Simon & Tsonga

First ball is struck on TV today at 1 p.m. ET. The matches are delayed, so I have been avoiding all sports websites this morning (as you all should be.)

I'll quickly preview Tsonga and Simon, and then post later with the results from day one.

First Tsonga: Jo-Wilfried Tsonga has emerged as one of the great personalities of tennis. He burst on to the main stage this year after putting together a dream run to the Aussie Open finals.
The good thing about his chances in Shanghai are that
1- He won the Paris Masters to propel himself to a Shanghai berth...which means he has HUGE momentum.
2- The tournament is indoors, and with his huge serve and forehand, the courts will probably suit his game nicely.
Tsonga is in the Gold Group, and if he catches fire, we all might see him make some memorable moments.

Now Simon:

Gilles Simon is obviously a favorite of mine, considering I have mentioned him quite a bit in my blog. What I love about him is that if you watch him practice, (like I have at the US Open) he doesn't look like anything special. His skinny frame doesn't look like it can overpower anyone, he's not particularly tall, and his strokes look...well solid.
Simon doesn't have a huge stroke, or too much of a flashy game. He wins with patience, Tennis IQ, and great movement.
I am very interested to see how he will do in the RED GROUP, which, on paper, he seems to be very out of place.
Simon is gritty, and a tough competitor, so I look for him to be at least close in every match he plays.


That's the end of my previews...it's up to the players to decide now.
Enjoy the tennis today, and I'll see you later with results from day one.