Paris Masters - Day 5 - 11/11/2010

Let's see if i can improve my prediction skills today.

Roddick v Gulbis:

Some nice stuff from Andy so far this week, he is loving the fast courts and rightly so with that big serve.  Gulbis on the other hand has not had much work to do as he seems to be the Grim Reaper this week.  Played 2 matches and won by retirement both times.  I can't see Andy losing this one, quick court and fighting for London.

Pick - Roddick

Monfils v Verdasco:

Monfils has been quoted saying that he is "fatigued"  Put that together with Verdasco still alive in the hunt for London means we could have a one-sided match here.  Verdasco came though against Clement (great choke Arnaud) so he should be up for this one.  If Gael can somehow summon the energy for one last push he could make a match of this.  We shall see.

Pick - Verdasco

Llodra v Djokovic:

Novak took a few games to get into his match against Monaco so Michael needs to be out of the blocks in todays match if he wants a chance.  He played superb yesterday against big serving Isner and if he can get his volley game working he can pose a real threat to Novak at the net.  That said Novak is too playing some good stuff (once he gets going) He knows what the court conditions are like so i expect a better start than yesterday.  I think this one could be a decent match.

Pick - Djokovic

Melzer v Ferrer:

Ferrer so nearly didn't make it, (3rd set TB against Fognini) so will be hoping for an improved performance today.  At times he got very frustrated against Fabio so will need a cool head today against an in-form Melzer.  Melzer has to win Paris to qualify for London in the Singles (already there in the Doubles thanks to his Wimbldeon crown).  Whilst it is unrealistic to think that he can win he has nothing to lose so will prove a difficult opponent for David.  But i think experience will help.

Pick - Ferrer

Berdych v Davydenko:

Unless Melzer wins today Berdych is in London.  Not sure what to make of this match, both have been playing some awful stuff of late.  I think the only way to decided who will win this match is to toss a coin!

Pick - Berdych

Wawrinka v Soderling:

Impressive from Robin last night to bagel Simon and an equally good performance from Stan.  Both players are capable of nice tennis and are showing that this week.  Whilst Robin is already in London and had the good showing against Simon i, for some unknown reason, fancy Stan for this.  He can be like this, quietly going about his tennis, no one paying attention then he plays a Top 5 player and puts in a good match.

Pick - Wawrinka

Federer v Stepanek:

I think Radek has a small chance here.  Radek has a decent net game and is one of those players who likes to get under the skin of others.  He had a straight-forward win over Almagro in the previous round and has nothing to lose here.  If he can keep up with Roger he may nick a set.  But Roger too is having a nice run of form and will up for a fight.

Pick - Federer

Murray v Cilic:

Slight scare for Andy in the previous match when he sought treatment for a wrist problem.  Does not seem to be anything serious so i expect him to play well today.  Cilic on the other hand, well he has been awful this year bar the Australian Open.  He will need to serve well today to have any chance and stop Andy coming into the net, a game plan that got him past Nalbandian yesterday.

Pick - Murray