Nuno is back!

And Coleman too! Back from the Davis Cup, the two men are ready for this American tour.

First point, you must have seen Nuno’s Davis Cup losses. He basically handed 3 points to China, but this time it was against very good players, to be fair to him. But, exactly like last season, Nuno needs a little adjustment period after his Australian swing. Last season, I even went to see Nuno in Monaco, and he lost to Vacherot looking pretty flat. Same story here. He’s just played 3 matches, and in China on top of that. He takes a week off, and here he is in Delray. I also think it comes from his game style. I feel like with him, lots of little details have to line up for it to click. Without that, he’s forced to grind. He’s got a good game, but it’s quite flat, based on rhythm. Clean technique, he uses the incoming pace very well to send it back with little effort and change direction. But the average level is so high now. I think it’s going to be tough for him against a Coleman Wong who’s coming off a strong qualifying run, knows how to attack when needed, and has stepped up this season. I almost want to make him the favorite (I haven’t seen the odds yet). I think Nuno will play his match, but without any extra spark. He alternates between good and not-so-good phases during his seasons, and our job is to anticipate each form cycle correctly.