ATP Tennis Match of the Week: Fognini vs. Bellucci

Yes there is a tournament on red clay this week, and yes there are players from the likes of Colombia, Italy, Argentina and Brazil making their way through the draw.

That brings us to an intriguing matchup between two 23-year olds that have never played before.

Fabio Fognini of Italy and Thomaz Bellucci of Brazil.  Should be a close match on clay as Fognini should be able to neutralize some of the game of the higher ranked Bellucci. 

I have picked Bellucci to be my surprise player of 2011, and I think he comes through in this match at the Movistar Open in Santiago Chile.

Prediction:  Bellucci in 3 sets. 

ATP Match of the Week: Isner vs. Djokovic

Hard to believe these two have only played once and that was in Davis Cup.  They will meet tomorrow in the semi's of the China Open.  Is it just me or does it look extremely smoggy in China during the tennis coverage?

Isner has appeared to regain the form he had in the summer before his ankle injury.  He is serving big and playing with a lot of confidence.  He should finish the year in the top-20 and could approach the #10 mark with a real strong finish to the season. 

Djokovic's road to the semi's was pretty easy He defeated a wildcard in Gong, had a walkover win over Mardy Fish before beating Simon in straight sets.  Novak knows Isner is a formidable foe and won't take him lightly.

Prediction:  Isner 7-6 in the 3rd set.