Top Four Try for Final Four in Cincinnati QFs

A quick look at the four quarterfinal matches on the slate Friday in Cincinnati, in which all four of the top four are in action.


#1 Roger Federer vs. Lleyton Hewitt -- A long standing rivalry with longstanding dominance by Federer.  Federer hasn't looked himself, entirely, so far in this US hardcourt swing, so Hewitt could make life somewhat difficult.   Prediction: Federer in 3.

#2 Rafael Nadal vs. Tomas Berdych -- Nadal was as animated as I have ever seen him after he beat Paul-Henri Mathieu last night in straight sets.  It showed just how much these early wins mean to him as he is looking to comeback.  But it also shows how low his confidence is right now, since a win over a player like Mathieu this time last year would have barely merited a smile.  Berdych has given Nadal a lot of trouble before, and I think he can again.  Prediction: Berdych in 2.

#3 Andy Murray vs. LL Julien Benneteau -- As Jeff Sackmann pointed out in a fanshot, few Lucky Losers are as lucky as Julien Benneteau.  He replaced #6 Juan Martin del Potro, meaning he got a bye in the first round.  He then had to go through the less than fearsome draw of Jurgen Melzer and Guillermo Garcia-Lopez to make the quarterfinals.  But a meeting with Andy  Murray means his luck has run out.  Prediction: Murray in 2.

#4 Novak Djokovic vs. #9 Gilles Simon -- Gilles Simon is the #9 seed, yes, but he's had a pretty weak 2009, resting completely on his laurels from late 2008.  Novak Djokovic has had a disappointing 2009 as well, not living up to his seeding at any major.  Djokovic is the better player, though, and should be able to get through Simon.  Prediction: Djokovic in 3.

What are your thoughts on who will be in the winner's circle Friday?