Who will win the world of the dour?
Nikolay Davydenko.
MEN ROGER FEDERER V.
MIKHAIL YOUZHNY
The so-called soon to be greatest ever against
the so-called greatest practice player on tour will be a thriller, because
Youzhny is overdue to cause Roger to shiver. He knows the Swiss has more
shots in her arsenal and that Federer is mentally tougher, but he might
also suspect that he's more vulnerable than before. Winning Hamburg did
not erase all of Roger's doubts, and it gave talented guys like Youzhny
a little hope. The Russian has to attack the Federer backhand like he
does with Nadal, but it won't be as easy, especially on Federer's serve.
Roger will shake his head more than a few times, but prevail in four
long sets.
NIKOLAY DAVYDENKO V.
DAVID NALBANDIAN
Torture or pleasure? Depends on whether you enjoy
a chess match between two-borderline irritable Grand Masters who would
rather contest this match in an empty auditorium than in front of other
humans. Neither man is loaded with personality, but both have plenty
of game and, on occasion, guts. Nalbandian was borderline heroic in downing
Monfils, but the Russian won't give him as many free points; he's quicker,
smarter and believes that he can needle him of the grounds. That's all
it takes (even though it will take three hours) and Davydenko will prevail
in four.
TOMMY ROBREDO V. FILLIPPO VOLANDRI
This match should be a blast, full of flair and
bravado from Spain's best supporting actor and Italy's vexing veteran.
Volandri has done a terrific job of following up of his upset of Federer
at Rome and getting into this position. Robredo badly needs this win
to show that he's not on the verge of falling out of the Top 10. Take
the Tommy Gunner's desire over Volandri's dreams in five sets.
GUILLERMO CAÑAS
V. JUAN MONACO
Believe it or not, Cañas has been conserving
energy, running through his first three foes. The Argentine has been
unable to do that before at RG, but has a golden opportunity to do so
against the streaky Monaco, who can't muscle up with him in long rallies.
Cañas is a lock for the quarters and will win
in three.
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