Hamburg Quarterfinals OoP and match thread

[laverfan]

First topic message reminder :

Monaco took out Monfils and Paire (a double French) and has played well so far, without being outstanding. Despite his hiccup second set against Paire. He is also the defending champion. Almagro has had an easier straight-sets outing and looks confident. His loss at Bastad to Verdasco may be quickly forgotten, if he does well here.

Prediction: Almagro in 3.

Verdasco played the finals at Bastad and had a good outing at W. Berlocq just outplayed Verdasco and is susceptible to a wobble in later stages. Delbonis has a harder but convincing run so far and has the ability to take Nando out, just watch the Nando FH ( KR).

Prediction: Delbonis in 3. (I must be hallucinating).

Fognini just won Stuttgart on Clay so a danger man for Haas. Haas did play well to take out Berlocq, the Bastad champion.

Prediction: Fognini in 3.

Federer, with a new toy, playing Mayer who looks very good taking Davydenko, Dolgopolov and Lopez out. Used drop shots very effectively against Lopez today.

Prediction: Federer in 3.

OoP - http://bet-at-home-open.com/en/tournament-players/order-of-play/

Center Court

[5] Juan Monaco (ARG) v [3] Nicolas Almagro (ESP)

[14] Fernando Verdasco (ESP) v [Q] Federico Delbonis (ARG)

[12] Fabio Fognini (ITA) v [2] Tommy Haas (GER)

Not Before 5:20 PM

[WC/1] Roger Federer (SUI) v Florian Mayer (GER)

[ryan86]

Mmm, so Fognini vs Delbonis and someone with a 500 point boost for the next 12 months.

Karlovic vs Falla (surprisingly his first ATP final, but then his record points towards a homer) for the final in Bogota. I'm sure there will be comeone that could do some of the maths on this, but July points seem rather easier to get than at other times of the year.

[banbrotam]

I no longer see any possibility of Fed winning another major. Those citing 2002 and Sampras need to remember just what the strength in depth were

Roger's a victim of his own success. He made Novak, Andy and Rafa get better and better and that horse cannnot be put back in the bottle

Christ! Rafa even beat him on a hard court on his comeback and we're supposed to think he'll beat two of these on a way to a slam

I'm not even convinced the early (i.e before the quarters) departure of these three would even be a help - both Tsonga and Berdych would now expect to beat him

Again, happy to be proved wrong - sadly I just don't see it. But maybe he's going to be the Steve Hendrey of Tennis and just play because he wants to

[laverfan]

I do not think the goal should be winning a slam, but playing good Tennis. He can still win titles, even if not the big ones.

Roger's a victim of his own success.

As were many before him. This is a progression.

[HM Murdock]

that horse cannnot be put back in the bottle

And there's no point shutting the stable door when the genie has bolted! 

[Sponsored content]