CINCINNATI - ATP 1000 - 15th to 21st Aug. 2016

[GameSetAndMath]

World's only fast court Masters is beginning in a couple of days. The draw is out. So far, Andy and Rafa have not pulled out. But, they can do so later. I am thinking Rafa will drop out, but Andy will play. If anybody drops out, a lucky loser will replace them as qualifying begins today. However, the draw will be rebalanced as long as the drop out happens before the first ball (of the first match of the main draw) is struck.

Anyway, here are the projected quarterfinals.

Andy vs. Kei (Olympic SF rematch)
Milos vs. Thiem (2 who sat out Olympics)
Berdych vs. Rafa (pigeon)
Tsonga vs. Stan (couple of reluctant warriors)

 

[Kieran]

I think Rafa will play, he's got a break until Wednesday, so I don't see any reason for him to withdraw...

 

[rafanoy1992]

Looking at the draw, Murray has a potential brutal draw. He could face Ivo Karlovic in the 2nd round, Kevin Anderson in the 3rd round and then Nishikori in the QF. Those three players could knock Murray out in a 2 of 3 format and Murray might be fatigued after the Olympics.

Thiem vs. Monfils potential 3rd round match could be interesting match especially now that Monfils looks focus ans serious

Nadal could potentially face Kyrgios in the 3rd round so that could be an interesting match assuming Nadal plays Cincy.

 

[El Dude]

I'm picking Milos because, why not?

 

[Carol]

Muzz and Rafa are already in Cincinnati. We'll see how everything goes but in spite of the final result of Rafa in singles I see that he is playing well having a lot of practice and can be ready for the USO if his wrist is ok which seems it's

 

[Kieran]

I'm picking Milos because, why not?

You and Tignor both, buddy...

 

[GameSetAndMath]

I'm picking Milos because, why not?

You and Tignor both, buddy...

I just can't visualize Milos beating Andy. Andy will expose weak movement of Milos and toy with him.

 

[Kieran]

I'm picking Milos because, why not?

You and Tignor both, buddy...

I just can't visualize Milos beating Andy. Andy will expose weak movement of Milos and toy with him.

I suppose it's based upon the premise that the court is fast, Andy might be tired, and Milos is fresh...

 

[GameSetAndMath]

Already couple of upsets. Wildcard American Donaldson takes out Almagro. PR guy Benneteau takes out Ferrer.

Also, Borna Coric ousted Benoit Paire, the French guy who was kicked out of the Olympic team after playing one match and losing it as apparently he violated some team rules.

 

[Carol]

Already couple of upsets. Wildcard American Donaldson takes out Almagro. PR guy Benneteau takes out Ferrer.

Also, Borna Coric ousted Benoit Paire, the French guy who was kicked out of the Olympic team after playing one match and losing it as apparently he violated some team rules.

I don't see any upset of that, Almagro and Ferrer are playing bad the whole year

 

[Carol]

Rafa has withdrawn from Cincinnati, wise decision but I hope it has been more for fatigue than because his wrist

 

[GameSetAndMath]

Already couple of upsets. Wildcard American Donaldson takes out Almagro. PR guy Benneteau takes out Ferrer.

Also, Borna Coric ousted Benoit Paire, the French guy who was kicked out of the Olympic team after playing one match and losing it as apparently he violated some team rules.

I don't see any upset of that, Almagro and Ferrer are playing bad the whole year

Yes, they both are playing badly this year. However, Almagro was beaten by a wild card and Ferrer was beaten by a guy who got in due to protected rankings (coming out of injury). So, they are indeed upsets.

 

[the AntiPusher]

Rafa has withdrawn from Cincinnati, wise decision but I hope it has been more for fatigue than because his wrist

Carol I told ya he would. Remember

 

[Carol]

Rafa has withdrawn from Cincinnati, wise decision but I hope it has been more for fatigue than because his wrist

Carol I told ya he would. Remember

Yep, it would have been crazy if he play, I hope he can take a good deserved rest because it's not the same to practice than to play matches

 

[GameSetAndMath]

Rafa has withdrawn from Cincinnati, wise decision but I hope it has been more for fatigue than because his wrist

I was expecting this (see OP). The tourney has already begun and so they will not rebalance the draw. A lucky loser will become really lucky now.

 

[Carol]

Well. that information is not still confirmed, he supposedly is going to practice today at 6 pm, I rather to wait if he will or not :huh:

 

[Carol]

It seems was a false alarm and Rafa will play. It's raining in Cincinnatti so we'll see how the Tournamnt goes

 

[the AntiPusher]

Well. that information is not still confirmed, he supposedly is going to practice today at 6 pm, I rather to wait if he will or not :huh:

I am surprised that he would practice today after spending over 23 hours of competitive match play in Rio. Sure the courts are speeds are different but seems as though he could tried to adjust to the conditions in Cincy on Tuesday

 

[rafanoy1992]

This could be an interesting and important tournament for both Nadal and Raonic. This tournament could determine who gets the 4th seed at the US Open. Nadal has a 395 points lead over Raonic coming to this week. It means that Raonic at the very least, has to reach the semifinals in order to overtake Nadal in the rankings next week. If Raonic can not get into the semifinals, then Nadal is the 4th seed in the US Open.

 

[Carol]

This could be an interesting and important tournament for both Nadal and Raonic. This tournament could determine who gets the 4th seed at the US Open. Nadal has a 395 points lead over Raonic coming to this week. It means that Raonic at the very least, has to reach the semifinals in order to overtake Nadal in the rankings next week. If Raonic can not get into the semifinals, then Nadal is the 4th seed in the US Open.

Maybe that's the reason that Rafa is going to play but he needs to reach the semis too?