Each day during the 2011 U.S. Open, coach Nick Bollettieri will discuss three of the most intriguing matches on the schedule and offer his predictions.
Sabine Lisicki [22] vs. Alona Bondarenko (Court 17, first match)
Like Heather Watson and Maria Sharapova, who played each other on Day 1, Lisicki grew at the IMG Bollettieri Tennis Academy, and I have worked with her for many years. She always has a great attitude on the court, and if she can stay healthy, she has an extremely bright future.
These two have met once before, back in the 2008 U.S. Open, and Bondarenko won that in three sets. Bondarenko is an experienced player who has had excellent results on both the singles and doubles side. She doesn?t have any huge weapons, but she will make you cover the court and won?t roll over. Lisicki likes to go for everything. She hits the tar out of the ball from both wings and her serve is one of the best on tour. She needs to get a high percentage of first serves in to win this match, and she also needs to remain patient. I give her the edge because of Bondarenko?s injury issues (she didn?t compete until May due to wrist and right knee injuries) and the fact that Lisicki has had an excellent year ? and loves playing on hard courts.
Nick?s Pick: Lisicki in three sets
***
Jelena Jankovic [11] vs. Alison Riske (Grandstand, second match)
Jankovic comes in ranked 12th in the world and should have plenty of confidence after reaching the finals of Cincinnati. It will be interesting to see how she rebounds after that performance, to see if she can sustain that level of play for two weeks. She was a finalist here just three years ago and she definitely has the talent to reach that point again.
To me, this match is all about Jankovic. A couple of years ago her movement was off the charts, but she doesn?t seem to be covering the court as well as she used to. Her two-handed backhand is still one of the best, and when she is able to step in and hit it down the line, she is very difficult to beat. Against Riske, she needs to get down to business right away and not let the crowd get into it. Jankovic is a bit unpredictable because of her emotions, so the longer this match goes, the better the American?s chances are of winning. I look for Jankovic to win, but this will be a fun match.
Nick?s Pick: Jankovic in two sets
***
Novak Djokovic [1] vs. Conor Niland (Arthur Ashe Stadium, third match)
When I was working on the picks, I didn?t know who Djokovic was playing and honestly, it doesn?t matter. This match is all about him and his shoulder health. He was forced to retire in the finals of Cincinnati and it could have a major effect on this match. His record is still 57-2 on the year and he?s won nine titles, which is simply amazing.
I was recently asked how I would compare Djokovic to the greats in the game, and I believe he is right up there. I don?t think that there is anyone in the history of the game that has been as solid in all areas as he is right now. He is so well-rounded and his game is so complete that it is extremely difficult to even take a set off of him. The ball is basically on a string and he is the puppet master. He is remarkable to watch. I look for him to advance, but I?ll be keeping my eyes on how his shoulder feels moving forward.
Nick?s Pick: Djokovic in three sets
Nick Bollettieri of the IMG Bollettieri Tennis Academy has trained many collegiate and professional players, including 10 who reached the world No. 1 ranking.
Source: http://feeds.tennis.com/~r/tenniscom-features/~3/ahBXIb9P9b4/
No comments:
Post a Comment