Previewing the Best Day 7 Matches at the 2024 Olympics
GOLD MEDAL MATCH
Siniakova/Machac (CZE) vs Zheng/Wang (CHN)
Buckle your seatbelts we are in for a good one here. Machac and Zheng are usual doubles partners, starting to play together more, and starting off by getting to the semis of AO and quarters of RG. Machac is partnered with his actual partner, girlfriend Katerina Siniakova. It just so happens that Siniakova has cemented herself as the best doubles player in the world currently. She has won 9 Grand Slam titles, 7 with former partner Krejcikova, 1 with Coco at RG 2024, and 1 with Tay Townsend last month at Wimbledon. Winning the last two with two different partners. Zheng partner, Wang, is usually entered in doubles most tournaments she plays, but bounces around with different partners. She is probably even at singles and doubles although I am not super familiar with her game. In this one I give the edge to the Czech couple. It’s interesting because the Chinese have the more powerful male and Czech have the better girl. However I think Siniakova will be the major difference. Her serve is so effective compared to Wang and Machac also has great returns on her side. Plus they have an extra motivation to want to win as it would be pretty dang cool to win a Gold Medal as girlfriend/boyfriend. Especially together, not many people can say that.
Prediction Machac/Siniakova (CZE)
Lorenzo Musetti (ITA) vs (Novak Djokovic) (SRB)
I got Zo in this one. He’s been playing some serious ball for the past few months really, and will avenge his past Roland Garros losses to Djokovic. They have played twice at RG with Musetti being up 2 sets in 1, and 2 sets to 1 in the other. Well in the Olympics that would be a 2-0 record for Musetti. He knows he can beat Novak, even though getting stomped by him at Wimbledon, but he knows he can win because he has in the past vs him. Novak looked mortal today vs Tsitsipas and Musetti is similar to Stefanos, but mentally stronger and more craftiness. The crowd will be on his side, as they were today all singing the Maradona song between sets. He thrives in that atmosphere, plays with a flare the fans love, and he’ll be ready to ball. He is playing well right now, and I am going back on my previous prediction after seeing today’s matches.
Prediction: Lorenzo Musetti (ITA)
Carlos Alcaraz (ESP) Felix Auger Aliassime
Felix Auger Aliassime. When he is on he is scary good. Huge forehand, powerful serve. He not only has the game to give Carlos trouble, but he has given Carlos trouble. They have a 3-3 head to head. They played at RG this year and it was Alcaraz breezing through in straight sets. Now Alcaraz plays better in best of 5 sure, but why should the result change that dramatically on the same court just a 2 months later? Well, I don’t think it will. Unlike Carlitos, there are holes in FAA’s game that can be exploited. His backhand doesn’t live up to Alcaraz and he doesn’t have the touch and finesse that Carlitos has. It is not like Carlitos just has to show up and he wins, but his game is so much more complete that if he shows up with his A or even B game, he comes through this match to play for a gold medal.
Prediction: Carlos Alcaraz (ESP)
Iga Swiatek (POL) vs Anna Karolina Schmiedlova (SVK)
I thought the last match was 1ga next question, but now I really feel that way. She was already the best player by a mile on this surface coming in to the tournament, and from what I saw in the semi final for AKS, she is not quite at the level of Iga on that surface yet. But here’s the one interesting part: we’ve never seen Iga have to bounce back from a loss and come back out and play. AKS is going to want to have something to prove after getting bageled to Vekic, but will Iga have that same feeling coming out to play. She is the better player though so I expect her to figure it out one way or another.
Prediction: Iga Swiatek (POL)
Paul/Fritz (USA) vs Peers/Ebden (AUS)
Peers and Ebden are doubles specialists. But TP and Taylor have a certain moxy about them I guarantee they don’t think they’re going to lose to some “oldheads” and they’ll that that personal. I guarantee they didn’t wanna lose to Murray, and I guarantee if they go against Rajeev they’ll think they can take that old head too. They were the golden generation and now are getting to their tennis primes. Starting to hit it. And all of these guys are getting to be older, they know what they are capable of. The only problem is, Fritz is a liability at the net. And these other dudes might be older, but they’re tennis IQ is like Lebron. They’ll exploit that weakness like Murray started to later in the match today. They’d put Taylor in i formation when TP served but still he had some to put away that he didn’t, or popped up on them getting out of i. TP will be the best all around player on the court, but the Aussies are probably the better “doubles” team. But these guys have grown up together, and I think that connection + having the best player on the court, brings them out on top. Bring on the all American final.
Prediction: Paul/Fritz (USA)
Muchova/Noskova (CZE) vs Paolini/Errani (ITA)
Karolina Muchova, one of the most gracious tennis players alive, vs Jasmine Paolini, one of the most entertaining tennis players alive, and their partners. No just kidding, but that is how I see it. Paolini and Errani are the better team here, and they have earned that by their results over the past 7 months, including a RG final this year. She reached the singles and doubles final there this year. The Italians play together in most tournaments and do not play doubles without each other unless they are at different tournaments. Their opponents are the total opposites only playing a few matches together before coming into this tournament. They are hot and rolling and are a fire and ice combo with Noskova heat from the back of the court, and Muchova cool as possible looking like she hasn’t even broken a sweat. They are a back court front court combo while the Italians use their speed to cover the court, extend rallies, and make magic happen. My heart wants to say Muchova/Noskova but the experience from the typical doubles players will probably prevail. But listen to your heart.
Prediction: Muchova/Noskova (CZE)
Andreeva/Shnaider (RUS) vs Bucsa/Sorribes Tormo (ESP)
Diana Shnaider played college tennis and those players almost always have the advantage in doubles. She has experience and played with a lot of energy, being the captain of the team between her and Andreeva.In the quarterfinal Andreeva was getting tight but Shnaider goes with the flow and is always motivating, similar to Taylor Townsend. She has a huge lefty forehand, and Andreeva is a big baseline hitter as well, and will be tagging balls at both Spaniards at the net. The Russians have the advantage in terms of serves, power, and volleys, but the spaniards dig in, fight, have no quit, and never miss. Ever. Sara Sorribes Tormo plays like she could be playing in the 12 and under qualifier. But does it so effectively, she will try throw in off pace slice serves, lobs all the time. Get the Russians off their game. Even though Shnaider and Andreeva don’t have much experience playing together, I got them taking this one. Bring on the sick final of Muchova and Andreeva/Shnaider.
Prediction: Andreeva/Shnaider (RUS
