BNP Paribas Open Thursday Tips: Can lefty Fernando inflict a rare defeat on Roger?

Events / Ben Caudell / 19 March 2009 / Leave a Comment

Ben Caudell only has eyes for the Verdasco-Federer quarter-final.

Yesterday's matches didn't disappoint. In terms of entertainment value, the fourth round mens's tussles provided everything a punter or tennis fan could possibly desire. Five of the eight matches were decided in three sets and there were seven tie-break sets played out, all of which were incredibly close.

The match between Rafael Nadal and David Nalbandian in particular, lived up to the hype with Nadal saving five match points in a classic encounter.

Nalbanadian had not dropped a set against the Spaniard in their two previous encounters and this match looked set to go the same way when Nalbandian stormed the first and opened up a 3-2 lead in the second with a break.

The Argentinean earned four match points on Rafael's serve in the ninth game and a further match point when serving for the match at 5-4. But the Argentinean failed to deliver and after a close tie-break set, Nadal romped home in the third eventually winning 3-6 7-6 6-0

Roger Federer completed a tough match against the big hitting Fernando Gonzalez 6-3 5-7 6-2, he will now meet Fernando Verdasco in the quarter-finals after the lefthander subdued the erratic Philipp Kohlschreiber in another three set encounter. There were also wins for Ivan Ljubicic who beat Igor Andreev also saving five match points 4-6 7-6 7-6, Andy Roddick defeated David Ferrer 7-6 3-6 6-3, Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray, and Juan Martin Del Potro also make it through to the quarter-finals.

Today's Selections:

Fernando Verdasco (SPA) v Roger Federer (SWI)
This match has to be the pick of the day. Both these players have identical records (won nine, lost one) since their Kooyong Exhibition match played earlier this year in which Federer won 7-6 in the third set. Nadal is the only player to have beaten the pair, in the semis and final of the Australian Open. An interesting fact to take note of is that Rafael Nadal is the only left-handed player to have beaten the Swiss legend since 2003. This doesn't bode well for Fernando; however he has been the better player over the last nine days and is probably at his most confident and fittest level ever. He will put every ounce of effort to win this match and I can see this going to three close sets.

Selection:

Lay Roger Federer 2-0 @ [1.95]