The Farmers Classic in Los Angeles has a pretty strong field once again this season. Mardy Fish, Juan Martin Del Potro, Marcos Baghdatis and Thomas Bellucci highlight the field.
This is a tournament that could see lots of upsets and I think it's the first big men's tournament of the summer.
Here are my fearless predictions.
First Quarter
Fish cold be really tired, having to travel from Atlanta to L.A. in a short time span. I don't think he will make it out of this section and it could be a good thing for him considering he's scheduled to play the following three weeks. Giles Muller played well in Atlanta as well and I think he could be primed for an upset of Fish. I also think Fernando Gonzalez could be dangerous as he begins to play his way back into form after a long layoff.
Semifinalist: Gonzalez
Second Quarter
Baghdatis will have his hands full in this section with young American Ryan Harrison, Robby Ginepri and Dimitri Tursunov all looming. It won't be easy, but Baghdatis seems to really like the U.S. Open hard court swing.
Semifinalist: Baghdatis
Third Quarter
Bellucci also has an interesting section. There are a lot of dangerous names out there, even if they aren't playing at a high level right now. Gigor Dimitrov and Tommy Haas will play in the first round and the winner could get on a roll.
Semifinalist: Dimitrov
Fourth Quarter
Another tough section. I think Del Potro is going to have a big summer and I think it starts in L.A. Xavier Malisse and James Blake are also in this quarter, but I don't think it will matter.
Semifinalist: Del Potro
Semifinals
Gonzalez vs. Baghdatis
If he can get to the semifinals it will be a nice accomplishment for Gonzalez, but I think it's too much to expect him to get to the final. I think Baghdatis will have another solid summer and could go a little run at the U.S. Open.
Winner: Baghdatis in two sets
Dimitrov vs. Del Potro
Dimitrov is going to be really good someday, but that time isn't now. I think Del Potro is getting closer to the form he showed in winning the U.S. Open in 2009. By the end of the summer, I think he'll be there.
Winner: Del Potro in two sets.
Final
Baghdatis vs. Del Potro
This should be an entertaining match. However, in the end I think Del Potro will have too much firepower and simply too much game for Baghdatis.
Winner: Del Potro in two sets
Source: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/777280-things-should-really-heat-up-in-los-angeles-tournament
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