Every Friday, after the weekend's matches have been determined, we'll predict the winner of each tournament.
Auckland, ATP (Final):
David Ferrer vs. Olivier Rochus
Olivier Rochus grew up with one ambition: “to be tall.” The 5’6” Belgian has come up big in Auckland, reaching his 10th final. Though he hasn’t won a title since 2006, Rochus’ shrewd court sense and solid strokes make him a tricky opponent.
Ferrer has a bit more bite on his serve and his inside-out forehand is the most imposing shot in this match. The two-time Auckland champ earned 12 break points against Fernando Verdasco, who serves better than Rochus, in the semis and did not face a break point himself. I believe Ferrer will dictate with his forehand, prey on Rochus’ second serve and use his physicality to wear down his 30-year-old foe and claim his 12th career title.
The Pick: Ferrer
Hobart, WTA (Final):
Mona Barthel vs. Yanina Wickmayer
It’s been a break-out tournament for the 21-year-old German, who has won seven matches this week to become the first qualifier to reach a WTA final since Aravane Rezai last August. If she wins her first final, Barthel is projected to crack the Top 50 and clearly has the ability to rise even higher.
Though she’s only a year older, Wickmayer has played nearly 130 more pro matches than Barthel, beat her in their lone meeting two years ago and has more gears to her game at this point. If Wickmayer, who has yet to fulfill the promise she showed in reaching the 2009 U.S. Open semifinals, manages her nerve and her game, she will win—though this could be a tight test against a young talent.
The Pick: Wickmayer
Sydney, ATP (Final):
Julien Benneteau vs. Jarkko Nieminen
Julien Benneteau celebrated his 30th birthday last month and is poised to realize a career milestone by claiming his first championship in his sixth final. Benneteau possesses more power than Nieminen, figures to be fresher—having played four matches compared to seven for the Finnish qualifier—and has yet to surrender a set.
But I’m picking Nieminen. The 30-year-old lefty’s game is predicated on his movement, court craft, and ability to change speed on his shots. Benneteau likes pace, and Nieminen hasn’t given him much of it in winning their four prior meetings. Though he could get overpowered, Nieminen has played well in Sydney in the past, beating Novak Djokovic en route to the 2009 final.
The Pick: Nieminen
Richard Pagliaro is an editor for TENNIS.com.