(Results for all matches have been included, and Changeover Staff Pick Standings can be found at the bottom)
ATP 250 – Brisbane
Final: Andy Murray vs Grigor Dimitrov
Time: 11:00 PM ET - Saturday, January 5th
Head to Head: 1-0, Murray
Murray won, 7-6(0), 6-4
Amy’s Pick: I love the way Dimitrov has played so far in this tournament. It’s been a nice start to the year for him. I still like Murray’s chances to defend his title.
Juan José’s Pick: This is an interesting first test of the season for Andy Murray, who’s had an unusual path to the Brisbane final: he lost a set to J. Millman, straight-setted Istomin, and then benefited from Nishikori’s knee injury in the semis (Murray was down 2-4 in the first set before winning six straight games until Nishikori retired). It’ll be fun to watch Murray, probably the world’s second best returner, deal with Dimitrov’s suddenly amazing serve. This will be Dimitrov’s first final, compared to Murray’s 38th. That’s a huge disparity. Dimitrov will win one set in a tiebreak, but the Pasty One will eek it out in three.
Lindsay’s Pick: I feel like I’m really going to regret this, but I’m going for the upset here. Grigor Dimitrov has looked fabulous all week and I expect him to show up and not be overwhelmed in the final. He has the game that can give Murray fits, and Murray hasn’t really been challenged all week. I pick the young gun in three.
ATP 250 – Chennai
Final: Janko Tipsarevic vs Roberto Bautista Agut
Time: 05:30 AM ET – Sunday, January 6th
Head to Head: 0-0
Tipsarevic won, 3-6, 6-1, 6-3
Amy’s Pick: Bautista Agut has scored some upsets this week, including beating Tomas Berdych in three sets, but Tipsarevic should be able to handle him in straights.
Juan José’s Pick: Before Chennai this year, I had no idea who Roberto Bautista Agut was. Now I know he’s 24 and that he’s beaten Tomas Berdych. I’ve yet to see him play an actual point. However, I think he’s going to go all the way in this crazy week of his. Tipsarevic is far from being an established closer: he’s won only 3 out of the 10 finals he’s been in. This has the all the makings of the first random ATP winner of the year. Bautista Agut will win in three, and Julien Benneteau will weep in his hotel room when he hears about the result.
Lindsay’s Pick: Remember that funny world when Janko Tipsarevic didn’t have a title? Yeah, those days are long gone. the Serbian has looked solid all week, and the Cinderella story of Bautista has to strike midnight at some point. I do look forward to watching the Spaniard in 2013 though, he’s been a great story to kick off the year. Janko in three.
——————–
Standings:
Lindsay: 5-1 Matches with Correct Number of Sets Picked: 5
Amy: 5-1 Matches with Correct Number of Sets Picked: 3
Juan José: 4-2 Matches with Correct Number of Sets Picked: 2
