juan martin del potro

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Novak Djokovic, Medvedev, and Basilashvili Close out Asian Swing With ATP Titles
Steen Kirby, Tennis Atlantic

ATP Shanghai

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Novak Djokovic continued his momentum from the US Open, winning ATP Shanghai without dropping a set to claim his second ATP Masters title of the season. Djokovic eased past Borna Coric 6-3 6-4 in the final after dispatching Jeremy Chardy, Marco Cecchinato, Kevin Anderson, and Alexander Zverev with ease. Djokovic didn’t face a weak field, but he wasn’t bothered through five matches. Djokovic has now won 18 straight tour level matches as he’s won three tournaments in a row.

Coric reached his second final for 2018 and his first ever Masters final, after dropping a set against Stan Wawrinka, he defeated Bradley Klahn, an exhausted Juan Martin Del Potro, Matt Ebden, and Roger Federer to reach the final. The win against Federer one of the most notable of his rapidly rising career.

Kubot/Melo won their second consecutive doubles final, this time against Murray/Soares in straight sets.

ATP Tokyo

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Qualifier Daniil Medvedev took the ATP 500 title in Tokyo, it’s the third title for the young Russian in 2018 and this time he upset home hero Kei Nishikori 6-2 6-4 in the final. Medvedev dropped a set in qualifying but in the main draw he couldn’t be touched. He defeated Diego Schwartzman, Martin Klizan, Milos Raonic, and Denis Shapovalov to reach the final without dropping a set, crushing Canadian hopes in consecutive matches.

Nishikori didn’t drop a set prior to the final, Yuichi Sugita, Benoit Paire, Stefanos Tsitsipas, and Richard Gasquet all lost to him in routine fashion. It’s Nishikori’s second ATP final loss in 2018 as he is still without a title this season.

Mclachlan/Struff defeated Klaasen/Venus in the doubles final.

ATP Beijing

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Georgia’s Nikoloz Basilashvili won his second ATP title of 2018 6-4 6-4 against Juan Martin Del Potro in the ATP Beijing 500 final. Basilashvili has had a career year as he came back from a set down against Jack Sock to win in three sets, then defeated Fernando Verdasco, Malek Jaziri, and Kyle Edmund in straight sets.

The favored Del Potro reached his 6th tour level fina lof the season, getting a walkover in the semis against Fabio Fognini after previously defeating Albert Ramos, Karen Khachanov, and Filip Krajinovic without dropping a set.

Kubot/Melo defeated Marach/Pavic in the doubles final.

ATP World Tour Continues Tour of China With 500 Stop in Beijing
Steen Kirby, Tennis Atlantic

The ATP 500 in Beijing is the third of four ATP stops in China this year, and features a stronger field than the previous two events combined. Here is your look at the action this week.

Top Half:

While he faces credible opposition, under no circumstances should Juan Martin Del Potro not be favored to reach the semifinals as his path of Albert Ramos, Sam Querrey/Karen Khachanov, and likely Borna Coric in the quarters is not incredibly burdensome. Coric opens with Feliciano Lopez, Filip Krajinovic or Mischa Zverev are set to follow. Del Potro is the best form player in this section and the most talented, so he should take it.

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Section 2 is weak and unpredictable, #4 seed Fabio Fognini is in good form but will likely be fatigued, meaning that qualifier Radu Albot has a genuine shot at an upset. Joao Sousa made a semifinal last week and should be favored against a struggling Andrey Rublev. I’ll back Sousa in this section defeating Albot in round 2. Marton Fucsovics should edge Andreas Seppi in round 1, while Marcos Baghdatis is better on hard courts than #8 seed Marco Cecchinato. Sousa over Fucsovics is my pick for the section after Fucsovics defeats Baghdatis.

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Bottom Half:

Section 4 of the draw should see some upsets as I’ll back Roberto Bautista Agut to upset Alexander Zverev in round 1, and Gael Monfils to upset Fernando Verdasco. Monfils should go on to beat Nikoloz Basilashvili/Jack Sock, while RBA will be favored against Malek Jaziri/Yibing Wu. RBA is better than his current unseeded ranking and Monfils has to make a run at some point. RBA over Monfils is my pick in this section.

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I’ll back Kyle Edmund to rebound from a recent slump and have a good tournament, Edmund has a path of Peter Gojowczyk, Matteo Berrettini/Leonardo Mayer, and probably Ryan Harrison/Grigor Dimitrov to reach the semis. I’m not sold on Dimitrov right now, and I’ll take Harrison in an upset. Dusan Lajovic faces fellow qualifier Vasek Pospisil in this section, with Edmund over Harrison my pick.

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Predictions

Semis
Del Potro d. Sousa
Bautista Agut d. Edmund

The Tower of Tandil’s strong season should continue, meanwhile the veteran RBA looks set to have a strong week, though he’ll be an underdog in the final.

Final
Del Potro d. Bautista Agut

Novak Djokovic Ties Pete Sampras with 14 Grand Slams
Steen Kirby, Tennis Atlantic

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The big three for more than the past decade are well on their way to ensuring they finish as the three greatest players of all time, now that Novak Djokovic has tied Pete Sampras with 14 Grand Slams. Djokovic claimed his second Grand Slam of 2018 with a 6-3 7-6 6-3 victory in the US Open final over Juan Martin Del Potro. It’s also the third US Open for Djokovic and his first since 2015.

Djokovic had to battle for the final despite the routine scoreline, Del Potro’s forehand was troublesome and a highly partisan crowd tried to carry him to a win. Del Potro came up just short in the second set tiebreak and in the third set he was simply exhausted, a fitter Djokovic covering the court with ease and winning all the clutch points.

Djokovic will now be racing to reclaim the world #1 ranking after a confident week in New York that started slow, but finished with glory. The 31 year old Djokovic dropped sets against Marton Fucsovics and Tennys Sandgren, but then rolled through Richard Gasquet, Joao Sousa, John Millman, and Kei Nishikori. They all battled, but Djokovic had an answer for everything they threw at him. Millman reaching the quarterfinals after stunning a horribly out of form Roger Federer in the 4th round, Federer wilting in the humidity as Millman claimed the win of his life.

Del Potro, back in a slam final for the first time in nearly a decade, deserved all the praise he got. The Argentine dropped just one set prior to the final as Donald Young, Denis Kudla, Fernando Verdasco, Borna Coric, John Isner, and an injured Rafael Nadal all fell before him. Nadal’s knees gave way in their semifinal and he was forced to retire after two sets, in a match he was surely going to lose retirement or not. A second Grand Slam still escapes Del Potro.

In the doubles final Jack Sock and Mike Bryan won their second straight slam, defeating Lukasz Kubot and Marcelo Melo. Bryan hasn’t missed a step since brother Bob suffered a hip injury.

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Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer The US Open 2018 Favorites
Steen Kirby, Tennis Atlantic

The final slam of the season is here as most players are healthy and ready to go one more time at the highest level of tennis. Here is your look at the men’s draw and the chances for each competitor in Flushing Meadows at the 2018 US Open.

Nadal’s Quarter

The defending and three time US Open champion Rafael Nadal will begin against his countryman David Ferrer, who is taking part in his final US Open. Ferrer has been in a slump at the end of his career, meaning Nadal will be a strong favorite. Nadal should also ease past Vasek Pospisil or Lukas Lacko with the talented Karen Khachanov awaiting round 3. Khachanov has an easy path of Albert Ramos, a retiring Gilles Muller/Lorenzo Sonego before the third round. Presuming he stays fit Nadal should reach week 2.

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The section below Rafa is relatively weak. Jack Sock is seeded but he’s been worse than challenger level players this year, I have Sock falling to Guido Andreozzi in round 1, Nikoloz Basilashvili should beat Aljaz Bedene and Andreozzi with Kyle Edmund getting past Paolo Lorenzi and Casper Ruud/Guido Pella to reach round 3. Edmund over Basilashvili is my pick for the section.

On hard courts Dominic Thiem could be vulnerable in round 2 against Steve Johnson. Thiem will be favored against Mirza Basic in round 1 but I have Johnson defeating Denis Istomin and then upsetting Thiem after reaching the Winston-Salem final. Roberto Bautista Agut should get past Jason Kubler and Mischa Zverev/Taylor Fritz before defeating Johnson in round 3.

Kevin Anderson plays well in slams and at the US Open, Anderson should get past a challenging early round path with Ryan Harrison and Andrey Rublev/Jeremy Chardy on deck, Denis Shapovalov takes on rising countryman Felix Auger Aliassime in round 1, the winner gets Sam Querrey/Andreas Seppi. I have Anderson over Shapovalov in round 3 after Anderson beats Rublev and Shapovalov defeats Querrey.

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Del Potro’s Quarter

Juan Martin Del Potro will begin against American Donald Young with Denis Kudla or Matteo Berrettini waiting on deck. The former US Open champion Del Potro should defeat Young and Kudla followed by Andy Murray, who continues to make strides towards recovery post hip surgery. Murray should have enough game to defeat James Duckworth and Feliciano Lopez/Fernando Verdasco, but Del Potro is the favorite to win the section.

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Stefanos Tsitsipas is looking to have his breakout slam at the US Open, the young Greek opens against ageless veteran Tommy Robredo, followed by Winston-Salem champ Daniil Medvedev (or Evgeny Donskoy). Medvedev is tough but a fresher Tsitsipas should win and then defeat Borna Coric in round 3 to reach the second week (Coric should ease past Florian Mayer and Roberto Carballes Baena/Mitchell Krueger).

American #1 John Isner isn’t in great form but he should defeat Bradley Klahn, Nicolas Jarry/Peter Gojowczyk and Cam Norrie to reach the second week. Norrie has risen this year and will be the favorite against Jordan Thompson and Damir Dzumhur/Dusan Lajovic, I also wouldn’t put it past him to stun Isner.

Milos Raonic will start against Carlos Berlocq with Lloyd Harris/Gilles Simon waiting on deck. Raonic should get past Harris, who I have upsetting Simon based on great recent form. I’ll also back Stan Wawrinka to upset Grigor Dimitrov, then defeat Ugo Humbert or Collin Altamirano, two players in good form to reach the third round. Raonic over Wawrinka is my pick at that stage.

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Zverev’s Quarter

Alexander Zverev is playing well enough that he’s the 4th favorite for the US Open title. Zverev opens with Peter Polansky, who has made all 4 slam main draws this year as a lucky loser. He’ll be heavily favored to advance from a weak section that features Jiri Vesely/Corentin Moutet in round 2, an either Matthew Ebden or Yannick Hanfmann in round 3. Hanfmann faces a struggling Philipp Kohlschreiber, while Ebden takes on a struggling Filip Krajinovic.

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Kei Nishikori opens with Max Marterer, Facundo Bagnis/Gael Monfils will follow, with Diego Schwartzman likely in round 3. Schwartzman takes on Federico Delbonis with the winner of Jaume Munar/Guillermo Garcia-Lopez awaiting in round 2. I have Schwartzman over Munar and Nishikori over Monfils with Nishikori winning the section.

David Goffin will be favored to reach week 2 after a good run in Cincy. Goffin takes on Federico Gaio with Robin Haase/Mackenzie McDonald next. Haase has been in good form as well though and with Goffin being inconsistent this year I’ll back an upset with Haase into round 3 opposite J.L. Struff. Struff takes on Tim Smyczek with Marco Cecchinato/Julien Benneteau up in round 2. Haase is one of my dark horses for the tournament.

Frances Tiafoe has a real opportunity here with Adrian Mannarino up in round 1 and Taro Daniel/Alex De Minaur to follow. The young American can win those two matches before running into a tough contest against Marin Cilic. Cilic is heavily favored against Marius Copil and Stefano Travaglia/Hubert Hurkacz. I have Cilic winning the section.

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Federer’s Quarter

Roger Federer will begin against Yoshihito Nishioka, Federer should ease past Nishioka and Benoit Paire/Dennis Novak without dropping a set before facing a tougher test against Nick Kyrgios. Kyrgios has been out of form and focus but he’ll still be favored against Radu Albot and Yuki Bhambri/Pierre-Hugues Herbert. Federer over Kyrgios is the safe pick.

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Hyeon Chung opens with Ricardas Berankis, he’ll be tested by Noah Rubin in round 2 presuming Rubin defeats Mikhail Kukushkin. I’ll back Rubin to upset a still shaky Chung before falling to Fabio Fognini in round 3. The in-form Fognini opens with Michael Mmoh, young gun Jenson Brooksby or John Millman will be up in round 2.

Pablo Carreno Busta opens with Malek Jaziri, he’ll be a heavy favorite in his first two matches against a struggling Jaziri and Joao Sousa/Marcel Granollers, Sousa is in terrible form. In round 3 I expect Lucas Pouille to be waiting, Pouille opens with Yannick Maden, then gets the winner of Marcos Baghdatis/Mikhail Youhzny. It’s Youzhny’s final US Open but he’s likely to go out round 1. Carreno Busta over Pouille is my pick for the section.

Novak Djokovic doesn’t have his own section but he’s the tournament favorite. The Serbian superstar and Cincy champion opens with Marton Fucsovics while Richard Gasquet should beat Yuichi Sugita and Laslo Djere/Leonardo Mayer to reach round 3. Djokovic has to beat Tennys Sandgren/Viktor Troicki to do the same. Gasquet is in poor form and should be wary of Mayer but either way Djokovic will advance into week 2.

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Predictions

Round of 16
Nadal d. Edmund
Anderson d. Bautista Agut
Del Potro d. Tsitsipas
Raonic d. Isner
Cilic d. Haase
Zverev d. Nishikori
Djokovic d. Carreno Busta
Federer d. Fognini

Upsets shouldn’t be too rampant in the round of 16, Del Potro and Raonic could get knocked off and Zverev isn’t always at his best in slams, but generally speaking things look straightforward, especially if Federer puts away Fognini.

Quarters
Nadal d. Anderson
Del Potro d. Raonic
Cilic d. Zverev
Djokovic d. Federer

I’ll back veterans Del Potro and Cilic to have good weeks with Djokovic the favorite against Federer and Nadal the favorite to reach the semis.

Semis
Nadal d. Del Potro
Djokovic d. Cilic

Djokovic should be the favorite this year while Nadal deserves credit as the winner last year. These are the top two in the game right now and Djokovic should win the final.

Final
Djokovic d. Nadal

2018 ATP Cincinnati Features the Return of Roger Federer and a Nadal/Djokovic Quarter
Steen Kirby, Tennis Atlantic

The 2018 Cincinnati Masters is the final Masters 1000 of the Summer hard court season and the primary US Open prep for most of the ATP’s best. Here is your look at all the action in Mason, Ohio this week.

Nadal’s Quarter:

Rafael Nadal is in the Rogers Cup final and playing great right now, however fitness could be a concern. He’ll start against a qualifier or Milos Raonic, I like Raonic to pull the upset simply because Rafa should be in need of a rest after Toronto. Look for wild card Frances Tiafoe to benefit in a big way here. Tiafoe has to get past Denis Shapovalov first, but presuming he does that Kyle Edmund/Mackenzie McDonald is beatable right now, and Raonic just lost to Tiafoe in Canada. Look for Tiafoe to emerge as an unlikely quarterfinalist.

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Novak Djokovic looks set to ease past Steve Johnson and Adrian Mannarino/Marco Cecchinato. While Djokovic disappointed in Toronto he still looks healthy and focused, that should help him defeat Grigor Dimitrov in the third round after Dimitrov defeats Damir Dzumhur/Mischa Zverev.

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Zverev’s Quarter:

Alexander Zverev has had a good summer and it would be made better if he could win Cincy. The young German will start against an in-form Robin Haase or Filip Krajinovic, with most likely Pablo Carreno Busta waiting on deck. Richard Gasquet returns from injury vs. PCB while Max Marterer or a qualifier await in round 2. This is Zverev’s section to lose.

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Marin Cilic is playing well, he should defeat Philipp Kohlschreiber or a qualifier, and then John Isner or the Toronto semifinalist Karen Khachanov to reach the quarterfinals. Isner faces Sam Querrey first, while Khachanov drew a struggling Albert Ramos. Cilic over Isner is my pick as Khachanov should be fatigued.

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Del Potro’s Quarter:

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Juan Martin Del Potro drew either Hyeon Chung or Jack Sock first. That would normally be a tough matchup but under current circumstances JMDP is a heavy favorite as Chung is still rusty and Sock is in the worst form of his career. I’ll back Borna Coric over a qualifier and a struggling Nick Kyrgios/qualifier to reach the third round before falling to Del Potro.

Toronto finalist Stefanos Tsitsipas is slated to face David Goffin first, while the player he defeated in the semis, Kevin Anderson, is in the same section. If Tsitsipas plays I’ll back him to beat a struggling Goffin and then Benoit Paire or a soon to retire David Ferrer before Anderson gets his revenge and wins in round 3. Anderson has to get past Jeremy Chardy/Fernando Verdasco to reach that point.

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Federer’s Quarter:

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Roger Federer returns to tour and should breeze past Joao Sousa/Peter Gojowczyk before facing Andy Murray round 3. Expect Murray to put up a fight after beating Lucas Pouille and Leonardo Mayer/qualifier, but he shouldn’t be at the level yet to beat Federer.

I’ll back Andrey Rublev to upset Kei Nishikori in round 1, as Nishikori was poor in Toronto. Diego Schwartzman should benefit, I’ll back DSS to defeat Stan Wawrinka and then Rublev to reach round 3 opposite Dominic Thiem. Thiem is struggling and should be on upset alert against Marton Fucsovics/qualifier. I’ll back Schwartzman or Rublev to win the section.

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Predictions

Quarters
Djokovic d. Tiafoe
Zverev d. Cilic
Anderson d. Del Potro
Federer d. Schwartzman

Zverev should perform well this week while Anderson, Federer, and Djokovic have the inside track to reach the semis.

Semis
Zverev d. Djokovic
Federer d. Anderson

This is Federer’s tournament to lose but Zverev or Djokovic should challenge him in the end.

Final
Federer d. Zverev

Rafael Nadal, Alexander Zverev, and Juan Martin Del Potro Vie for 2018 Rogers Cup
Steen Kirby, Tennis Atlantic

The 2018 Rogers Cup in Toronto is the first of two ATP Masters 1000 tournaments on North American Hard Courts this Summer. Here is your look at all the action.

Nadal’s Quarter

Rafael Nadal hasn’t played on a hard court for months but he’s put together a great season overall and has to be one of the favorites in Toronto. Nadal should ease past Jared Donaldson or a struggling Benoit Paire. The section just below Rafa is interesting. Marton Fucsovics faces Joao Sousa, Stan Wawrinka will face Nick Kyrgios. Every player in the section is struggling, and Kyrgios hasn’t been fit. This seems like a good opportunity for Wawrinka or Kyrgios to find a run of form, but Nadal will be favored to prevail in the section.

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Marin Cilic will have an interesting matchup with countryman Borna Coric in the second round. Coric will have to beat home favorite Vasek Pospisil in round 1, while Cilic will be favored into the third round. Sam Querrey will be favored against Adrian Mannarino while I have Kyle Edmund reaching round 3, with Edmund defeating Diego Schwartzman, and Querrey before falling to Cilic.

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Del Potro’s Quarter

Juan Martin Del Potro gets a brutal round 2 matchup against Kei Nisihkori, presuming Nishikori defeats Robin Haase. With Del Potro having reached the final in Los Cabos he will probably edge Nishikori before facing either home favorite Denis Shapovalov or Fabio Fognini, who defeated him in Los Cabos. Shapovalov opens with Jeremy Chardy, while Fognini faces Steve Johnson. Fatigue could impact this section as I have Shapovalov upsetting Fognini before falling to Del Potro.

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John Isner played a poor match in Washington but he looks set to rebound in Toronto. Isner will face Albert Ramos or Pierre Hugues-Herbert. Isner should reach the third round to face off with Pablo Carreno Busta. PCB opens with Yoshihito Nishioka, then an interesting match with Karen Khachanov (or Filip Krajinovic) awaits. A surprise could emerge from the section but Isner over pCB seems sensible.

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Anderson’s Quarter

Kevin Anderson returns to tour after a great run at Wimbledon. Anderson could be challenged by Washington semifinalist Andrey Rublev, presuming Rublev defeats countryman Evgeny Donskoy in round 1. Anderson will be favored against Roberto Bautista Agut in the third round, presuming Bautista Agut can get past a tricky match against Ryan Harrison, and then defeats Yuichi Sugita/Ilya Ivashka.

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Milos Raonic will be the favorite as he returns to Canada to face David Goffin in the opening round. Goffin has not been consistent lately. Raonic should also ease past Marco Cecchinato/Frances Tiafoe. Fernando Verdasco should beat Peter Gojowczyk before falling to Grigor Dimitrov. Raonic over Dimitrov, who has been poor lately, is a good third round projection.

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Zverev’s Quarter

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Washington champ Alexander Zverev should dominate David Ferrer or Bradley Klahn if he’s fit. I’ll back another Canadian in the draw, young gun Felix Auger Aliassime to upset Lucas Pouille before facing off with either Daniil Medvedev or a struggling Jack Sock. Zverev over Medvedev is my pick for the third round, though Auger Aliassime should surprise.

Novak Djokovic will face off with Hyeon Chung, Matthew Ebden should defeat Peter Polansky before falling to Djokovic in round 2. Dominic Thiem will take on Washington semifinalist Stefanos Tsitsipas , as Tsitsipas should defeat Damir Dzumhur. Djokovic over Thiem is the wise third round projection.

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Predictions

Quarters
Nadal d. Cilic
Del Potro d. Isner
Anderson d. Raonic
Djokovic d. Zverev

All of the projected losers could go through and these quarterfinals should be close, but the favorites appear likely to prevail.

Semis
Nadal d. Del Potro
Djokovic d. Anderson

Djokovic won Wimbledon and on hard courts he should be favored to lift the Rogers Cup.

Final
Djokovic d. Nadal

Fantastic Fabio Fognini and Martin Klizan Claim ATP Titles

Posted by Admin on August 5, 2018

Posted in: ATP, Kitzbuhel, Los Cabos, Steen Kirby. Tagged: 2018 ATP Kitzbuhel, 2018 ATP Los Cabos, ATP Kitzbuhel, ATP Los Cabos, denis istomin, Fabio Fognini, Generali Open, juan martin del potro, Los Cabos Open, Martin Klizan. Leave a comment

Fantastic Fabio Fognini and Martin Klizan Claim ATP Titles
Steen Kirby, Tennis Atlantic

ATP Los Cabos

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Fabio Fognini won his third title of 2018 and moved within one spot of his career high ranking (13) after upsetting Juan Martin Del Potro 6-4 6-2. Fognini dropped just one set this week and that came in his first match against Quentin Halys. After winning that match he eased past Yoshihito Nishioka, and Cam Norrie dropping just 18 games in his final three matches this week, facing no tiebreaks.

Del Potro reached his fourth ATP final of the season easing past Marcos Giron, Egor Gerasimov and Damir Dzumhur without dropping a set.

Mexico’s own Arevalo/Reyes-Varela defeated Fritz/Kokkinakis in the doubles final.

ATP Kitzbuhel

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The ATP clay court season wrapped up with qualifier Martin Klizan winning in Kitzbuhel, his first ATP title since 2016. Klizan had it easy against Denis Istomin winning 6-2 6-2. Over the course of the week Klizan won two qualifying matches, plus he defeated Sebastian Ofner, Dominic Thiem, Dusan Lajovic, and Jaume Munar in the main draw, dropping sets against Thiem and Lajovic.

Istomin had his best run of the season, he came out of qualifying and then defeated Federico Delbonis, Philipp Kohlschreiber, Max Marterer, and Nicolas Jarry to reach the final in a surprise. He wasn’t favored in any match this week but won all but the final.

Jebavy/Molteni defeated Bracciali/Delbonis in the doubles final.

2018 @AbiertoLosCabos 250 headlined by Juan Martin Del Potro and Fabio Fognini

Posted by Admin on July 29, 2018

Posted in: ATP, Los Cabos, Steen Kirby. Tagged: 2018 ATP Los Cabos, 2018 ATP Los Cabos Predictions, Abierto Tenis Mifel, Abierto Tenis Mifel predictions, ATP Los Cabos, ATP Los Cabos Predictions, Cam Norrie, Fabio Fognini, juan martin del potro, Ryan Harrison. Leave a comment

2018 ATP Los Cabos 250 headlined by Juan Martin Del Potro and Fabio Fognini
Steen Kirby, Tennis Atlantic

The 2018 ATP Los Cabos 250 in Mexico is a fun event with plenty at stake, here is your look at the draw with predictions.

Top Half:

Juan Martin Del Potro will be the favorite against Marcos Giron or Marcelo Arevalo. Sam Querrey should get past Lucas Gomez and Bernard Tomic/Egor Gerasimov before falling to an in-form JMDP in the quarters.

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Damir Dzumhur is struggling, I have Thomas Fabbiano defeating Takanyi Garanganga and then Dzumhur in an upset to reach the quarters. I’ll back Ryan Harrison to defeat Peter Polansky and Ernesto Escobedo/Michael Mmoh to reach the quarters. Harrison is coming off the Atlanta final while Polansky just won a challenger final in Canada. Harrison over Fabbiano is my pick in the quarters.

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Bottom Half:

Fabio Fognini has an interesting section. Fognini begins against Gilles Muller/Quentin Halys, Taylor Fritz should defeat a struggling Thanasi Kokkinakis, then Yoshihito Nishioka/Gastao Elias. Fognini over Fritz looks like a sensible pick for the section.

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Cam Norrie takes on Prajnesh Gunneswaran, I have him winning that match and Feliciano Lopez/Mohamed Safwat to reach the quarters. Adrian Mannarino should beat Ivo Karlovic/Elias Ymer, both of whom are struggling. I’ll back Norrie, a semifinalist in Atlanta, to get past Mannarino in the quarters.

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Predictions

Semis
Del Potro d. Harrison
Norrie d. Fognini

Del Potro should be a favorite to take home the title in Mexico.

Final
Del Potro d. Norrie

Federer, Nadal, Nishikori, and Del Potro In the Running for Wimbledon Title on Week 2
Steen Kirby, Tennis Atlantic

Wimbledon’s opening week is in the books, here is your look at the remaining 16 players in the field who will decide the champion in men’s singles in just a few days.

Men’s Round of 16 matchups

Roger Federer vs Adrian Mannarino

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Federer has yet to drop a set this tournament, and dominates the h2h against Mannarino. He’ll be a heavy favorite to reach the quarters yet again as Mannarino should be fatigued after a 5 set win against Daniil Medvedev. Federer’s game on grass is showing no signs of slowing down.

Gael Monfils vs Kevin Anderson

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The veteran Monfils leads the h2h 5-0 against the big serving Anderson. The Frenchman is playing some peak tennis at Wimbledon and has been cool and collected this tournament winning in 4 sets against Sam Querrey in round 3, and also Paolo Lorenzi in 4 sets in round 2 and Richard Gasquet in straights round 1.

Anderson dropped a set against Andreas Seppi in round 2, but eased past Philipp Kohlschreiber in round 3. This should be a cracking contest, but with Monfils leading the h2h and serving well he should be the favorite to edge past Anderson.

Mackenzie McDonald vs Milos Raonic

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Wins over Ricardas Berankis, Nicolas Jarry, and Guido Pella have put Mackenzie McDonald into a career best position. The young American has played some fantastic tennis in the opening week, including an 11-9 5 set win against Jarry in round 2. His next opponent, Milos Raonic will be the toughest test yet. Raonic dropped a set against Dennis Novak in the third round, but he’s been solid overall. With Raonic playing this well an upset looks unlikely, the Manitoba missile should advance.

John Isner vs Stefanos Tsitsipas

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A big result for both players, Isner needed 5 sets against Ruben Bemelmans in round 2, but his first and third round wins came in straights. Tsitsipas needed 5 sets against Jared Donaldson, but a third round win over Thomas Fabbiano put him into the second week. Tsitipas has taken advantage of early exits from Grigor Dimitrov and Stan Wawrinka to emerge as a contender. Isner for his part has posted a better result on Wimbledon than usual. This match could go either way, it will be Isner’s experience against Tsitsipas immense talent.

Karen Khachanov vs Novak Djokovic

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Djokovic fans should be thrilled by his performance so far. He dropped a set against Kyle Edmund but fought back to win that third round match in 4, his only meaningful test in three matches. The Serbian superstar should now face a fatigued Karen Khachanov. Khachanov edged David Ferrer in 4 sets then won 5 setters against Marcos Baghdatis and Frances Tiafoe. This is a great result for Khachanov to make it this far, but I’d be stunned if he could make inroads against an in-form Djokovic.

Kei Nishikori vs Ernests Gulbis

This could be a special tournament for Nishikori. He dropped sets against Christian Harrison and Bernard Tomic in the first 2 rounds, in round 3 Nishikori blitzed past a struggling Nick Kyrgios to secure passage into the second week. Gulbis is a massive story as well, the former top 20 player qualified and then won three consecutive 5 set matches to reach this stage. Gulbis defeated Jay Clarke, Damir Dzumhur, and top 5 seed Alexander Zverev in his three main draw matches. The loss was a big blow for Zverev, but Gulbis now has an opportunity to resurrect his troubled career. Gulbis has always had the talent but Nishikori should be the favorite.

Juan Martin Del Potro vs Gilles Simon

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An intriguing battle of veterans, Del Potro hasn’t dropped a set this tournament including in round 2 and round 3 victories against Feliciano Lopez and Benoit Paire respectively. Those players are no pushovers, so it’s a sign Del Potro is really feeling it right now. Simon dropped a set against Matt Ebden in round 3, but he’s otherwise played well, winning the matches he should. Del Potro is a step up though and the Argentine should go through.

Jiri Vesely vs Rafael Nadal

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Jiri Vesely dropped sets against Florian Mayer and Fabio Fognini but he’s advanced to this stage to get a crack at Nadal. Nadal is in great form and hasn’t dropped a set in three routine matches. WIth Nadal playing so well it looks like anything is possible, and I don’t see Vesely stopping him. Nadal should be proud of his performances.

Quarters
Federer d. Monfils
Raonic d. Isner
Djokovic d. Nishikori
Del Potro d. Nadal

Federer and Djokovic should go through here, while Del Potro deserves the benefit of the doubt on grass, and Raonic is also solid on this surface.

Semis
Federer d. Raonic
Del Potro d. Djokovic

Federer remains the favorite, with Del Potro and Djokovic also potential trophy lifters.

Final
Federer d. Del Potro

Federer, Nadal, Djokovic, and Cilic All Ready to Roll at Wimbledon 2018
Steen Kirby, Tennis Atlantic

Wimbledon has arrived and for fans of men’s tennis it’s a great time to tune in as most of the ATP’s best are on hand to compete. Here is your full preview, with predictions.

Federer’s Quarter

Roger Federer, 8 times a Wimbledon champion, should ease into the second week. Dusan Lajovic, Lukas Lacko and one of Leonardo Mayer/J.L. Struff/Mikhail Youzhny/Ivo Karlovic look set to be his first three opponents. On a good day they could trouble Federer but in best 5 Federer should advance into the second week.

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I’ll back Borna Coric to make a run. The young Croat met Federer in a recent final (defeating him) and presuming he beats Daniil Medvedev I also have him getting past Guillermo Garcia-Lopez and Adrian Mannarino to reach the second week. Mannarino can be great on grass but Coric has the most upside.

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Richard Gasquet and Sam Querrey highlight the third section. Gasquet will have to get past his talented countryman Gael Monfils in round 1, but presuming he does that (and beats Laslo Djere), he’ll draw Querrey, another solid grass court player, in the third round. Querrey has to beat Jordan Thomson and Sergiy Stakhovsky/Joao Sousa. While Querrey is a trendy pick I’ll back the veteran Gasquet to win this section.

The fourth section of the draw features a host of veterans. Kevin Anderson is perhaps the favorite against Norbert Gombos, J.P. Smith/Andreas Seppi, and either Gilles Muller or Philipp Kohlschreiber. Kohli has also had some success on grass but beating Evgeny Donskoy and a struggling but competitive Muller is a tough task. Overall Anderson should survive.

Cilic’s Quarter

A finalist last year, Marin Cilic could win it all this year. Yoshihito Nisihoka, Guido Pella/Jason Kubler, and most likely MacKenzie McDonald in round 3 are not difficult opponents in the early going (McDonald should surprise and get past Ricardas Berankis and Nicolas Jarry/Filip Krajinovic). The challenge will come for Cilic in later rounds.

Milos Raonic played great in the warm up to Wimbledon and presuming he’s fit he should ease past Liam Broady, John Millman, and the Lucas Pouille/Denis Kudla winner in round 3. Kudla is in great form but Pouille should have enough to get past him. Raonic should win the section.

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With Pablo Carreno Busta struggling, the section should open for John Isner. Yannick Maden, Steve Johnson/Ruben Bemelmans, and either Cam Norrie or Radu Albot/Carreno Busta should be his first three opponents. I have the Brit Norrie making a run but Isner coming out ahead in round 3.

Grigor Dimitrov is a solid grass court player and should get past Stan Wawrinka in round 1, Wawrinka is in terrible form. However I have Stefanos Tsitsipas, the rising young gun, winning this section. Tsitsipas opens with Gregoire Barrere, Jared Donaldson should follow, while Dimitrov should win his first 2 matches before falling to Tsitsipas in round 3.

Zverev’s Quarter

Alexander Zverev is struggling, and although he’ll probably beat James Duckworth, Lorenzi Sonego/Taylor Fritz, and most likely recent grass court titlist Damir Dzumhur to reach the fourth round. Dzumhur faces Max Marterer, and Ernests Gulbis/Jay Clarke to reach round 3.

Nick Kyrgios is in good form and always a threat on grass, I’ll back him to serve past Denis Istomin, Marius Copil, and Kei Nishikori. Nishikori needs to beat Bernard Tomic in round 2 in an interesting match. Nishikori could win the section but on this surface Kyrgios should be favored.

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Novak Djokovic started slow coming back from injury earlier this season. That said, he’s rounding into form now just in time for Wimbledon and he should defeat Tennys Sandgren, Guido Andreozzi/Horacio Zeballos, and Kyle Edmund (or Yuichi Sugita) to reach the second week.

Dominic Thiem has never been a factor on grass, but he has a decent section if he can get past David Ferrer or Karen Khachanov in round 2 (Marcos Baghdatis is up in round 1). Fernando Verdasco is in the same section and will face a tough test against Frances Tiafoe before running into Julien Benneteau or Marton Fucsovics. Thiem should win the section but not get further.

Nadal’s Quarter

Rafael Nadal hasn’t gone very far at Wimbledon in quite some time, but perhaps this will be the year he’s a factor on grass again. Rafa opens with Dudi Sela, Mikhail Kukushkin/Vasek Pospisil will be up in round 2, with rising star Alex De Minaur likely to feature in round 3. De Minaur is in great form on grass and should defeat Marco Cecchinato, and Pierre-Hugues Herbert/Mischa Zverev before getting his crack at stunning Nadal. I’ll back Rafa but not with confidence.

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The section above Rafa is rather weak, Fabio Fognini likely reaches round 3 with wins over Taro Daniel and Pablo Cuevas/Alexandr Dolgopolov. I have Jiri Vesely winning the section over Florian Mayer and Diego Schwartzman, then past Fognini. Schwartzman has never won a match at Wimbledon and Vesely is good enough on grass to make it through.

David Goffin and Jack Sock are the seeds in the next section, but Sock is in terrible form and Goffin isn’t doing so great either. I’ll back the in-form Matt Ebden to surprise Goffin in round 1, then get past Albert Ramos and Nikoloz Basilashvili to claim his best ever result in a major. Basilashvili takes on Gilles Simon, then Sock or Matteo Berrettini and could also win the section.

With Andy Murray out, a lucky loser will meet with Benoit Paire in round 1, Jeremy Chardy or Denis Shapovalov are in decent form and should follow. Chardy should take advantage of the section before falling to big hitter Juan Martin Del Potro though. JMDP faces Peter Gojowczyk, and Feliciano Lopez, a solid grass court player, in round 2.

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Predictions

Round of 16
Federer d. Coric
Gasquet d. Anderson
Cilic d. Raonic
Tsitsipas d. Isner
Djokovic d. Thiem
Kyrgios d. A. Zverev
Del Potro d. Ebden
Nadal d. Vesely

The bottom half is far weaker than the top. Cilic vs. Raonic should be a great match, while I have Tsitsipas surprising into the quarters and Kyrgios doing the same. Federer should get revenge in best of 5 against Coric.

Quarters
Federer d. Gasquet
Cilic d. Tsitsipas
Djokovic d. Kyrgios
Del Potro d. Nadal

These 4 look like four of the top five contenders in the draw. Djokovic is back in form enough to do damage while Del Potro on grass should be better than Rafa.

Semis
Federer d. Cilic
Djokovic d. Del Potro

Cilic and Del Potro will have chances, but Djokovic and Federer should be the favorites to reach the final. At this time I’ll back Federer to win again, until proven wrong he’s a smart choice.

Final
Federer d. Djokovic