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#Post#: 12172--------------------------------------------------
Re: Masterclass 2014 Upset Picks of the Day
DIR By: Emma
Date: March 17, 2014, 11:50 am
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--- Quote from: Yin Nooy link ---
>
> I think Benneteau is a quiet achiever and it would be good if
he can cause an upset tonight. Highly unlikely again Djokovic
but you never know, tennis is a game where the tables can change
at any time.
>
--- End Quote ---
I don't know if Benneteau is a quiet achiever but yes, he's
capable of pulling an upset like a lot of the other dangerous
players out there, but whether he'll be able to finish it or not
is another matter. As you can see after the match, it wasn't
much of a contest. He needed to catch Nole off guard as Nole's a
bit too informed at this point about Benneteau.
BTW, welcome to the forum Yin Nooy. Please continue to post away
and feel at home. We are all just giving our informed or
educated opinions here and nothing more. Nothing is written in
stone as they say so yes, anything is possible.
#Post#: 12223--------------------------------------------------
Re: Masterclass 2014 Upset Picks of the Day
DIR By: thetruth
Date: March 17, 2014, 7:21 pm
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--- Quote from: masterclass link ---
>
> This thread is for anyone to express their upset picks of the
day. It's always possible that what a few people or even most
people consider an upset might not be considered so by someone
else. But don't worry about it. If you consider it an upset,
then it's fine to propose it. Most of us recognize an obvious
upset when we see one.
>
> This thread will be on going. Just make sure the tournament
is mentioned if it hasn't been and the match particulars. You
may or may not give your reasons. It's up to you. :)
>
> If you end up being wrong, don't let it deter you. After all,
it's not expected that the player one picks to make the upset is
likely to win.
>
> Maybe for the big tournaments we will have a contest and see
who is the best at predicting upsets!
>
> If there is any dispute about whether someone is an upset or
not, a betting site will be used to determine the odds. If the
separation is more than a differential of one, then it will be
considered. For example, if Djokovic is at 2-1, and Nadal is
3-1, it is not good enough. But if Nadal is 7-2, than that is
enough to call it an official upset pick. :)
>
> Have fun!
>
> Respectfully,
> masterclass
>
--- End Quote ---
What a great idea. I'm glad you didn't start this with IW,
because I must have been under a fog during that one. I got
almost all of my matches wrong >:(.
#Post#: 12225--------------------------------------------------
Re: Masterclass 2014 Upset Picks of the Day
DIR By: thetruth
Date: March 17, 2014, 7:33 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
--- Quote from: masterclass link ---
>
> Not at all. If I were a big Federer fan...I'd want Djokovic
to make it to the final and get destroyed by Federer.
>
> But really I'm a fan of great tennis, as General Hercules can
tell you. Historically, Djokovic-Federer matches produce some
pretty good tennis matches. More so than Federer-Nadal, or
Murray-Djokovic for example. So in that case, I would hope that
Djokovic makes it through and gets to play Federer and they both
play well, produce some great tennis, and the best player on the
day wins.
>
> I'm not one of those silly fans that wants the better players
to lose so that my player can more easily win. What kind of
challenge is that? It is not the way of the warrior. And
that is how I look at men's tennis. The best play with the
heart and mentality of a courageous warrior when they are
confident. When they are not confident, it shows. For example,
Rafael Nadal is a big fighter, maybe the biggest. But when I see
him drop back to the fence to return for no reason, I just
cringe. He is sending a message to the server... I am not
confident today. I'll play back here and get more time to deal
with the shot. He didn't win the hard court events last year
doing that. Why? Because he was super confident in his game.
>
> Most of the top players can play great tennis more often by
definition. That said, there are certain match-ups where a
player does not allow the other to play their best tennis for
whatever reason. Many lower ranked players are also capable of
playing some good or even great tennis. The problem is that
they don't often have the belief when they run into a top
player, and they implode at the critical moments. But it's a
game played by two players, and many times a player can force a
player to play worse than he would against another player.
>
> Now there are times, when a player is not in form, not on his
game at all, and it that situation, I think he might be better
off losing to some other player than his biggest competitors,
for psychological reasons, and get out of the tournament and
work on their game. Tennis is not only about playing matches.
To be at one's best, one has to constantly work on their game,
and especially when one is not in form. Playing matches when
not in form or playing with injury is a recipe for destroying
confidence and it leads to a vicious cycle of losing to players
to whom you shouldn't lose. Hard practice, focusing on the
deficiencies and strengths in your game leads to better form.
Winning matches leads to better confidence.
> Sometimes it can be difficult to find the right balance, as
one does need match play as well. I think Federer was in this
position much of last year. I think Murray is in this position
this year. Djokovic is also not on his game. I think Nadal is
risking his game, and his confidence is lower. That's why I
believe he shouldn't play in Miami, get 100% healthy, and get on
the clay and work on his game until Monte Carlo starts.
>
> Ok, enough, said.... :)
>
> Respectfully,
> masterclass
>
--- End Quote ---
Great post. I feel the same way. Although, at this point, I
think it might not hurt Nadal to play Miami since he has zero
points there from last year and could pick up more points
without jeopardizing too much.
I like great tennis too and try not to focus too much on the
players. Tennis is a game of losses as well as wins. So, I take
the bad with the good.
Although I hated to see Nadal lose, he wasn't playing well
enough to win, so that's that. I'm glad he went to Alex than
against his main rivals, that would've created more
psychological damage as you said. So, in the end the loss wasn't
too bad in my opinion, because life must be meted out to all.
I hope that this tournament gives Dolgopolov the confidence to
keep improving. He's great to watch.
#Post#: 12266--------------------------------------------------
Re: Masterclass 2014 Upset Picks of the Day
DIR By: masterclass
Date: March 18, 2014, 9:07 am
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Agreed, Lady TT. Alexandr Dolgopolov is a joy to watch when he
is in full flow. He just flies around the court. Unfortunately
it is taxing on him and his condition, Gilbert's Syndrome,
which affects the liver, blood and often causes exhaustion. His
condition worsens when he has to have extensive travel over long
distances. If he were able to have more stamina, he could be
very dangerous. He is almost forced to gamble a lot and risk,
and therefore he usually has a lot of errors. When he can cut
those down a bit, and his winner/ue ration improves we see he
can win against top quality players.
Respectfully,
masterclass
#Post#: 12312--------------------------------------------------
Re: Masterclass 2014 Upset Picks of the Day
DIR By: thetruth
Date: March 19, 2014, 8:50 am
---------------------------------------------------------
--- Quote from: masterclass link ---
>
> Agreed, Lady TT. Alexandr Dolgopolov is a joy to watch when
he is in full flow. He just flies around the court.
Unfortunately it is taxing on him and his condition, Gilbert's
Syndrome, which affects the liver, blood and often causes
exhaustion. His condition worsens when he has to have extensive
travel over long distances. If he were able to have more
stamina, he could be very dangerous. He is almost forced to
gamble a lot and risk, and therefore he usually has a lot of
errors. When he can cut those down a bit, and his winner/ue
ration improves we see he can win against top quality players.
>
> Respectfully,
> masterclass
>
--- End Quote ---
It's weird how some players are gifted with such talent, but
also given an Achilles Heel. Pete with Thessalonica (I don't
remember the name of it), Nadal with a congenital bone defect,
and now Alexander with his condition. It's sad, because the
tennis would be otherworldly coming from these players.
But yeah, I like Dolgo's style a lot. He's amazing. His reflexes
are lightning fast and his movement extraordinary. I am adding
him to my list of favorite players and moving him right behind
Rafa. Love, love, love watching The Dog!
#Post#: 12462--------------------------------------------------
Re: Masterclass 2014 Upset Picks of the Day
DIR By: thetruth
Date: March 23, 2014, 12:24 am
---------------------------------------------------------
So, did anyone get any upset picks today?
What about Garcia-Lopez d. Monfils? Upset or not? I'm not sure
if Monfils is coming off of an injury or not.
Bautista-Agut d. Janowicz? Bautista is on fire. I enjoy his
game. He plays smart. Dunno what's going on with Jerzy? He's had
quite a few poor showings here lately.
ERVasselin d. Cilic-pretty comprehensive win. Nice to see ERV
get a big win like that.
And how about Wow Sousa? Defeating Simon is never an easy feat.
Simon is a roadrunner, so Sousa must've played pretty smart to
beat him. I like Joao!
#Post#: 12463--------------------------------------------------
Re: Masterclass 2014 Upset Picks of the Day
DIR By: thetruth
Date: March 23, 2014, 12:36 am
---------------------------------------------------------
--- Quote from: thetruth link ---
>
> So, did anyone get any upset picks today?
>
> What about Garcia-Lopez d. Monfils? Upset or not? I'm not sure
if Monfils is coming off of an injury or not.
>
> Bautista-Agut d. Janowicz? Bautista is on fire. I enjoy his
game. He plays smart. Dunno what's going on with Jerzy? He's had
quite a few poor showings here lately.
>
> ERVasselin d. Cilic-pretty comprehensive win. Nice to see ERV
get a big win like that.
>
> And how about Wow Sousa? Defeating Simon is never an easy
feat. Simon is a roadrunner, so Sousa must've played pretty
smart to beat him. I like Joao!
>
--- End Quote ---
And for Sunday
Anyone vulnerable for Sunday? This time I'm picking who I think
will win, instead of who I want to win.
Madison Keys (USA) v [2] Na Li (CHN)
[6] Andy Murray (GBR) v [32] Feliciano Lopez (ESP)
[5] Roger Federer (SUI) v [Q] Thiemo de Bakker (NED)
[WC] Casey Dellacqua (AUS) v [29] Venus Williams (USA)
[17] Sloane Stephens (USA) v [11] Caroline Wozniacki (DEN)
[31] Andreas Seppi (ITA) v [4] David Ferrer (ESP)
Grandstand Start 11:00 am
[WC] Marcos Baghdatis (CYP) v [11] Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (FRA)
#Post#: 12478--------------------------------------------------
Re: Masterclass 2014 Upset Picks of the Day
DIR By: masterclass
Date: March 23, 2014, 8:15 am
---------------------------------------------------------
Yes, Lady TT, Bautista-Agut is playing well. I have a feeling
these courts suit him more than Jerzy. Still, as you said Jerzy
is not playing well. I don't know if he is carrying any injury
or not, and I did not get a chance to watch his most recent
matches. If he is uninjured, he is usually serving about 140 to
145 mph when he goes for it. If you see him not getting much
above 125-130, something might be bothering him in the shoulder,
which is where he had an injury a couple of months ago.
With Monfils, one never knows with his game what's going on.
Cilic played poorly and ERV was good enough to take advantage.
Hopefully Cilic doesn't return to his inconsistent play after
getting a decent start to the season. He should be playing top
20 level or perhaps better, somewhere about an Anderson or
Youzhny level. Sousa played well, but Simon needs to eat more.
He is so thin, the Miami breeze knocked him off course. ;)
Notice that many of the clay court players are doing well in
Miami's conditions? I think they should just change the surface
to Har-tru (green clay) and be done with it. Players aren't
rewarded too much for attacking play against a decent defending
style in Miami.
Picking all the favorites today? :)
I don't watch much women's tennis, but I see results. Maybe
Stephens can "upset" Wozniacki? I think it will be difficult
with Wozniacki's usual good defensive skills.
For the men, I don't see too many chances for an upset. Well,
maybe Baghdatis if he plays very well, and Tsonga has another
off day, which he has been having lately. I don't know what is
wrong with him. But normally Tsonga should handle Baghdatis
with ease. Baghdatis used to prefer quicker conditions.
Murray should normally beat Lopez on these courts, but who knows
how the Lendl split is affecting him? His draw gets
considerably tougher from here, with potentially Tsonga next and
Djokovic thereafter in the QF. I think he can make it to the
QF as Tsonga isn't in good form right now. Let's see what
unfolds. It won't get easier for him with the clay season
almost upon us, but he won't face much pressure there either, so
it's a good opportunity to get some matches in and hit a lot of
balls. Queens Club will be Murray's big test prior to
Wimbledon, and should tell us a lot.
Anyway, I think some of them are enjoying the Miami area -
South Beach, the nightlife, etc. :)
Good luck and health to all the players today!
Respectfully,
masterclass
#Post#: 12492--------------------------------------------------
Re: Masterclass 2014 Upset Picks of the Day
DIR By: masterclass
Date: March 23, 2014, 3:38 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
Mr. Baghdatis came all so close to an upset over Mr. Tsonga, but
it wasn't to be. Marcos won the first set 6-4, saved the only
break point in the second set, then shot to a lead in the
tiebreaker, 5-1 to put himself two points from the match. But
Tsonga charged back with 5 straight points, before Baghdatis
stopped play temporarily due to a buzzing bee. Tsonga double
faulted after the bee stoppage, but then took the next two
points to even the match at a set each. Then Tsonga saved 5 out
of 5 break points in the final set, while Baghdatis saved 2 of
3, being broken in the 5-5 game, and Jo ended up taking the set
7-5 and the match.
I think this Murray, who wasn't troubled by Lopez, should beat
this Tsonga, who is barely playing top 30 tennis. But we'll
see.
Respectfully,
masterclass
#Post#: 12498--------------------------------------------------
Re: Masterclass 2014 Upset Picks of the Day
DIR By: thetruth
Date: March 23, 2014, 8:19 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
--- Quote from: masterclass link ---
>
> Yes, Lady TT, Bautista-Agut is playing well. I have a feeling
these courts suit him more than Jerzy. Still, as you said Jerzy
is not playing well. I don't know if he is carrying any injury
or not, and I did not get a chance to watch his most recent
matches. If he is uninjured, he is usually serving about 140 to
145 mph when he goes for it. If you see him not getting much
above 125-130, something might be bothering him in the shoulder,
which is where he had an injury a couple of months ago.
>
> With Monfils, one never knows with his game what's going on.
Cilic played poorly and ERV was good enough to take advantage.
Hopefully Cilic doesn't return to his inconsistent play after
getting a decent start to the season. He should be playing top
20 level or perhaps better, somewhere about an Anderson or
Youzhny level. Sousa played well, but Simon needs to eat more.
He is so thin, the Miami breeze knocked him off course. ;)
>
> Notice that many of the clay court players are doing well in
Miami's conditions? I think they should just change the surface
to Har-tru (green clay) and be done with it. Players aren't
rewarded too much for attacking play against a decent defending
style in Miami.
>
> Picking all the favorites today? :)
>
> I don't watch much women's tennis, but I see results. Maybe
Stephens can "upset" Wozniacki? I think it will be difficult
with Wozniacki's usual good defensive skills.
>
> For the men, I don't see too many chances for an upset. Well,
maybe Baghdatis if he plays very well, and Tsonga has another
off day, which he has been having lately. I don't know what is
wrong with him. But normally Tsonga should handle Baghdatis
with ease. Baghdatis used to prefer quicker conditions.
>
> Murray should normally beat Lopez on these courts, but who
knows how the Lendl split is affecting him? His draw gets
considerably tougher from here, with potentially Tsonga next and
Djokovic thereafter in the QF. I think he can make it to the
QF as Tsonga isn't in good form right now. Let's see what
unfolds. It won't get easier for him with the clay season
almost upon us, but he won't face much pressure there either, so
it's a good opportunity to get some matches in and hit a lot of
balls. Queens Club will be Murray's big test prior to
Wimbledon, and should tell us a lot.
>
> Anyway, I think some of them are enjoying the Miami area -
South Beach, the nightlife, etc. :)
>
> Good luck and health to all the players today!
>
> Respectfully,
> masterclass
>
--- End Quote ---
I like Baustista-Agut. He plays smart. I like smart players more
than I like attacking players. While flashy winners may look
good, they come with a lot of risk. If you make 39 winners and
34 errors, you've only netted a 5 point gain. That's not very
smart to me. Those errors equate to eight games, or depending on
when they're made, the match. So, I was going with Baustista
because Jerzy is a hot dogger. That's why he's not winning.
Gael doesn't play to win. He plays to entertain. Hence his
results.
LOL @Stephens upsetting Caroline. Another hot dogger with a
massive ego. She thinks her game is "better" than W and that
she should be beating her. Doesn't listen to her coach. She's
nuts.
Grigor too. I knew he was going to lose.
Play smart.
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