the week, dropping just a set against Pouille.

Pouille couldn’t make it 2/2 in French finals this year, but he did score tough wins over Pierre-Hugues Herbert and Filip Krajinovic. He beat Ilya Ivashka in the semis, Ivashka playing in his first ever semifinal at the ATP level after benefiting from drawing an injured Stan Wawrinka in the round of 16.

Raven Klaasen and Michael Venus defeated Marcus Daniell and Dom Inglot in the doubles final.

ATP Delray Beach

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Frances Tiafoe lived up to the hype this week in Delray. The 20 year old defeated Peter Gojowczyk 6-1 6-4 in the final, capturing his first ATP title in what was an amazing week for the young American. He began his winning streak against Matt Ebden in the opening round, then upset Juan Martin Del Potro in 3 sets. In the quarterfinals and semifinals he beat fellow young guns Hyeon Chung and Denis Shapovalov, dropping a set to Chung but recovering well. Tiafoe’s game was more solid this week than it had been previously.

Germany’s Gojowczyk defeated Lukas Lacko, John Isner, Reilly Opelka, and Steve Johnson to reach the final, his second at the ATP level. Despite defeating three Americans, he couldn’t defeat a fourth in the final.

Jackson Withrow and Jack Sock beat Nick Monroe and J.P. Smith in the doubles final, completing an All-American sweep at the Delray 250.

ATP Rio

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Diego Schwartzman wrapped up a 500 level title in Rio with a routine 6-2 6-3 win against Spanish veteran Fernando Verdasco. It’s the biggest title of the Argentine’s career and his second ATP title overall. He defeated Casper Ruud, Federico Delbonis, Gael Monfils, and Nicolas Jarry without dropping a set in any of his matches this week.

Verdasco turned back the clock a bit. The 34 year old showed his forehand range against Leonardo Mayer, Nicolas Kicker, Dominic Thiem, and Fabio Fognini. His wins against Thiem and Fognini, both in straight sets, was the best results he’s posted on tour in quite some time.

David Marrero joined with singles finalist Verdasco to win the doubles final against Nikola Mektic/Alexander Peya.

2018 ATP Rio Preview and Predictions: Marin Cilic and Dominic Thiem Lead the Field
Steen Kirby, Tennis Atlantic

The Rio Open is the highlight of the Golden Swing, it’s a 500 level tournament on clay in Brazil. Marin Cilic and Dominic Thiem lead the field. Here is your full preview with predictions.

Top Half:

Marin Cilic returns to the ATP Tour after reaching the Australian Open final in his last outing. Cilic will begin against Carlos Berlocq, Gael Monfils/Horacio Zeballos will follow. Monfils has played the full golden swing but has yet to reach a final. Against Cilic he should be an underdog in an engaging round 2 matchup.

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Argentines Diego Schwartzman and Federico Delbonis played well on home clay. Delbonis should beat Jiri Vesely, Schwartzman should beat Casper Ruud. Delbonis over Schwartzman is my pick in round 2, with Cilic beating Delbonis in the quarters.

Quito finalist Albert Ramos faces Rogerio Dutra Silva in the opening round. Nicolas Jarry and Guillermo Garcia-Lopez both reached quarters in Buenos Aires, Jarry is my pick in that matchup, with Ramos advancing to the quarters. Guido Pella has had strong start to 2018, reaching quarters or better in both of his ATP outings. He’ll face French young gun Corentin Moutet in round 1. Pablo Cuevas faces Thiago Monteiro in round 1, I’ll go with Monteiro to win in an upset, with Pella reaching the quarters and falling to Ramos at that stage.

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Bottom Half:

Dominic Thiem won Buenos Aires and starts in Rio against Dusan Lajovic. Thiem should defeat Gerald Melzer/Pablo Andujar in the second round. I’ll back Fernando Verdasco to edge past Leonardo Mayer and Victor Estrella/Nicolas Kicker in round 2. Thiem over Verdasco is the smart pick in the quarters.

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Fabio Fognini should beat home player Thomaz Bellucci in round 1. Pablo Carreno Busta is struggling and opens with Marco Cecchinato. I’ll back Buenos Aires finalist Aljaz Bedene to beat Andreas Haider-Maurer. PCB should beat a tired Bedene. Roberto Carballes Baena, the Quito champion, is my dark horse pick. RCB should defeat Tennys Sandgren, then Fognini/Bellucci before upsetting PCB in the quarters.

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Predictions

Semis
Cilic d. Ramos-Vinolas
Thiem d. Carballes Baena

There is no particular reason why Cilic and Thiem won’t have a great week. Both are in solid form and good on clay. Thiem in his current form should be the favorite to take the title, though fatigue could be a factor.

Final
Thiem d. Cilic

Tsonga and Sock Make it Two Titles For 2017
Steen Kirby, Tennis Atlantic

ATP Marseille

Three of the four semifinalists in Marseille were Frenchmen, and that lead to an all French final as Jo-Wilfried Tsonga edged past Lucas Pouille 6-4 6-4 for his ninth straight match win, and his second straight title after winning Rotterdam the weak prior. A rejuvenated Tsonga eased past Illya Marchenko and Gilles Simon earlier in the week, with his toughest win coming against Nick Kyrgios in three sets.

The 23 year old Pouille snapped a losing streak and defeated Aljaz Bedene, Daniil Medvedev, and Richard Gasquet to reach the final as a bit of a surprise this week. The doubles champions were also French, as Julien Benneteau and Nicolas Mahut beat Robin Haase and Dominic Inglot in the final, needing a third set super tiebreak to do it.

ATP Rio

An eight career ATP title was on tap for Dominic Thiem in Rio. The Austrian captured the 500 level tournament on clay without dropping a set all week. Pablo Carreno Busta was his victim in the final by a score of 7-5 6-4. Thiem also defeated Janko Tipsarevic, Dusan Lajovic, Diego Sebastian Schwartzman, and Albert Ramos over the course of the tournament.

PCB scored wins over Joao Souza, Victor Estrella, Alexandr Dolgopolov, and teenager Casper Ruud to reach the final. The young Ruud was poised to reach the final after winning the second set of their semifinal, but he collapsed in the third set, taking a bagel against the Spaniard. Singles finalist Carreno Busta paired with Pablo Cuevas to win the doubles title over Juan Sebastian Cabal and Robert Farah.

ATP Delray Beach

Unable to physically compete, Milos Raonic dropped out of a slated Delray final with Jack Sock, handing Sock his second title of 2017, this one coming via walkover. Sock has just one loss this season and defeated Radu Albot, Guillermo Garcia-Lopez, Steve Johnson, and Donald Young to reach the final. His wins over Johnson and Young providing further evidence that he’s clearly the ATP tour’s best American right now.

Raonic defeated Tim Smyczek, Borna Coric, Kyle Edmund, and Juan Martin Del Potro before injuring his back. The Manitoba Missile continues to look good in 2017, but time will tell if the injury sets his season back.

Rajeev Ram and Raven Klaasen paired up to put away veterans Treat Huey and Max Mirnyi in the doubles final.

2017 ATP Rio de Janeiro Preview and Predictions
Steen Kirby, Tennis Atlantic

The Golden Swing on South American red clay has its marquee event this week, as it’s time for some tennis Brazilian style in Rio de Janeiro. It’s a 500 level event, and here is your preview, with predictions.

Rio Open Presented by Claro
ATP World Tour 500
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
February 20-26, 2017
Surface: Clay
Prize Money: $1,461,560

Top 4 seeds (ATP ranking in parentheses)
1: Kei Nishikori (5)
2: Dominic Thiem (8)
3: Pablo Cuevas (22)
4: Pablo Carreno Busta (25)

Compared to last week’s Rotterdam 500 Rio isn’t near as strong, but it’s still an improvement on the previous two weeks of 250 level stops on South American clay.

First round matches to watch:

(1)Kei Nishikori vs. Thomaz Bellucci

Nishikori has suffered three losses this season compared to nine wins, but it still seems like he’s underperforming his ranking. Even coming off a run to the final in Buenos Aires, it’s expected Kei will be able to defeat the big hitting home hero Bellucci, but the h2h is 1-1, Bellucci isn’t bad on clay, and he should be fresher. I’ll go with Nishikori to win, but I have Bellucci taking a set.

Alexandr Dolgopolov vs. (6)David Ferrer

The aging Ferrer leads the h2h 8-3, but Dolgopolov comes off the title in Buenos Aires and has won two of their last three meetings. Ferrer has been in terrible form this season, posting just three wins, compared to three losses. The shotmaker Dolgopolov is erratic in his own way, having struggled for months before winning in Buenos Aires. Dolgo tends to struggle off of long, tiring weeks of tennis though, giving Ferrer an opportunity to kickstart his 2017 with a quality win.

Top Half:

After reaching the final in Buenos Aires, Nishikori will big once more for a title on South American clay. After taking on Bellucci in what should be a rowdy match, another Brazilian, Thiago Monteiro should follow. Monteiro opens with Gastao Elias after reaching the quarterfinals in BA. Nishikori is simply a better player than either Brazilian, his quarterfinal should be against Portugese #1 and BA quarterfinalist Joao Sousa. Sousa opens with qualifier Roberto Carballes Baena (2-1 h2h), with the winner of Casper Ruud and Brazil’s Rogerio Dutra Silva to follow. The young Ruud is talented enough to win in round 1 over the journeyman RDS, but Sousa should reach the quarters before falling to Nishikori just like what happened last week on clay in BA.

I have an all-Spanish quarterfinal in the second part of the draw, Former Rio champion Ferrer will face either Carlos Berlocq or Horacio Zeballos in round 2 after battling Dolgo. Berlocq stunned Ferrer at home in BA, but the fan-favorite journeyman is 34, and after reaching the BA semifinals he should be fatigued. I have Ferrer getting revenge over Berlocq in round 2. Spain’s Pablo Carreno Busta should have another good week. PCB opens with Joao Souza and after semifinals in BA, he should reach at least the quarterfinals in Rio with a win over either Gerald Melzer or defending Rio finalist Guido Pella, who is struggling. Now a solid part of the ATP’s top 30, Carreno Busta should reach consecutive semifinals with a win over Ferrer.

Bottom Half:

45-13 on clay over the last two seasons, Austria’s Dominic Thiem is journeying over from Europe to take part in his first clay court tournament of 2017. Thiem reached the quarters in Rotterdam, but has performed below lofty expectations thus far. He’ll open with struggling veteran Janko Tipsarevic, another Serbian, Dusan Lajovic, should follow for Thiem, presuming Lajovic does away with a struggling Facundo Bagnis. Thiem’s first difficult match should come against Paolo Lorenzi/Federico Delbonis or Diego Schwartzman in the quarters. The Italian veteran Lorenzi opens with Federico Delbonis, Diego Schwartzman or Renzo Olivo will follow. The 35 year old Italian was a finalist in Quito, and although he’s struggled against Delbonis in recent matchups, I have him notching a slight upset and then falling to DSS, who isn’t playing poorly at all, and should beat Olivo in round 1. Thiem should edge Schwartzman in the quarters.

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Defending champion Pablo Cuevas isn’t playing his best tennis, but young qualifier Arthur De Greef likely hasn’t developed enough to beat him in round 1. Cuevas should then do away with qualifier Nicolas Kicker (or qualifier Marco Cecchinato). In the quarters Albert Ramos, 4-2 in his last two clay court tournaments, is likely to be on the other side of the net. Ramos opens with Stephane Robert, he’ll then face a veteran, either Fabio Fognini or Tommy Robredo in round 2. Robredo just beat Fognini last week in BA, given he did so in straight sets, I have him winning for the second week in a row before falling to Ramos. Despite Cuevas 4-1 h2h edge over Ramos, Ramos is in better form and I have him reaching the semifinals.

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Dark Horse: Diego Schwartzman

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I wouldn’t count an Argentine or Brazilian player to make a run this week, and Schwartzman is my dark horse pick. Lorenzi and Thiem are not easy early round opponents, but both are beatable, and Thiem may be fatigued. Schwartzman has shown he has a well-rounded game and can play his best tennis on clay, if he finds his groove he could make a mark this week like Berlocq and Dolgopolov did last week.

Prediction

Semis
Nishikori d. Carreno Busta
Ramos d. Thiem

Nishikori has lost six straight ATP finals and badly needs to win one for his own confidence, he should edge past PCB. I have Ramos finding more success against a likely tired and vulnerable Thiem. Ramos won their only h2h match (on a hard court), which should give the Spaniard confidence.

Final
Nishikori d. Ramos

Nishikori has lost on clay to Ramos before, but he’s won more often than not in this matchup. and as mentioned, badly needs an ATP title.

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Unseeded Kyrgios, Cuevas, and Querrey Capture ATP Titles
Steen Kirby, Tennis Atlantic

ATP Marseille

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Nick Kyrgios became one of the youngest ATP champions of all-time when he captured the title in Marseille at the age of 20. Kyrgios dominated a tough field and didn’t drop a set, as he concluded his tournament triumph with a 6-2 7-6(3) victory over Marin Cilic.

Kyrgios’s serve and return of serve were both clicking this week as he defeated Vasek Pospisil and Teymuraz Gabashvili 4 and 4, Richard Gasquet 6-0 6-4 and the powerful Tomas Berdych 6-4 6-2. Gasquet was still nursing a back injury, but nobody could stop NK from rising this week. The young Aussie has already demonstrated his ability to win big matches and do well in slams, but his ranking should rapidly improve if he can win more ATP titles and compete on a weekly basis. Kyrgios lost his only previous ATP final last year.

Cilic reached his first ATP final of the season as he slipped past Robin Haase in three sets, Andrey Kuznetsov in straights, and Benoit Paire in a close three setter. Paire upset Stan Wawrinka in the previous round. The former Grand Slam winner is showing signs of improvement, but still hasn’t reached the same level that he was once at and remains outside the top 10.

Mate Pavic and Michael Venus combined to win their third ATP doubles title of the season over Colin Fleming and Jonathan Erlich in a routine doubles final.

ATP Rio

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Pablo Cuevas won his fourth career ATP title, and his first ever at the 500 level in a tight three setter over surprise first-time ATP finalist Guido Pella 6-4 6-7(5) 6-4. The Rio tournament was plagued by both rain and upsets this week, but the dirtballer Cuevas was a true warrior and had the week of his life in Rio.

Cuevas dominated Facundo Bagnis in his opening match, then fended off a challenge from upstart wild card Thiago Monteiro, and beat Federico Delbonis in straights. He faced Rafael Nadal in the semis and stunned the king of clay in three sets, with two tiebreaks. The match against Nadal was his first ever top 10 win on clay, as Nadal continues to struggle and decline. Nadal wasn’t the only big name to lose in Rio this week, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga was stunned by the ATP débutante Monteiro. The Brazilian has a bright future ahead.

Pella was down match point in round 1 against a cramping John Isner, but won a third set tiebreak to survive and advance. The Argentine built on that big win and beat Santiago Giraldo and Daniel Gimeno-Traver, the latter in three sets, to reach the semis. Dominic Thiem was playing and doubles and singles this week and suffered from exhaustion as he was rolled over by Pella in a semifinal upset.

Juan Sebastian Cabal and Robert Farah won the doubles title for the second week in a row on the Golden Swing. The Colombian duo defeated David Marrero and Pablo Carreno Busta.

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ATP Delray Beach

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Sam Querrey won his eighth career ATP title and his first in four years in Delray Beach. The American has had his best success on home soil and his latest triumph came over countryman Rajeev Ram 6-4 7-6(6). Ram was playing in his third career ATP final, as the journeyman has made surprising success with his serve and volley game.

Querrey, who was coming off the semis in Memphis, has been in great form as he recovered from dropping the first set to Thiemo de Bakker to win in three sets, going on to defeat Austin Krajicek, Tim Smyczek in a tight three sets, and surprise semifinalist Juan Martin Del Potro in a close two sets.

Del Potro lacks a solid backhand, but his trademark forehand was looking sharp in his first ATP comeback tournament. The Argentine successfully won three ATP matches this week, and his fans can hope for more going forward. His serve also seems improved.

The 31 year old Ram took advantage of Bernard Tomic’s tank, and won three setters over Illya Marchenko and Benjamin Becker before shocking Grigor Dimitrov in the semis. Ram didn’t play out of the ordinary, but Dimitrov was reckless and erratic.

Oliver Marach and Fabrice Martin survived being down match point six times to defeat the legendary Bryan brothers for the Delray Beach doubles title.

Steen Kirby (Marseille)

Taro Daniel and Facundo Bagnis triumph during Rio Open qualifying

Posted by Admin on February 15, 2016

Posted in: Adam Addicott, ATP, ATP Qualifying, Rio. Tagged: 2016, ATP Qualifying, ATP Rio, Brazil, Daniel Gimeno-Traver, Facundo Bagnis, Gastao Elias, japan, recap, results, taro daniel. Leave a comment

Taro Daniel

Taro Daniel and Facundo Bagnis Triumph During Rio Open Qualifying
Adam Addicott, Tennis Atlantic

As the Rio de Janeiro Olympics swiftly approach, players will have the opportunity to acquaint themselves with the Brazilian climate at this week’s Rio Open. Headed by the Spanish duo of Rafael Nadal and David Ferrer, qualifying for the main draw of the tournament was a tough task in itself for the 16-strong field.

France’s Paul-Henri Mathieu was the top seed in the draw. The 34-year-old entered the tournament with good form after recently reaching the final of the Montpellier Open, the tenth ATP final of his career. Unfortunately for Mathieu he failed to win his first ATP title since 2009 after losing to Richard Gasquet.

Switching from hard to clay didn’t appear too troublesome for Mathieu in his opening match against Brazilian world No.155 Andre Ghem. Despite dropping his service twice (one in each set) the top seed broke his opponent four times to secure the 6-3, 6-4, win. The win moved Mathieu to a showdown with Spain’s Daniel Gimeno-Traver. Traver has played in 21 ATP Challenger finals, 20 of which has been on clay. Mathieu’s Brazilian journey came to an unfortunate end after he retired at 2-2 in the second set due to a yet to be confirmed injury, elevating Gimeno-Traver to the main draw.

There was better news for Japanese second seed Taro Daniel. Daniel, who has an American father and a Japanese mother, started his Rio campaign against Brazilian youngster Orlando Luz. The 18-year-old won the Wimbledon Boys’ doubles title in 2014 and is also a two-time Youth Olympic medalist (gold in doubles and silver in singles). The world No.94 was made to battle in both sets before winning 6-3, 6-4, after 90 minutes on the court. Next up for Daniel was clay court specialist Facundo Argüello. Unlike many other players, the Argentine has played on clay continuously since the start of 2016. Arguello reached the second round after defeating Blaz Rola 3-6, 6-2,6-1. The final encounter was a roller coaster journey for Daniel, who recovered from a set down to win 3-6, 6-2, 6-3.

Argentinian pride was restored by third seed Facundo Bagnis, who survived a two-hour opening match. Facing compatriot Maximo Gonzalez, the world No.97 battled to win 3-6, 6-2, 6-4. The next opponent for him was Spain’s Albert Montanes. The Spanish sixth seed also endured a testing opening match, winning 6-7(3), 6-4, 6-0 against Brazil’s José Pereira. The opening set between Bagnis and Montanes was highly competitive as the Argentine broke his opponent for the second time of the match to seal the opening set. Bagnis then had to fight back at the start of the second set after being broken to love. Staging a successful comeback, the third seed broke Montanes twice in the second set to lead 6-4, 5-2, before his opponent surprisingly retires. Similar to Mathieu, there were no details concerning the nature of his retirement.

Grabbing the final spot was Portugal’s Gastao Elias. During the Argentina Open the world No.113 produced some outstanding tennis against Dominic Thiem. The problem for the Portuguese player was this his inconsistent play got the better of him as Thiem clinched the win in three sets. Elias continued his encouraging form in Rio with a first round win over Chile’s Hans Podlipnik (6-2, 6-2). The reward for his was a showdown with home favorite Rogerio Dutra Silva. Silva appeared on course to a crushing win after taking the first set in 34 minutes, however, Elias triumphantly battled back to win 1-6, 7-5,6-2. Elias won 56% of his service points, firing six aces against Silva.

First round matches

Q Taro Daniel JAP – Inigo Cervantes ESP
Q Facundo Bagnis ARG – Pablo Cuevas URA
Q Daniel Gimeno-Traver ESP – Juan Monaco ARG
Q Gastao Elias POR – Santiago Giraldo COL

2016 ATP Rio Preview and Predictions
Steen Kirby, Tennis Atlantic

The South American golden clay court swing continues on with a 500 level stop in Rio, Brazil, the highlight tournament of this swing.

Rio Open Presented by Claro
ATP World Tour 500
February 15-21, 2016
Rio De Janeiro, Brazil
Surface: Clay
Prize Money: $1,333,085

Top 4 seeds (ATP ranking in parentheses)
1: Rafael Nadal (5)
2: David Ferrer (6)
3: Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (9)
4: John Isner (12)

Three top 10 players in Rio in the third year of this tournament.

First round matchups to watch:

(8)Thomaz Bellucci vs. Alexandr Dolgopolov

Dolgopolov has two previous hard court wins over Bellucci, and the Brazilian will look to bite him back on home clay. Bellucci was a finalist on clay in Quito, and he should be the favorite, though the Ukrainian is a talented shotmaker and a previous finalist (2014).

(6)Jack Sock vs. Federico Delbonis

Jack Sock oped to play South American clay, like John Isner, this season, rather than early North American hard courts, and he’ll open with a tough match against Federico Delbonis. Sock has an ATP final already this season while Delbonis upset Fabio Fognini in Buenos Aires last week. Delbonis is a challenging clay court opponent, but Sock is good enough on the surface to advance.

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Top Half:

Rafael Nadal, a former champion, suffered another surprising loss, this time in Buenos Aires to Dominic Thiem in the semifinals. Nadal remains a great clay court player, but he’s losing his elite status and shine slowly but surely. His opening match will be against Pablo Carreno Busta, a Quito quarterfinalist, and then he’s likely to face Buenos Aires finalist Nicolas Almagro in round 2. Almagro posted his best result in months in Argentina, and opens with Daniel Munoz-De La Nava, a journeyman. Nadal should advance into the quarters given Almagro’s fatigue, though he has beaten Rafa on clay before.

Bellucci/Dolgopolov will face Inigo Cervantes or qualifier Taro Daniel in round 2. Daniel is likely to win his opening match, but Bellucci is the quarterfinal favorite. Nadal is 5-0 against Bellucci an is the favorite to reach the semifinals unless his struggles continue.

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga lost in the Buenos Aires quarters, and will face wild card Thiago Montero, a recent challenger semifinalist, in his first match. Fellow BA quarterfinalist Pablo Cuevas faces qualifier Facundo Bagnis. Cuevas has a clay court h2h win over Tsonga, and could earn another one, but Tsonga is the quarterfinal favorite. Sock/Delbonis will face Marco Cecchinato or Paolo Lorenzi in round 2. Lorenzi is in the form of his career, and is 9-3 in his last 12 matches. I have him upsetting Sock to reach the quarterfinals and face off with Tsonga, who he could also defeat as a dark horse.

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Bottom Half:

Buenos Aires semifinalist, and defending champion David Ferrer opens with a struggling Nicolas Jarry. BA quarterfinalist Dusan Lajovic, or Quito semifinalist Albert Ramos await him in round 2. Ferrer should be able to defeat Ramos and reach the quarters given his 5-0 h2h.

BA champion Dominic Thiem is on a hot streak, and he’ll open with Pablo Andujar. Andujar has lost four straight matches, and Thiem is likely to go up against Diego Schwartzman in round 2. Schwartzman opens with Joao Souza. Even with the fatigue factor, Thiem is a favorite to reach the quarterfinals. Ferrer should have an edge against Thiem at that stage given that fatigue factor. Both Ferrer and Thiem are in great form to start the season.

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John Isner lost his opening clay court match of the season, but he’s a favorite against a struggling Guido Pella in round 1. Santiago Giraldo or Gastao Elias will be his round 2 opponent, Elias has been rising as of late, but Isner has a great shot at the quarterfinals. Both Fabio Fognini and his round 1 opponent Aljaz Bedene are on losing streaks, Fognini leads the h2h 5-0 though, and either Juan Monaco, or qualifier Daniel Gimeno-Traver await in round 2, Monaco won his first back from injury in Buenos Aires. Fognini vs. Isner would be an interesting quarterfinal and it’s a tough pick between them. On clay Fognini is probably a slight favorite.

Dark Horse: Paolo Lorenzi

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga is the top seed most likely to lose early, and Lorenzi could benefit. His strong recent play on clay gives him an upset shot against Sock, and likewise against Tsonga/Cuevas. Another ATP semifinal would further extend the best few weeks of the Italian veteran’s ATP career.

Predictions

Semis
Nadal d. Tsonga
Ferrer d. Fognini

Ferrer is 9-0 in the h2h against Fognini, Nadal lost to Tsonga last year on hard courts, but he’s 2-0 on clay in the h2h, and 8-4 overall. It’s hard to predict Nadal these days, but he’s still the favorite to capture the title.

Final
Nadal d. Ferrer

Nadal’s 24-6 h2h against Ferrer speaks for itself, though Ferrer has his best shot in years to knock off Rafa.

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Steen Kirby (Marseille)

David Ferrer wins second title of 2015 in Rio, veterans Simon, Karlovic, add titles in Marseille and Delray

Posted by Admin on February 22, 2015

Posted in: ATP, Delray Beach, Marseille, Rio, Steen Kirby. Tagged: 2015 ATP Delray, 2015 ATP Delray Recap, 2015 ATP Marseille, 2015 ATP Marseille Recap, 2015 ATP Rio, 2015 ATP Rio Recap, 2015 Delray Beach Open, 2015 Delray Beach Open Recap, 2015 Open 13, 2015 Open 13 Recap, 2015 Rio Open Recap, atp, ATP 250, ATP 500, ATP Delray, ATP Delray Beach, ATP Delray Recap, ATP Marseille, ATP Marseille Recap, ATP Rio, ATP Rio Recap, ATP World Tour, ATP World Tour 500, bryan brothers, colin fleming, david ferrer, Delray Beach Open, Delray Beach Open Recap, Donald Young, Fabio Fognini, gael monfils, Gilles Simon, ivo karlovic, Jonathan Marray, leander paes, Marin Dragnaja Henri Kontinen, Martin Klizan, Oliver Marach, open 13, Open 13 Recap, Pablo Andujar, Philipp Oswald, Raven Klaasen, Rio Open Recap.

David Ferrer wins second title of 2015 in Rio, veterans Simon, Karlovic, add titles in Marseille and Delray
Steen Kirby, Tennis Atlantic

ATP Rio

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David Ferrer took advantage of a relatively easy draw for a 500 level event in Rio, and captured his second title of the 2015 season with a 6-2 6-3 drubbing of Fabio Fognini. Ferrer broke early on against Fognini, and shellacked him the rest of the way. Though a few games were close, Ferrer broke Fognini’s desire by the time he got his first break of the second set and went up 6-2 5-1, eventually closing it out 6-3. His movement and shotmaking were top quality, while Fognini lacked consistency.

Previously in the tournament, Ferrer, who has lost just once this year, defeated Daniel Gimeno-Traver in straights, Thiemo De Bakker via retirement from a set up, Juan Monaco in 3 sets, 6-2 in the third, and surprise semifinalist Andreas Haider-Maurer in straights. Haider-Maurer upset Tommy Robredo en route to the semis in a great week for the veteran dirtballer.

Fognini, who was in atrocious form going into this tournament, recaptured some of his previous top 15 ability on clay and scored wins over Jiri Vesely in 3 sets, Pablo Andujar in straights, and Federico Delbonis in 3 sets, before shocking Rafael Nadal 7-5 in the third set to reach the final. With the exception of the Andujar match, all of Fognini’s contests were remarkable to watch this week. He got breadsticked in the opening set against Vesely, and looked listless, but stormed his way back to win a second set tiebreak 9-7, after which Vesely collapsed. Against Delbonis he generated more than a half dozen match points over two sets (he lost the second set tiebreak 10-8 after taking the first set), in the third he took the tiebreak 11-9 in the longest match of his career that ended after midnight in Rio. Again Nadal he was also breadsticked in the opening set, in a match that appeared routine, but stormed his way back to win the final two sets.

Martin Klizan and Philipp Oswald formed a winning partnership in the doubles, they defeated Pablo Andujar and Oliver Marach in the doubles final, as Oswald beat his countryman Marach.

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ATP Marseille

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Gilles Simon won his first title in over a season, and his second career Marseille title (the other came in 2007) with a nailbiting 6-4 1-6 7-6 victory over his countryman Gael Monfils. The win will help Simon stay in the top 20, and he beat Monfils even while winning 7 fewer total points, and generating fewer break point chances (8 compared to 11). In the third, both players broke once, and Simon took the final set tiebreak 7-4.

Simon beat Pierre-Hugues Herbert from a set up via retirement, and then beat Borna Coric in 3 sets, Jeremy Chardy in 2 sets, and Sergiy Stakhovsky from a set down, in 3 sets. Stakohovsky upset Stan Wawrinka this week in a massive win for him.

Monfils again played well on home soil, beating Alex Zverev, Andrey Kuznetsov, Simone Bolelli and Roberto Bautista Agut without dropping a set.

Marin Draganja and Henri Kontinen won the doubles title over UK duo Colin Fleming and Jonathan Marray.

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ATP Delray

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Ivo Karlovic joined Simon as a veteran champion this week, the old school, big serving 35 year old beat an in-form Donald Young 6-3 6-3 with 13 aces and 3 breaks of serve. Young generated 7 break point chances against the Croat but no success at taking them as he lost his second career ATP final. The title is the sixth of Karlovic’s career, and his first since 2013, Karlovic moves to 6-7 in ATP finals and did one better than his 2010 final in Delray.

Dr. Ivo performed successful surgeries against Dustin Brown in 3 sets, Thanasi Kokkinakis, Steve Johnson, and Adrian Mannarino all in straights.

Young continued his strong run of play with wins over Ivan Dodig, Alejandro Gonzalez, Alex Dolgopolov and Bernard Tomic this week, the latter two wins coming in 3 sets. Also notable is Yoshihito Nishioka, the Japanese teenager reached his first ever ATP quarterfinal, by qualifying and defeating Igor Sijsling and Marinko Matosevic in straight sets, before losing to Tomic.

The Bryans won a doubles title on home soil over Raven Klaasen and Leander Paes.

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On an interesting sidenote, a total of 7 main draw singles retirements took place in one day (2 in Delray, 4 in Rio, 1 in Marseille), 8 total retirements took place on tour this week, in what seems like a high number for a week on the ATP tour.

Steen Kirby (Marseille)

Tennis Atlantic 2015 ATP Draw Challenge Week 7 (Rio, Marseille, Delray Beach)

Posted by Admin on February 16, 2015

Posted in: 2015 ATP Draw Challenge, Chris De Waard, Courtney Massey, Delray Beach, Jeff McMillan, Marseille, Niall Clarke, Rio, Steen Kirby. Tagged: 2015 ATP Picks, 2015 ATP Rio, 2015 Delray Beach Open, 2015 Delray Beach Open Picks, 2015 Open 13, 2015 Open 13 Marseille, 2015 Open 13 Marseille Picks, 2015 Rio Open, 2015 Rio Open Picks, atp, ATP 250, ATP 500, ATP Delray, ATP Delray Beach, ATP Marseille, ATP Picks, ATP Predictions, ATP Rio, ATP Tennis, ATP World Tour, ATP World Tour 250, ATP World Tour 500, Delray Beach Open, Delray Beach Open picks, open 13, Open 13 Marseille, Open 13 Marseille Picks, Open 13 Picks, Rio Open, Rio Open Picks, Rio Open Predictions, Rio Open Presented by Claro, Tennis Picks, Tennis Predictions, Tennis Tipping.

Tennis Atlantic 2015 ATP Draw Challenge Week 7 (Rio, Marseille, Delray Beach)
Staff, Tennis Atlantic

Another 500 pointer is at stake this week with Rio, and 250 points each are up for grabs in Marseille and Delray.

Rio (draw)

2015 Rio Open Presented by Claro Picks

Steen Kirby’s predictions

Round 2 Matches: Nadal vs. Berlocq, Montanes vs. Almagro, Fognini vs. Andujar, Schwartzman vs. Lajovic, Mayer vs. Souza, Ramos vs. Robredo, Giraldo vs. Nieminen, de Bakker vs. Ferrer
Quarterfinals: Nadal vs. Almagro, Fognini vs. Lajovic, Mayer vs. Robredo, Giraldo vs. Ferrer
Semifinals: Nadal vs. Lajovic, Mayer vs. Ferrer
Final: Nadal vs. Ferrer
Champion: Nadal

Courtney Massey’s predictions

Round 2 Matches: Nadal vs. Berlocq, Montanes vs. Almagro, Vesely vs. Lorenzi, Schwartzman vs. Klizan, Mayer vs. Souza, Haider-Maurer vs. Robredo, Monaco vs. Nieminen, Clezar vs. Ferrer
Quarterfinals: Nadal vs. Almagro, Vesely vs. Schwartzman, Mayer vs. Robredo, Monaco vs. Ferrer
Semifinals: Nadal vs. Vesely, Robredo vs. Ferrer
Final: Nadal vs. Robredo
Champion: Nadal

Chris de Waard’s predictions

Round 2 Matches: Nadal vs. Berlocq, Gonzalez vs. Almagro, Vesely vs. Andujar, Schwartzman vs. Klizan, Mayer vs. Souza, Ramos vs. Ymer, Giraldo vs. Cecchinato, de Bakker vs. Ferrer
Quarterfinals: Nadal vs. Almagro, Vesely vs. Schwartzman, Mayer vs. Ramos, Giraldo vs. Ferrer
Semifinals: Nadal vs. Vesely, Mayer vs. Ferrer
Final: Nadal vs. Ferrer
Champion: Ferrer

Jeff McMillan’s predictions

Round 2 Matches: Nadal vs. Berlocq, Gonzalez vs. Almagro, Fognini vs. Lorenzi, Delbonis vs. Klizan, Mayer vs. Souza, Ramos vs. Robredo, Giraldo vs. Nieminen, Clezar vs. Ferrer
Quarterfinals: Nadal vs. Almagro, Fognini vs. Klizan, Mayer vs. Robredo, Giraldo vs. Ferrer
Semifinals: Nadal vs. Fognini, Robredo vs. Ferrer
Final: Nadal vs. Ferrer
Champion: Ferrer

Niall Clarke’s predictions

Round 2 Matches: Nadal vs. Berlocq, Montanes vs. Almagro, Vesely vs. Andujar, Schwartzman vs. Klizan, Mayer vs. Souza, Ramos vs. Robredo, Giraldo vs. Nieminen, de Bakker vs. Ferrer
Quarterfinals: Nadal vs. Almagro, Vesely vs. Klizan, Souza vs. Robredo, Giraldo vs. Ferrer
Semifinals: Nadal vs. Klizan, Robredo vs. Ferrer
Final: Klizan vs. Ferrer
Champion: Klizan

A variety of possible champions this week, but general consensus is on Rafael Nadal or David Ferrer winning the title, with a variety of semifinalists possible

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Marseille (draw)

2015 Open 13 Marseille Picks

Steen Kirby’s predictions

Round 2 Matches: Raonic vs. Bolelli, Kuznetsov vs. Monfils, Bautista Agut vs. Pospisil, Sousa vs. Janowicz, Simon vs. Istomin, Chardy vs. Gulbis, Stakhovsky vs. Struff, Mathieu vs. Wawrinka
Quarterfinals: Raonic vs. Monfils, Bautista Agut vs. Janowicz, Simon vs. Chardy, Struff vs. Wawrinka
Semifinals: Raonic vs. Bautista Agut, Simon vs. Wawrinka
Final: Raonic vs. Simon
Champion: Raonic

Courtney Massey’s predictions

Round 2 Matches: Raonic vs. Vanni, Golubev vs. Monfils, Bautista Agut vs. Pospisil, Thiem vs. Janowicz, Simon vs. Coric, Chardy vs. Gulbis, Stakhovsky vs. Qualifier, Paire vs. Wawrinka
Quarterfinals: Raonic vs. Monfils, Bautista Agut vs. Thiem, Simon vs. Gulbis, Stakhovsky vs. Wawrinka
Semifinals: Raonic vs. Bautista Agut, Simon vs. Wawrinka
Final: Raonic vs. Wawrinka
Champion: Wawrinka

Chris de Waard’s predictions

Round 2 Matches: Raonic vs. Bolelli, Kuznetsov vs. Monfils, Bautista Agut vs. Pospisil, Thiem vs. Janowicz, Simon vs. Coric, Chardy vs. Gulbis, Stakhovsky vs. Struff, Paire vs. Wawrinka
Quarterfinals: Raonic vs. Monfils, Bautista Agut vs. Janowicz, Simon vs. Chardy, Stakhovsky vs. Wawrinka
Semifinals: Raonic vs. Bautista Agut, Simon vs. Wawrinka
Final: Raonic vs. Simon
Champion: Raonic

Jeff McMillan’s predictions

Round 2 Matches: Raonic vs. Bolelli, Golubev vs. Monfils, Bautista Agut vs. Pospisil, Thiem vs. Goffin, Simon vs. Istomin, Chardy vs. Gulbis, Stakhovsky vs. Qualifier, Paire vs. Wawrinka
Quarterfinals: Raonic vs. Monfils, Pospisil vs. Goffin, Simon vs. Gulbis, Qualifier vs. Wawrinka
Semifinals: Monfils vs. Goffin, Simon vs. Wawrinka
Final: Monfils vs. Simon
Champion: Simon

Niall Clarke’s predictions

Round 2 Matches: Raonic vs. Bolelli, Golubev vs. Monfils, Bautista Agut vs. Pospisil, Thiem vs. Janowicz, Simon vs. Istomin, Chardy vs. Gulbis, Stakhovsky vs. Struff, Paire vs. Wawrinka
Quarterfinals: Raonic vs. Monfils, Bautista Agut vs. Janowicz, Simon vs. Chardy, Stakhovsky vs. Paire
Semifinals: Monfils vs. Janowicz, Simon vs. Paire
Final: Monfils vs. Simon
Champion: Simon

Gilles Simon, or Milos Raonic are picked as champions this week, Gael Monfils is also expected to do well, and opinions are mixed on how Stan Wawrinka will fare after winning Rotterdam.

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Delray Beach (draw)

2015 Delray Beach Open by the Venetian Las Vegas Picks

Steen Kirby’s predictions

Round 2 Matches: Anderson vs. Groth, Kudla vs. Mannarino, Brown vs. Qualifier, Sela vs. Johnson, Querrey vs. Young, Smyczek vs. Dolgopolov, Troicki vs. Tomic, Sijsling vs. Isner
Quarterfinals: Anderson vs. Kudla, Brown vs. Johnson, Querrey vs. Smyczek, Troicki vs. Isner
Semifinals: Anderson vs. Johnson, Querrey vs. Troicki
Final: Anderson vs. Troicki
Champion: Troicki

Courtney Massey’s predictions

Round 2 Matches: Anderson vs. Lu, Kudla vs. Mannarino, Karlovic vs. Qualifier, Rublev vs. Johnson, Querrey vs. Dodig, Smyczek vs. Gabashvili, Troicki vs. Jaziri, Sijsling vs. Isner
Quarterfinals: Anderson vs. Kudla, Karlovic vs. Johnson, Dodig vs. Smyczek, Troicki vs. Isner
Semifinals: Anderson vs. Karlovic, Smyczek vs. Troicki
Final: Karlovic vs. Smyczek
Champion: Karlovic

Chris de Waard’s predictions

Round 2 Matches: Anderson vs. Groth, Kudla vs. Mannarino, Brown vs. Krajnovic, Rublev vs. Johnson, Querrey vs. Dodig, Smyczek vs. Dolgopolov, Troicki vs. Tomic, Qualifier vs. Isner
Quarterfinals: Anderson vs. Mannarino, Brown vs. Johnson, Querrey vs. Smyczek, Troicki vs. Isner
Semifinals: Anderson vs. Johnson, Querrey vs. Troicki
Final: Anderson vs. Troicki
Champion: Troicki

Jeff McMillan’s predictions

Round 2 Matches: Anderson vs. Groth, Lacko vs. Mannarino, Brown vs. Qualifier, Rublev vs. Johnson, Querrey vs. Young, Smyczek vs. Dolgopolov, Troicki vs. Tomic, Qualifier vs. Isner
Quarterfinals: Anderson vs. Mannarino, Brown vs. Johnson, Young vs. Smyczek, Tomic vs. Isner
Semifinals: Anderson vs. Johnson, Young vs. Isner
Final: Johnson vs. Isner
Champion: Isner

Niall Clarke’s predictions

Round 2 Matches: Anderson vs. Groth, Kudla vs. Mannarino, Karlovic vs. Qualifier, Rublev vs. Johnson, Querrey vs. Young, Smyczek vs. Gabashvili, Troicki vs. Tomic, Qualifier vs. Isner
Quarterfinals: Anderson vs. Kudla, Karlovic vs. Johnson, Querrey vs. Smyczek, Troicki vs. Isner
Semifinals: Anderson vs. Johnson, Querrey vs. Isner
Final: Anderson vs. Isner
Champion: Isner

Troicki or Isner are the favorites seemingly in this very open field, Jeff has believes in American Steve Johnson to reach his maiden ATP final, while Courtney is backing the unseeded Tim Smyczek to do the same.

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Week 6 standings

Rotterdam
1: Courtney (122 points) (+500 points overall)
2: Niall (114 points) (+300 points)
3: Steen (78 points) (+180 points)
4: Jeff (66 points) (+180 points)
5: Chris (58 points) (+90 points)

Courtney wins thanks to having Wawrinka as champ, and Niall did slightly poorer earlier in the tournament, though he also correctly predicted Wawrinka, and credit to both of them for a good showing in the highest point value tournament this week.

Memphis
1: Chris (104 points) (+250 points)
2: Niall (102 points) (+150 points)
3: Courtney (102 points) (+90 points)
4: Jeff (100 points) (+90 points)
5: Steen (94 points) (+45 points)

Everyone had Nishikori as champion this week and thus the point values were all closely clustered, Chris was most accurate early on though and takes the title.

Sao Paulo
1: Steen (56 points) (+250 points)
2: Chris (54 points) (+150 points)
3: Courtney (50 points) (+90 points)
4: Jeff (28 points) (+90 points)
5: Niall (16 points) (+45 points)

Steen had Pablo Cuevas, the champion, in the final, which was enough to get him the title with this unpredictable tournament.

Overall standings (after week 6)

1: Steen: 3795 ranking points (+475 points overall)
2: Courtney: 2415 points (+680 points overall)
3: Chris: 2270 points (+490 points overall)
4: Jeff: 2200 points (+360 points overall)
5: Niall: 1850 points (+495 points overall)

Courtney experiences a big rise to second place, and Chris jumps ahead of Jeff, with Steen still in the outright lead and Niall bringing up the pack.