Bangkok
Singles – Quarterfinal: (1) J Tipsarevic def. (5) F Verdasco 7-6(7-5) 6-4
Fernando Verdasco appears destined to remain at #23, which is right where he came in.
Singles – Quarterfinal: (2) R Gasquet def. (8) B Tomic 7-6(7-5) 6-4
Even with this loss, Bernard Tomic appears set to hit the Top Forty. But he’s 130 points below #32. Obviously he would like an Australian Open seed. It’s going to be tough….
Singles – Quarterfinal: (7) J Nieminen def. (3) M Raonic 6-3 7-6(7-3)
On clay, we’d expect this. But it’s pretty surprising on hardcourt. Milos Raonic should stay #15 even with the loss. Jarkko Nieminen it appears will rise from #38 to #35.
Singles – Quarterfinal: (4) G Simon def. G Monfils 6-4 6-1
And so — no movement for Gael Monfils; he remains below the Top Forty. Gilles Simon hasn’t moved yet, either, but if he can win his next match, he should rise to #18. A title would make him #16 or #17.
Doubles – Semifinal: (4) Butorac/Hanley def. (1) Paes/Tecau 6-7(6-8) 6-4 10-8 (Match TB)
Probably not a big deal for either of the top seeds; they’re going to London with other partners.
Kuala Lumpur
Singles – Quarterfinal: (1) D Ferrer def. I Sijsling 4-6 6-3 6-4
David Ferrer really is going all out, which is impressive given that he can’t earn any points here. He will remain at #5, of course.
Singles – Quarterfinal: (2) J Monaco def. V Pospisil 6-3 6-4
The seesaw contest for the #10 ranking takes another see, or saw, as may be. This should move Juan Monaco past John Isner, although just barely.
Singles – Quarterfinal: (3) K Nishikori def. N Davydenko 6-4, retired (adductor strain)
Kei Nishikori defends his points, meaning that he will likely stay #17. Make the final and he is #16.
Singles – Quarterfinal: (7) J Benneteau def. A Falla 6-2 6-2
Julien Benneteau is adding points but not moving; for now at least, he remains at #34. He’ll rise if he can make the final.
Doubles – Semifinal: Fleming/Hutchins def. (1) Fyrstenberg/Matkowski 6-3 7-6(7-3)
Fyrstenberg/Matkowski lose their chance to significantly affect their Race position. They look good for London, but they aren’t clinched, and probably won’t clinch for several more weeks.