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Tennis Channel All-Star Championships: Breakdown and predictions

By Brandon Daniels

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 30: Roger Federer of Switzerland plays a forehand in his semi-final match against Novak Djokovic of Serbia on day eleven of the 2020 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 30, 2020 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by TPN/Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 30: Roger Federer of Switzerland plays a forehand in his semi-final match against Novak Djokovic of Serbia on day eleven of the 2020 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 30, 2020 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by TPN/Getty Images) /
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Marin Cilic of Croatia celebrates his victory over Roger Federer of Switzerland during their US Open 2014 men’s singles semifinals match at the USTA Billie Jean King National Center September 6, 2014 in New York. AFP PHOTO/Timothy Clary (Photo credit should read TIMOTHY A. CLARY/AFP via Getty Images)
Marin Cilic of Croatia celebrates his victory over Roger Federer of Switzerland during their US Open 2014 men’s singles semifinals match at the USTA Billie Jean King National Center September 6, 2014 in New York. AFP PHOTO/Timothy Clary (Photo credit should read TIMOTHY A. CLARY/AFP via Getty Images) /

Round 2 (Regional quarterfinals)

Match #9: Roger Federer vs Marin Cilic

Once again, Federer should move on comfortably against another one of his long-time opponents. Cilic has only bested Federer once in their 10 matchups; it was a straight-sets victory in the 2014 US Open semifinals. Apart from that Federer has owned the big-serving Croat in their other 9 matchups. While he has given the 20-time major champion some trouble, it overall isn’t enough for him to overcome the Greatest of All Time in tennis.

Winner: Federer

Match #10: Marat Safin vs Gustavo Kureten

This will be a close match. Both have had similar careers with the same accolades and achievements. What will dictate the outcome of this matchup is Safin’s all-around success on three surfaces. While Kuerten was a pure clay-courter, Safin proved his worth on all three surfaces. with the most success coming on both hard and clay courts.

This could end up being the closest match in the entire tournament. They’ve had similar careers but Safin will pull out the close win and move on only due to his all-around ability and prolonged career.

Winner: Safin

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Match #11: Andy Roddick vs Juan Carlos Ferrero

As mentioned earlier, Ferrero is going to have a tough time getting past the second round. Roddick is a great champion and was consistently one of the top players in the 2000s. Although only a one-time Grand Slam champion, his finals appearances hold a great amount of weight. His 2009 performance against Federer at Wimbledon saw him mere points from winning. His unstoppable serve was something players only dreamed of and could be regarded as the best serve of any player all-time.

Ferrero had a solid career and was one of the best clay-courters ever, but his career is overshadowed by the Hall of Fame one of Roddick’s.

Winner: Roddick 

Match #12: Tommy Haas vs Andre Agassi

Unfortunately for Haas, his journey ends here against one of the greatest players ever. Agassi’s 8 Grand Slams and legendary return game doesn’t give Haas anything of a fighting chance in this match. Although their head-to-head is almost even (6-4 Agassi), the voting comes down to the better player overall, and that is clearly Agassi in this match.

Winner: Agassi

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