Andy Roddick solid in Cincinnati. August 18, 2010 © GEM Tennis

Chichi’s Preview & Predictions for the Americans on Day 3

by Chichi, GEM Tennis (9-3 record on GEM)

• Roddick over Tipsarevic- Andy at night in front of thousands against the goggle wearing Tipsarevic. Sounds easy…. but its not. They have played twice on grass and split matches, both being very close. Janko has had some impressive during the early part of the summer, but injured his ankle pretty badly against Kohlshreiber and hasnt played a match since which will give Roddick an edge in match toughness. This adds up to a Roddick victory, but i will give Tipsarevic a set based on history and talent.
  Roddick 63 67 63 63.
• Querrey over Klahn- Klahn a nice college lefty who will pay his dues against Querrey not because of a lack of talent but a lack of experience on the big stage. Querrey has been shaky the ladder part of the summer but should have enough serve and return to take out Klahn in straights.
  Querrey 64 64 63
• Isner over Gil- I know Isners ankle injury is bad, but if he is playing he must think he could play. If he thinks he could play then I like him to beat the light serving Gil who will play deep on the baseline and hope to move isner around. The difference is that Isner should be able to serve him off the court for some quick points and then take a few healthy cuts on returns for a break here or there for a solid victory.
  Isner 76 75 64
• Ljubicic over Harrison- Ljubicic has been inactive recently as his body is finally starting to show its age, but Ryan Harrison, as solid and as confident as he is after qualifying, is playing someone with a load of experience and a huge weaopon in his serve. Harrison doesn’t have anything overwhelming to make Ljubicic uncomfortable except for being in very good playing shape. I don’t think he can keep Ivan out there long enough to put that into use. Ljubicic 63 75 63.
• Simon over Young- This is a huge match in the career of Donald Young. He is back in the top 100 and has a chance to move up with some wins at the Open. The problem is that Gilles Simon is rock solid and has played some really tough competition recently and is well prepared for the well rounded Young. The match should be very entertaining but Donald has not showed he can beat someone of this caliber because he just doesnt have the weapons.
  Simon 64 63 57 62.
• Chiudinelli over Sock- Chiudinelli has been on the tour for a long time. He is on a losing streak. He’s been through the wars of Grand slams and Davis cup. He has too much experience and is chomping at the bit to get a win at a grand slam. Sock is what the doctor ordered. 17 yr old american who is thrilled to be at the open and has nothing to lose, but the problem once again for these young americans is that they dont have a weopon that can make even the journymen nervous. The USA needs a new young hero, but I just dont think it will be Sock, not this year anyway. If Sock brings it he might steal a set, but thats it.
  Chiudinelli 67 63 63 63
• Oudin over Bondarenko- Weak sophomore year for Oudin, but its the Open and after last year I cant go against her. I think she can handle Bondarenko smacking the ball around and get inspiration from the crowd to pull off a 3 setter and become the darling of the US Open once again. Cmonnnnn!
  62 46 63 Oudin
• Hantuchova over King- Vania is tough. She is solid and can be aggressive. She volleys well and can hit well off of both wings. Somehow in the end the parts dont add up to a whole and I can’t put my finger on why. Hantuchova is not dominant by any means and is often beatable if the opponent stays in there, but I think getting by Safina was a big relief and now she feels like she is in the tournament and has earned the right to keep advancing. King’s win over Mchale didn’t impress me much. I see this being close and the crowd on Vania’s side, but in the end Daniela will rise to the occasion and eke out the win.
  Hantuchova 62 26 62
• Williams over Marino- I have no info on Marino. Looking at the stats she serves pretty well and has the aces to show for it. Shes a 6 footer and has won 4 matches here at the open. Confidence should give her some games, but Venus will chop her down in the end even though she’s not 100 %.
  Venus 64 62