Men's Tennis: Preview of the 2011 Miami Sony Ericsson Open
Another year, another tournament. Last year witnessed the triumph of Andy Roddick, who, in winning his fifth ATP Masters title, made a nice, short comeback to winning a big, American tournament.
Then, however, the power struggle at the top wasn't quite as intense—a lackadaisical Roger Federer sat at No. 1, while Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic were just playing to their rankings. Roddick made a big splash in a relatively inert pool of tennis.
2011 is a different animal. So far, its been the fairy-tale, 18-match run of Novak Djokovic which has captivated tennis fans.
It hasn't been a total one-man show, however. The progress of Federer still intrigues, while Nadal attempts to consolidate his place at the top.
There is also a multitude of players whose paths this week may thicken the plot—Juan Martin Del Potro seeks to reignite the fire that won him the US Open in 2009, Andy Roddick of course is desperate to defend his title and the tour welcomes several fiery newcomers—Ryan Harrison and Milos Raonic, to name but a couple.
This is a preview of the men's draw, quarter by quarter.
The First Quarter: Nadal and Berdych
1 of 4
Rafael Nadal and Tomas Berdych headline the first quarter. For the most part, it seems a pretty breezy section for the world No. 1, who should have a comfortable time, at least to the fourth round; there, he could face either the up-and-coming "dog-man," Alexandr Dolgopolov, or a pseudo-nemesis, Jo-Wilfred Tsonga, who once humiliated him in Australia.
Neither Tsonga nor Dolgopolov have been playing like they can, however—not that even playing like they could would necessarily be a guarantee against Nadal. The Spaniard is heavily favoured here.
The bottom eighth is much more fiery, with the possible clash of two countrymen, Nicholas Almagro and Alberto Montanes, while big-hitter Ernests Gulbis and Tomas Berdych, the wonder-men from Eastern Europe, are likely to collide amidst a swarm of qualifiers. Most likely, the quarterfinalist will be found in one of these two—Berdych, especially, seems destined to get there.
The Second Quarter: Federer and Roddick
2 of 4
Federer's quarter would seem at first sight no more difficult an affair than Nadal's. Familiar foes pop up here and there with whom Federer had consistently duelled in his glory days—Baghdatis, Youzhny and of course Andy Roddick, whom he potentially faces in the quarters.
For the most part, one would expect little concrete resistance until that round, with none of the players being really able to test Federer, should he play his best (as one would expect). Baghdatis, perhaps, may make an interesting fourth-round opponent. Earlier still, however, a potential clash with the up-and-coming Grigor Drimitrov, touted as the baby Federer, in the third round would be simply fascinating.
The bottom half of his quarter should turn out less one-sided. Jurgen Melzer, a hot player when on form, could possibly cause a stir, while such worthies as Marin Cilic and Gilles Simon play fine, solid tennis. Andy Roddick would be the slight favourite here, although he will have his work cut out. He is playing, however, well enough—and as the defending champion, would have the motivation to advance.
The Third Quarter: Ferrer and Soderling
3 of 4
Least stable is this quarter. Potential quarterfinalists seem to crop up almost all along, with Ferrer and Soderling heading what is really a competitive and equal plain.
On Ferrer's side, there is the lately emerged Milos Raonic, who would pose problems against almost anybody with his serve on his day. There's Michael Llodra, too, who can string together a good run, and, as always, Stanislas Wawrinka, who, being the sort of player who relishes playing others of similar rank, would be loving this draw.
Soderling's section is probably, albeit only slightly, more distinguished, with such old-time names as Richard Gasquet and Mardy Fish. Both may challenge the best on their day—the very best, however, would be missing until at least the quarterfinals.
Robin Soderling, who seems on paper the clear favourite in this quarter, might face a stern test. Not playing recently to quite the lofty standard we have come to expect of him, he might face Philip Kolschreiber, who bounced him out of Indian Wells last week in straight sets.
A big name to look out for here, however, is the unseeded, (very) dark horse, Juan Martin Del Potro. One wouldn't be surprised if he usurped Soderling in expectations this week.
.jpg?w=256 "Colts Jaguars Football")
The Fourth Quarter: Murray and Djokovic
4 of 4
The most attention would probably be focused on this quarter. Most likely, of course, because here, Novak Djokovic looms ominously.
Riding an 18-match winning streak, made all the more glorious by three consecutive defeats of Roger Federer, and a three-tournament winning streak, he is a super-hot favourite for the Miami title. Some may suggest fatigue and exhaustion, especially in the Miami heat, as mitigating factors; yet his opponents, too, will have to face the same problem.
Speaking of whom, it is unlikely that any will pose too debilitating a challenge. Sam Querrey, perhaps, with the American crowd, and his booming forehand, may be an interesting matchup, but one would expect little resistance in the face of what is likely to be a slaughter to the quarters.
Whom Djokovic is seeded to face in the quarters is less certain; Andy Murray, for all his talent, has scarcely managed more than about three hours on court since losing at the Australian Open. While he would probably put on a better show this time, he faces imposing challengers—John Isner, and Fernando Verdasco, may provide a healthy battle.
On his game, Murray is quite unbeatable, but it is recent fragility that makes this section relatively unpredictable.
.jpg?w=480 "Colts Jaguars Football")
