Topshelf Open
A welcome pit stop before Wimbledon, this Dutch tournament was won by David Ferrer last year and he goes for a 3rd title here. There isn’t too much grass court pedigree here except John Isner and Marcos Baghdatis, but who really has had that much experience with so few grass events on tour?
Dutch tennis is coasting right now. De Bakker is bakk from injury, Haase is regaining form and Igor Sijsling has put some good results together. No Richard Krajicek on the horizon however.
Let’s break it down:
ATP Level: 250
Surface: Grass
Defending Champion: David ‘The Wall’ Ferrer – Has a 12-1 record here but gets a tough opener against the seasoned Xavier Malisse.
Nasty Floater: Michael Llodra – Dangerous lefty gets fellow Frenchie Benoit Paire and could be an upset.
Veteran Watch: Nicolas Mahut – The French serve-volleyer knows how to hold serve. Just ask John Isner.
Young bloods: Robin Haase – At home and has big enough game to do well on grass.
Slumping: Marcos ‘The Bagman’ Baghdatis – A new coach but the results stay the same.
On Fire: Stan Wawrinka – With a title this year and good results on clay, can he make an impact on the grass?
My pick: David ‘The Wall’ Ferrer – Odds on to picks up a hat-trick of titles here
Did You Know? Dutch winners include Richard Krajicek winning in 1994 and ’97 and Sjeng Schalken clinching back-to-back wins in 2002-03. The all-time singles champion is Australia’s Patrick Rafter who won 3 titles (1998-2001).
Aegon International
The British summer grass season ramps up in bucolic Eastbourne. Andy Roddick bookended his career with the title last year beating former champ Andreas Seppi who has a 13-5 record here.
The rest of the field is strong with some big servers including the biggest of the lot, Milos Raonic. Brit James Ward, gets a wildcard and gets to play one in Bernard Tomic. A tough draw for him.
Let’s break it down:
ATP Level: 250
Surface: Grass
Defending Champion: Andy Roddick – Retired.
Nasty Floater: Feliciano ‘F-Lo’ Lopez – Very tough to beat on grass and could make semi-finals with ease.
Veteran Watch: Radek ‘The Worm’ Stepanek – Back from injury and his serve-volley game should do well.
Young bloods: Bernard Tomic – Has proven himself on grass before and his slice can open up plenty of chances.
Slumping: Alex ‘The Dog’ Dolgopolov – Another player with the kind of slice to fox plenty on grass. Needs some wins.
On Fire: Phillip Kohlschreiber – Comes in off the back of playing Halle and knows how to play on the turf.
My pick: Milos ‘The Rocket’ Raonic – With his shoulder cannon, it will take a hell of a returner to clip him.
Did You Know? Formerly a women’s event, this tourney used to be played in Nottingham.
Watch: Eastbourne Uncovered
Thanks for reading and check back next week for more picks and amusement!
