Now that the big favorite has 'crashed out', along with many others, who would you like to see doing well in Indian Wells?

Quarter 1. This should really be between Blake and Djokovic (I doubt Ferrer can make much of an impact, although Korolev could stir things up if he knocks out Novak). I would like to see James come out of this quarter; he deserves a good run.

Quarter 2. Here we've got Kolya Davydenko, Andy Muray, Gonzo and Tommy Haas remaining. I wouldn't mind Davydenko getting some good results again, although somehow I don't really see that here. Also, of course I'll be rooting for Andy. Also I like both Gonzo and Tommy, and a rematch of their AO match should be exciting --- somehow I don't think it would be quite as one-sided. However, Soderling is also still in the mix, and I wouldn't rule out him knocking out Gonzo, given the struggle against Dancevic. Ultimately, I'd like to see Andy Murray step it up and come out of this quarter of the draw here, but I think whoever comes out on top will be an exciting player for the semis.

Quarter 3. This is a tough one, with almost all the seeds still in. I'd like to see Roddick go through here.

Quarter 4. This is basically now the quarter of the clay-courters, with Verdasco, Ferrero, Chela and of course Nadal the remaining seeds. If Rafa doesn't come through this quarter without too much trouble, then he's really got problems.

Semi-final match-ups:

Would be good to see Blake - Murray, and (finally!) Roddick - Nadal.

All possible final match-ups out of those four would be really great; I'd personally like to see Blake - Nadal (a chance for Rafa to overcome his problems with James, or for James to beat Rafa on a really big occasion), or Murray - Nadal (what a great chance for Murray that was, and since their AO match was so delicious, it would be good to see a rematch).

Any thoughts? Gonzo-Nadal could also be a good final imo.

last time Federer got taken out of a Masters in Cincy Andt R broke through and won hopefully that will be the case again here will be tough though but I think he is the favourite now

obviously it will be the king Andy Murray B)

well from my side:

I really hope to see a young guns semi between Murray and Djoko...And I will be behind Djoko: Even if I will be happy to see Murray as well in the final. Anyway both of them they have to face the "old" guard as Blake (Djoko) and Gonzalez (Murray)...So difficult to know...But I hope :pray:

In the other side of the draw: only one name for me: Please Gasquet do your job for once and kill everyone as you can do

I start now to :pray: :pray:

Hopefully the wastes of space like Ljubicic and Davydenko will be booted out of the tournament in double quick time, preferably with Blake and Gonzo not far behind them. This tournament could be just the opportunity to start the changing of the guard; we need talented youngsters like Gasquet and Murray to come through and assert their superiority over some of these plastic top tenners.

Wise roflmao roflmao ...among "plastic top tenners" are you considering Nadal?? .... roflmao roflmao You are just so funny..A FED defeat and you are so happy...Just like a child man..

In any case I share your view and as I said I am currently :pray: :pray: for Gasquet and Djoko (I definitely prefer his Tennis to the Murray one) :rolleyes:

I said some TV ;)

After Fed's previous loss, it was a long time before I got to gloat, so I'm making the most of it this time! B)2

And I expect again, we'll be disappointed by Gasquet... I prefer Murray's tennis to Djoko's though - will be another little rivalry of ours should they both make the semis! :hug:

Yes, I agree-be great to see Gasquet and Djokovic really build on their talent. Murray is playing well, but I don't like his tennis as much.

I'm hoping Ljubicic, Blake and Davydenko don't go too far. As I previously said, Ljubicic needs to find some sort of form, otherwise he's in trouble-the tools he has just aren't good enough.

richard gasquet for indian wells please :ok:

TV, I am puzzled why you set so much stock in Djokovic and Gasquet.

OK, Djoko is a very good player, and will probably make top 5 sometime, but I don't see anything extra-special in his game. Even if he goes on to win slams and everything (not convinced at the moment), I don't think I'll ever root for him; I just don't care for his game. I haven't seen anything that makes me think he's got something other top 10 players don't.

Gasquet, I'll applaud if / when he makes a break-through run, and I kind of like him. But I'm not sure he's got the will / head / mental strength to go much further than he already has. He needs to do what Fed did and really knuckle down. Until then, I don't have that much respect for him; pure talent will only get you so far, you've got to have the determination to back it up.

Murray, on the other hand, seems to have a very good attitude, and it seems to me he looks to Federer as a model of how to be successful from recent interviews I've seen and heard. He's really got the right ethos, I think, so I'm rooting for him to sort out his head a bit more (which he seems to be doing), and to go all the way in this event. :ok:

I'd like to see Blake win it.

:whistle:

Hi mightyjeditribble,

Finally 5 minutes in a busy day. :phew: ..

So, you see my choices in terms of young guns are just based on pure esthetical reasons: Gasquet and Djoko have simply, IMO, the most beautiful book of shots among this young generation (from my point of view one of the best match at the AO was simply Djoko against FED, purely based on my tastes :) ).

Now, once I said that, I fully agree with you to become a great player in Tennis you need some other features: Mainly the head (but the physic is also important) which implies a strong believe in your Tennis and I clear knowledge of your power and limits ;) .

I tend to agree it could be that both of them they do not have this aspect this winner mentality that is so important. Murray might have this winner mentality (more than happy if he had and he will show to us in the future). I do not have any problems; but given that in terms of pure results these guys are at the moment quite close I prefer to follow more closely those I like more from a pure esthetic point of view :P : So, in other terms, among young talented players who are more or less at the same development phase I really prefer to support those I enjoy most to watch. Nothing more complicate..

BTW: Djoko and Gasquet are still there and this is great for me. :rolleyes: ..

Ciao

I agree with TV. Djoko is going to improve really fast from now and is already close to the top. He has the confidence that Gasquet lacks though Gasquet has probably a better baseline game but his serve lets him down badly.

I expected Blake to do something as well but obviously this is not going to happen now. The one to watch is Davydenko as well if he is fully fit....which I doubt.
Nadal....always a threat.

As much as I can't wait for the clay season, I would very much like to see more of Nadal/Djoko or Nadal/Gasquet and Nadal/Murray on hard to see how those youngsters compare outside clay.

Interesting tournament despite Fed's departure.

I would say it's an interesting tournament BECAUSE of Fed's departure Tenez, afterall we don't know who is going to win it now :D

Id really like to see Murray win it, but it would be great for Gasquet to as well, a real confidence boost that he needs.

What an awful, limp loss for Blake last night. Really has done zilch since winning Sydnyey this year............ protecting those points from last year is going to be tough if he's playing like this, on his favourite surface as well.

Up to 3 people now in my opinion that will win this title. Roddick, Nadal or Murray( as much as it pains me) roflmao

Gonzalez and Djokovic though, looking so deadly........

Somehow Haas is rarely mentioned in threads like these. I wouln't myself put money on him. But the stats don't lie, Tommy had some really good results this year.
Let's see how far Tommy will go now he finally won't have to face Roger

Like I said, all of the four guys left in that part of the draw are exciting. I'm not sure whether I see Tommy beating Nadal, unfortunately, should they be in the final against each other.

Anyway, go Tommy :clap:

I would like him to really take the game to Gonzo to avenge his AO loss. Also, a Murray v Haas QF would be nice --- the old guard against the new, as it were. :)

Davydenko v Haas would be less exciting in my opinion, while Davydenko v Gonzo could be an interesting match-up.

That quarter of the draw is certainly the most exciting at the moment, imo.

OK, I see. I guess we have (somewhat) different tastes, as I just don't enjoy watching Djoko that much ... but it would be boring if we all liked the same thing, wouldn't it?

I personally think that Murray is ahead of Djoko in his approach to the game, although they're similar in the rankings. I guess the actual ranking position isn't Andy's main concern at the moment; he is still trying to build his game. This sounds good to me --- I hope it'll pay off! :ok:

In any case, I think we can expect both of them in the top 10 in the not-too-distant future (still this year, hopefully). Perhaps there will be an interesting rivalry between them --- we will see.

I am keeping my fingers crossed that Haas wins. Given his form this year, he deserves a big title.

What about Canas? He did beat Federer! ;)

Well, seeing as though he has been knocked out by Moya, I do not think that he will win this tournament :o

:doh: :doh:

Sorry i posted before i thought or checked results!
Sorry for my noobness

I'd like to see Gonzo, Gasquet, Rafa and Djoko do well here.. :)

Re; Gasquet.. agreed re: his mental frailty/ ability to shank matches.. but that backhand :bow:

I'd like him more if he didn't wear his cap back to front.. (it's so 'Kevin the Teenager').

same reasoning goes for not liking A-Rod, Hewitt..

Not that I have irrational peripheral reasons for not liking players or anything.. roflmao

So you see, Fed, Rafa, Gonzo, all wear headbands.. like those :ok:

Caps.. no! :angry: wearing them backwards, bigger no-no!! :devil:

Anyway, where was I? :rolleyes:

Ok now we have:

Gasquet :( gone..But in the other side AROD up: this is great because it is a proof that the "weak era" theory is just Cr@p:

How many times the bad performance of this player has been used to illustrate the"weak'era theory, to say that the only competiotor of FED was a weak player and so on and so forth:

So, on that side, congrat AROD well done(in particular during the tiebreak and the second set...I saw both of that this morning..Just well done man :ok: )...

You are a really nice guy who works a lot to try to be always at the top and this is just the right attitude

Lubo in and Nalbi gone: roflmao ...Wise & trolls company always complaining about this player: Lubo is a very decent player, he is not able to perform in GS (IMO mainly because of the 5 sets format) but still on a master he is just a good (medium) player...Those between positions 5-10 at the ranking and this whatever the era you are considering.

Nadal :bow: Just great: Additional proof that the two guys (him as well FED) at the top they are very similar: After some "bad" performances at the AO and Dubai the man is able to fight back (as expected) to prove that he really wants to do more even outside clay courts...Good job man :ok:

And now let's :pray: :pray: For Djoko once again...And Murray: Both of you in the semi please...Move on this night :rolleyes:

I'd like to see Murray win of course. :D or Nadal. I would also mention Gasquet. He is a particular fave of mine and yes we all know he is mentally frail and sometimes his plain 'cant be arsed' attitude is frustrating and it irritates me to see such talent being wasted by him sometimes, but would love to see him do well here. As always that backhand is a joy joy joy to watch. :bow: :clap:

*whispers* um....Mo, Gasquet went out last night :blush:

Be nice if Murray and Tim were able to get a good result in the doubles too :D

Yes, Gasquet went out :angry: Though...at least it was to A-Rod - got to admire Roddick, even if he doesn't have that sublime backhand. Still, Gasquet needs to start acting soon and get focussed. If he could have a touch of the A-Rod work ethic, and Roddick could have a bit of that backhand...what a player! ;)

Well, I can't say more about Ljubicic? For me he is just a very mediocre player with uninspiring tennis. I don't see him the top 10 much longer.

BUT, it's all about Nadal now. He HAS to win this :pray: a rivalry this season rests on a good performance, come on Rafa!!

And I'd also like to see Murray/Henman do well-I thought Henman would make a good doubles player with his brilliant volley. Shame his serve didnt match his volley, and he'd have had some single GS.

It is funny if you read Gasquet's interview, he talks openly about his immaturity on the court. This is really starnge but he pointed the problem very well. He has not got the confidence needed to get to the next step. will he ever have it? I am having doubts. I think like Fed he needs a lot of confidence and clearly he has not got it and I agree that only hard working will help him built it.

totally agree-Gasquet needs to act now if he wants to go places.

Maybe he needs some of Murrays abundance of confidence...clearly enough for two players?!

"I'll try to focus on it match by match, but I'd say I'm one of the favourites to win the title here."

:D

I think Roddick will win - with Federer out the draw has opened up for him, and I think on a hardcourt he can handle Nadal quite well.

I've not checked other side of draw - who's on it? I personally reckon Haas will get his revenge on Gonzalez for their Aus Open match - but don't know what other players are on that half of draw.

:o oh well, thats not going to happen then is it. :( Dont have pc at home so cant always keep up with the scores overnight as teletext (unless its a bigger tourni, is B****Y useless sometimes) :(

Gasquet certainly lacks focus and confidence, but also and IMO more importantly, it has been documented that he just cant be arsed to make the effort at times and dislikes travelling and being away from his home for long spells of time. Sounds like dodgy criteria to be a top tennis player then. :blink:

I never understand why Ljubicic and Davydenko get so much abuse from people. They're both really good players --- good, not my favorite style of tennis either, I'll admit it, but overall I like them for their attitude (except Ljubo's folding in slams :unsure:). They deserve to be near the top of the ranking, although in Ljubjub's case I also don't see him staying in the top 10 when some of the young guy's start really pushing for it.

Anyway, Gasquet --- it's what I've been saying all along, as much talent as he may have, he doesn't have the head or the commitment for it at the moment, which is why I don't care so much for him. He reminds me of the way that Federer describes himself before sorting his head out, which is what Gasquet needs to do. When and if he does this, he will gain my respect, until then I'll just see him as having lots of talent but not enough determination.

Murray and Davydenko also in the second quarter with Haas and Gonzalez --- exciting quarter this is.

The first quarter is completely devoid of excitement for me at the moment, with Djokovic due to go through to the SFs of a TMS without really having to work for it ... :angry:

Just had a look at draw properly for first time:

4th round

Ferrer v Moya
Djokovic v Benneteau

Davydenko v Murray
Haas v Gonzalez

quarters

Ljubicic v Roddick
Chela v Nadal

Agreed that Djokovic has had a dream of a draw - noticed on here that he gets the odd bit of stick about only beating players lower than him - true to a point, but its that sort of consistency which makes a great player, and makes him a better bet for winning at the highest level than say James Blake. Moya may be more of a test than Ferrer.

Davydenko v Murray - Hmm...just got a feeling that Murray will always struggle against Davydenko as his game doesn't match up so well against his.

Haas v Gonzalez - Gonzo was red hot against Haas at Aus Open and that match was surprisingly one-sided. Haas has a point to prove here and has been excellent this year - I fancy Tommy to win this one.

Ljubicic v Roddick - Strange reaction on here to Ljubicic's win over Nalbandian - all the Nalbandian sceptics were coming out of the woodwork and criticising the loss as if Nalbandian had lost to a rank outsider. Anyway, I'd give A-Rod the nod for this one - he's on home territory and in a bit more ruthless form than Ljubicic.

Nadal v Chela - Chela's had a good tournament, but there's nothing in his game that troubles Nadal - its a match-up that suits Nadal like a dream.

Verdict: Roddick to win tournament, beating Haas in final...if Murray can get past Davydenko though I think he'll win the title.

And...isn't it refreshing that a tournament is open for a change (and yes, I am a Federer fan!)...

I want Roddick to win just so he is gradually building up an assault on the no. 2 spot to dethrone Rafa. This would atleast give a rivalry on a lower level and also I don't like Nadal so meh.

from that lot, i'd take haas to win.

Apparently, Murray's win against Davydenko was a trademark Brad Gilbert style 'winning ugly' performance. Against Haas he'll have to play a bit differently - based on performances I'd put Haas as favourite for this match, Djokovic should be fine against Ferrer. Haas v Djokovic would be an interesting match-up - could be close, but I'd give Haas the nod.

I reckon we'll get a Haas v Roddick final, which could go either way...

Haas v Murray --- interesting match-up.

Two players I like and support --- one from my native country, the other one from the UK, where I currently live (not in Scotland, though).

And the old guard against the young one, as it were. This is certainly the QF I was hoping for on this side. Not sure whom I should support --- I guess it's going to be Murray, since I like his game (usually, when he's not 'winning ugly', at least) and attitude.

So --- go Andy! But give him a good fight, Tommy!

On the upside, while I'll be said for whoever loses, I'll be happy for whoever goes through! :ok:

the players left in the draw should relish this opportunity. to win a major tournament on the back of an early federer loss doesn't present itself too often. take advantage...

tommy tommy tommy ;) ;) ;)