Final Picks
Svetlana Kuznetsova choked away a perfect 7/7 quarterfinal prediction for me (I simply couldn’t predict Verdasco vs. Tsonga). It is really my own fault, no matter how poorly Serena had been playing, I should’ve remembered Kuznetsova is the WTA version of Peyton Manning and the Indianoplis Colts – both look great against inferior opponents and look like a great pick to win the Slam/Superbowl, and both have even lucked out once, but both will inevitably disappoint you. Unless you are a Patriots fan, like myself, but I digress.
Here are my picks for the rest of the tournament:
Women’s Semis – Zvonareva vs. Safina – I’m going with Zvonareva here. She has look far less shaky than Safina throughout the two weeks, and has seemed to overcome the ‘choker’ status that has haunted her throughout her career.
Williams vs. Dementieva – My heart says Dementieva, my head says Serena. Dementieva has looked very solid so far, but she has not played anyone ranked above 18th.
Finals – Williams vs. Zvonareva – Expect Serena to pick up her tenth Grand Slam. All of these matches should be hard fought and close, but I see Serena hoisting the Champions trophy when all is said and done.
Men’s Semis – Nadal vs. Verdasco -In the Spanish battle, the key here is that Verdasco’s biggest weapon, his forehand, will not be nearly as effective because it will be going to Nadal’s forehand (they are both lefthanded). Should Verdasco contiue his great serving, it will be close, but Nadal wins in the end.
Roddick vs. Federer - As well as Roddick has been playing, Federer is apparently on another level than usual right now. Having just beat the 8th ranked player in the world (del Potro) 6-3, 6-0, 6-0, unless he comes back down to earth a bit, Roddick can keep this close but won’t have a shot at winning.
Finals – Federer vs. Nadal – I’ll pick a winner, only because I have to. I’ll pick Federer, only because I’m rooting for him. However, if you don’t have a reason to pick, simply watch another great match between these two great champions.