Cincinnati Masters 2020: Men’s Singles preview and prediction
novak djokovic Dominic Thiem
The most awaited Cincinnati Masters is here. Due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, the tournament was shifted from Cincinnati to New York.
Also, despite the withdrawals of seven-time champion Roger Federer and World No. 2 Rafael Nadal, the tournament is still going to be tough. There are many big names in the draw and it will be a curtain-raiser before the US Open 2020.
It will be very tough for players like Novak Djokovic, Grigor Dimitrov, and Borna Coric who were tested positive for COVID-19 before. The World No.1 has made his intentions clear on winning the title and it will be interesting to see if he will prevail or not.
Here’s how the men’s draw looks like:
Top half of the Cincinnati masters
Seeds with opening round byes: Novak Djokovic, Daniil Medvedev, David Goffin, Roberto Bautista Agut.
At first, people might think that Djokovic has an edge over everyone and is placed in a less crowded section of the draw, things get fishy if you dig a little deeper. Djokovic could face Denis Shapovalov in the semifinals, only if the young talent from Canada can overcome the challenges of Marin Cilic and David Goffin.
Novak Djokovic is yet to lose a match in 2020 and he was also the winner of this year’s Australian Open where Shapovalov shockingly lost in the first round. Despite concerns with the Canadian’s form, people are still expecting the last-four clash between Novak Djokovic and Denis Shapovalov. Shapovalov does possess a good gameplay, but will it be enough to beat the World No.1, well we will have to wait and watch.
Bottom half of the Cincinnati masters
Seeds with opening round byes: Dominic Thiem, Stefanos Tsitsipas, Alexander Zverev, Matteo Berrettini
The bottom half of the draw has good players like Dominic Thiem, John Isner, Kevin Anderson, Reilly Opelka, Hubert Hurkacz, and Kyle Edmund. The half looks evenly poised, with no clear favourite for the semifinal berth.
Dominic Thiem has got most match practice during the six-month break from tennis. The World No. 3 was playing a series of exhibition events to keep himself in shape. He would be eager to use it as an advantage and win his second career Masters 1000 title.
John Isner is a local player and has played much of his professional tennis in America. So he has the idea of the conditions that will be in New York plus his booming serves will be too hot to handle by his opponents.
Form the bottom half, people are predicting a semifinal between John Isner vs Dominic Thiem. Time will tell who will prevail.
Prediction for the Final: Novak Djokovic vs Dominic Thiem
Predicted Champion: Dominic Thiem
Player to watch out for: Daniil Medvedev
Last season, the Russian was in terrific form reaching the final of the 2019 US Open. However, his form saw a dip in 2020 with fourth-round loss in the Australian Open and first-round exit in Rotterdam Open. However, Medvedev is a threatening player when he is on song and he can give a tough fight to his opponents.
Also Read: If i get a chance to do, I will happily agree: Novak Djokovic on organising the Adria Tour
Kushagra Gupta
(349 Articles Published)