Ricky Dimon

• French Open Expert Picks: Day 6

  2010-05-28 02:24:19
  

  Expert picks are back for Friday at the French Open. Join the fun in the comments section for the right to become a guest picker later in the tournament!
  
  Andy Murray vs. Marcos Baghdatis
  
  Ricky: Baghdatis used to be absolutely awful on clay, but he already has two victories this week, including a nice one over clay-court specialist Marcel Granollers. Murray, meanwhile, looks vulnerable and he would have been out of the tournament if Richard Gasquet had not been gassed midway through their third set. Baghdatis has a real chance, but he won't have quite enough. Murray 7-6(4), 3-6, 4-6, 6-4, 6-2.
  
  Cheryl: Murray has actually been playing pretty well (by his clay standards) this week. The bad news for the Scot is that he has never beaten Baghdatis (he's 0-2). The good news is that Baghdatis isn't any better on clay than he is. I think Muzza takes this one, though Baghdatis will win at least a set. Murray 4-6, 6-3, 7-5, 6-1.
  
  Kelli: Murray is 0-2 against Baghdatis, although the two haven't met in nearly three years. The Scot is an entirely different player now, and while clay isn't his best surface, he should be able to move through this one in four sets. Murray 6-4, 6-3, 6-7(2), 6-4.
  
  Tomas Berdych vs. John Isner
  
  Ricky: I've picked against Isner several times in the past, and it has not worked out well. It simply isn't safe unless he is playing Rafael Nadal on clay or Roger Federer on grass. Berdych on clay is a different story. The Czech barely beat Isner in a third-set tiebreaker last week at the World Team Cup, but Isner is a different beast when his mental strength is on display. Isner 7-6(5), 7-6(4), 4-6, 6-3.
  
  Cheryl: I like how Isner's been playing, actually (which isn't something I can usually say about an American on clay), but upsetting Berdych might be a bit of an ask. The rain of the past few days has slowed the court down, but that doesn't help either, as they both prefer to play on faster surfaces. This might be a tough one for the Czech, but he gets the nod in the end. Berdych 7-6(5), 5-7, 6-3, 6-4.
  
  Kelli: These two just played on clay in Dusseldorf, with the win going to Berdych in three sets. With respect to the surface, I'd give the Czech the edge here in three close sets. Don't expect too many service breaks. Berdych 7-6(5), 6-4, 7-6(3).
  
  Robin Soderling vs. Albert Montanes
  
  Ricky: I picked Montanes to win this at the start of the tournament, but Soderling has found his game at the site of his biggest triumph (2009 French Open win over Nadal, of course). This will be no blowout like Soderling's first two matches, but the Swede simply has too much firepower--even on clay--for a counter-puncher like Montanes. Soderling 6-2, 7-6(4), 3-6, 6-2.
  
  Cheryl: Soderling has been playing well again this year...then again, he hasn't faced a real threat yet. Montanes is going to benefit from the damp, slower conditions, and the Spaniard has had a few good results on clay this year, including Estoril, where he took the title. Montanes actually took a set from Soderling at the US Open last year - I have to think his chances will be better on clay. This one could go either way, but I give the edge to the Swede. Soderling 3-6, 6-4, 7-6(7), 6-2.
  
  Kelli: Soderling has dished out a couple of bagels heading into the third round. Montanes will be more of a test than either Recourderc or Dent was, but the French Open finalist should move into the round of 16. Soderling 7-6(4), 6-4, 6-2.

   

  Jo-Wilfried Tsonga vs. Thiemo De Bakker
  
  Ricky: De Bakker beat Tsonga last month in Barcelona, but beating Tsonga in front of the French crowd at Roland Garros would be an upset of far greater proportions. And it's not going to happen. Tsonga utterly demolished Josselin Ouanna in round two and when he gets some momentum, opponents better get out of the way. Tsonga 7-6(3), 4-6, 6-4, 6-3.
  
  Cheryl: De Bakker has already defeated Tsonga on clay this season. The two men played in the quarterfinals of Barcelona; Tsonga lost in 3. The only other time they played was in Davis Cup. The Frenchman won that encounter in 4, but it was a real struggle. This has all the makings of a great match (provided the rain holds off, of course). Tsonga 7-6(5), 5-7, 6-7(4), 6-3, 6-4.
  
  Kelli: Tsonga had his hands full with Brands in the opening round, but recovered nicely in the second against countryman Ouanna. De Bakker defeated the Frenchman in Barcelona, and could very well present problems for him once again. With vocal crowd support, I think Tsonga will win, but not easily. Tsonga 7-6(5), 6-2, 3-6, 7-6(4).

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