CAMELOT FANTASIES

It was a loaded Tuesday in Miami with 13 of the top 16 seeds competing in the round of 16.

The big upsets came from two players outside the top 16, who are obviously playing better than their ranking/seeding. 

As Camelot's own General Hercules first predicted, #22 Alexandr Dolgopolov played very well to oust the reigning Australian Open champion, #3 Stan Wawrinka in 3 sets.  He was able to overcome any physical difficulties he had during the previous match and played at a high level when he needed it, while Stan still looks slightly undercooked from lack of recent match play, and perhaps still a bit hung over from his first major title.

Meanwhile, also as Camelot's Lady TT predicted, #20 Kei Nishikori was able to fight past #4 David Ferrer in a very closely contested match at the end.  Either of them could have won it in a ultra-close tiebreaker where Kei fought off no less than 4 match points from Ferrer to finally snatch the tiebreaker 11-9 and the match.  In my opinion, Kei was quite fatigued in the second set, and part of the 3rd, and he wisely saved energy in the last 3 or 4 Ferrer service games where he didn't win a point.  In the latter stages of the tiebreaker, it was Ferrer who was looking the more tired, and whether from disappointment over not being able to convert his match points, or exhaustion, or a combination of both, looked on his last legs and Nishikori was able to outlast "The Wall", which is a difficult feat.

The rest of the matches were pretty true to form, all in straight sets, with no winner losing more than 8 games (Djokovic, Berdych won in identical 6-3, 7-5 scorelines), and the fastest match of the day from Roger Federer winning 6-1, 6-2 over Gasquet in just 49 minutes.

As anyone can plainly see, come to Camelot to get the most informed posters' opinions on the planet.  Obviously, nobody can predict with 100% certainty, but more often than not, we have people that are spot on with their brave predictions.

Quarter finals to come.  General Hercules will have the schedule up soon for the next round of upset predictions.

Respectfully,
masterclass

well so much for that upset prediction general. I got it wrong.

nole was just too tough today. congrats to nole and his fans.

Kei is pretty serious about his career. He hired Chang, and now he's channeling his coach.

I hope not but it won't surprise me in the least if the Final turns out to be Nishikori - Berdych!

Confirmed by ATP, General Tee, thanks.  Nishikori withdrew due to left groin strain injury.  Commiserations to him and his fans.
It shows how much he had to extend himself to beat two top 5 players in a row. The sport can be brutal even for the fittest.

Congratulations to Djokovic and his fans.  He has reached the final playing only 3 matches and 6 sets - Chardy, Robredo, and Murray.

We'll find out if it is better to be rested and fresher, or battle hardened. 
I'm going to guess the former in the case of the second of back to back Masters, but we'll see.

If Nadal gets past Berdych (I know most think it's a given, considering Nadal hasn't lost in 16 matches since the 2006 Madrid insult),  it might be another big battle on slow hard court.  Just think if Masters finals were still best of 5.  I think Djokovic will be a tough man to beat in best of 3 in Miami. 

Respectfully,
masterclass

I have to admit I'm worried about Rafa general.  Another deep run on slow hard court and possible battle with Djokovic right before the clay season.  Is it worth it for Rafa to go all out if it jeopardizes the real prize - RG?  I know that's his character, and this is why I have reservations.  I've seen it happen too many times before.  Miami is relatively small potatoes compared to a healthy clay season and a 14th major at Roland Garros.  Losing to Berdych might be a blessing in disguise, as much as that might irk him in the short term. 

Respectfully,
masterclass

Exactly general.  Just look at poor Kei Nishikori.  He made a huge effort to beat Ferrer, and then had to come back a day later to beat Federer, and now he's out for I don't know how long.  Though Kei has shown increases in strength and fitness this year, he has been prone to injury with his high octane game.  I wish him well in his recovery.

These guys are not machines. It is not a team sport.  They are only one man.  There is nobody to replace them on the bench. If they get hurt, that's it. They are on the sidelines, fishing, playing poker, whatever, and watching the rest of the tennis world go by.  Though there can be freak accidents, players at this level usually get hurt when they really have had to extend themselves to the fullest, not when they are playing easier matches.  For the players who have a lot of matches in them, each injury might be the last. 

Respectfully,
masterclass