ATP Newport - Men's Friday Preview

Olivier Rochus vs. Matthew Ebden

Australian Matthew Ebden has continued his good form at the Hall of Fame Tennis Championships in Newport, booking a place in the quarter-finals after a hard-fought win over Matthias Bachinger.

He is also through semi-finals in doubles with Ryan Harrison. Was a hard battle against the German, Ebden was a set and a break down but when Bachinger think that the match was done then the Aussie surprised him bouncing back and then playing a solid decider. He will meet Rochus who saved 16 break points from 18 to win in straight sets over Mahut, his serve not always clicked but he was solid on the ground.

The Belgian loves to play here where the bounce is low, he can vary a lot with his good slice and his volley stays low. Ebden can be a tricky player, powerful serve and clean shots from both wings and good hands at the net but the match stays on Belgian racquet.

Michael Yani vs. Denis Kudla

Surprise quarter-finalists. Kudla has upset two higher-ranked, Ivo Karlovic and second-seeded Grigor Dimitrov, this week and will play in his first ATP quarterfinal.

He started very confident the match against Dimitrov battling from 0-3 in the second set. He isn’t the best server around but he is tough from the back of the court directing the ball very precise.

“Grass suits his game pretty well, too. I think it will be an interesting match. We’ll both be a little bit nervous going into our first quarterfinal on the ATP. I’m looking forward to playing him and maybe a little revenge”, Kudla said losing his first meeting with Yani on clay last year.

Yani advanced after Tommy Haas withdrew with injury in first set, a well rest for Yani who came from qualifications. It will be an interesting meeting as neither has a powerful serve to win free points and all will come down on the ground. Yani plays an aggressive baseline game, hits the ball hard but Kudla was impressive reading well the serve of two powerful players while here he already played with Yani and knows what to expect. Kudla looks very confident in his chances.