The Crystal Ball’s 2006 Tennis Predictions

All right, I will put myself on the spot. Yes, as the year progresses, I will become a target to everyone who disagrees with these predictions. Take your best shot if you can! Keep in mind that at least I dared. If you want to do the same, visit the Sports Central Message Boards and do the same. What better source of fun than to remind each other how wise our crystal balls are, or perhaps, the failure of mine aptly named "Crystal."

I took Crystal out of its box earlier today. I rolled my hands around her, focused, observed the different rays coming out of her, and listened to her fantastic tales. Here is what she told me:

1) An Argentinean or a Spaniard Male Will Not Win Roland Garros

Yes, the French Open has often produced unheard champions in the past. But seriously, come on, Crystal! I had a real problem with her on this one. Guillermo Coria, David Nalbandian, Rafael Nadal, Juan Carlos Ferrero, Carlos Moya, and Gaston Gaudio would be some of the players ready to chuck my crystal ball in the garbage. She must put a lot of faith in Roger Federer and the French players.

2) Serena Will Win Either Wimbledon or U.S. Open

Crystal's reasoning was simple: she is due for one. I am assuming Crystal takes the "injury" and "shape" factors into consideration. Hmmm...

2) Ivan Ljubicic Will Reach the Finals of at Least One Slam

Crystal could turn out correct on this one. This guy was the most significant climber in the second half of last year's rankings. Let's not forget that he was close to doing it already in the Australian Open. Confidence he has, game he got, mental toughness he possesses — definitely plenty. I know Crystal was not influenced by neither his looks nor his hair.

3) Agassi Will Rock at Wimbledon

Andre Agassi does have the best return in the game. Grass surface will be easy on his old body. He has historically done well at Wimbledon in various times. He will have the British crowd on his side until the very last point that he plays. Yes, Crystal, I believe I am with you on this one!

4) Roddick Will Not Win the Queen's and Federer Will Not Win Hamburg Masters

If you are saying "why?" you must not have watched these tournaments. Andy Roddick has lost only five sets on his way to winning the last three years' Queens Club tournaments, and Roger Federer has lost a total of two sets in the last two years on his way to both of his Hamburg titles. I hate it when Crystal knows the history of anything in the tennis world better than me.

5) Hewitt Will Fail to Reach the Finals of Any Slam Tournament

Fret not, Lleyton Hewitt fans, for Crystal told me this trend would quickly be reversed in 2007.

6) Gaudio Will Not Finish the Year in the Top 25

Crystal talks about the future, I will talk about the past: Gaston Gaudio's Roland Garros title was the closest thing to a fluke in recent years, as far as Slam tournaments are concerned. He is a solid player on clay, has a beautiful backhand, but he still slips mentally and his serve is a liability. With his confidence eroding throughout 2005, this will be a freefall year for Gaston.

7) Jelena Dokic Will Make Less Headlines With Her Tennis Than Her Father Will With His Antics

I think Crystal cheated on this one by looking at January headlines and predicting the same for the rest of the year. Damir Dokic threatened to kill an Australian earlier this year, because Australian tennis powers have "conspired" to get Jelena Dokic back to Australia. I wonder if Crystal can predict this guy's future, but who cares?

8) One of the Top Ladies Will Retire During the Year

Crystal, the wise one, I will get you to tell me the identity of this player. Is it Lindsay Davenport? How about Kim Clijsters? Mary Pierce, following another severe injury? Or is it Martina Hingis who will bolt once again after realizing she is still unlikely to win another Slam? Then again, maybe I am thinking too much. After all, does Crystal even consider Hingis a "top player?"

9) Watch Out For Hingis at the French

What's the deal? Is Crystal contradicting herself? Or does this mean Hingis is out all together from the previous prediction? Perhaps Crystal is displaying typical female behavior — confused and confusing!

10) Baghdatis Will Not Make the Year-Ending Masters Tournament

I give Crystal a 50-50 chance on this one. The key to making the year ending Masters Cup is to overachieve in the Slam tournaments. Marcos Baghdatis did just that in Melbourne. The fact remains that he has to prove that he is not a one tournament wonder and can establish himself as a threat against top competition on a consistent basis.

11) There Will Be at Least Four French Female and Male Players Ending the Year in the Top 10

I am impressed with Crystal's boldness on this one. After all, Amelie Mauresmo is a lock and Sebastien Grosjean is very likely to finish in top 10. The rest of the french crew remains a mystery. Richard Gasquet is a possibility, Florent Serna could be the surprise player of the year. Oh, but I forgot for a moment that Mary pierce was French!

12) Brad Gilbert Will Coach Again

If Crystal is right on this one, I pity the player who will employ this self-absorbed character named Gilbert. However, if he can repeat what he pulled off with Roddick in 2003, my pity will turn to envy in a hurry. But honestly, I doubt it.

13) Slovakia Will Not Make the Finals of Davis Cup

Wow, Crystal. You really dug deep on that one. At least, I can always say, "Hey don't blame me, Crystal said it!"

Take care, everyone.

Comments and Conversation

February 6, 2006

rubbish !!:

anyone can make these crazy predictions. YOu should at least give the likely reasons for your prediction

February 7, 2006

Kinjal Somaiya:

Wimbly or US open could be Lindsay’s cup of tea? What say? I feel she has good shots on grass & hard courts. As far as her retirement is concerned, let’s put it on ice at the moment since Lindsay will not quite tennis unless she has won another grand slam!

April 8, 2006

Joe:

These are clearly not based on any statistical information

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