Cincinnati Open 2020: Novak Djokovic vs Ricardas Berankis| Preview | Head-to-Head | Prediction

Cincinnati Open 2020: Novak Djokovic vs Ricardas Berankis| Preview | Head-to-Head | Prediction

Novak Djokovic Ricardas Berankis

Novak Djokovic (left) and Ricardas Berankis

World No.1 Novak Djokovic will begin his quest of a maiden Cincinnati Open title when he will square off against qualifier Ricardas Berankis in a Round of 32 match at the Cincinnati Open 2020. Djokovic, who got a first-round bye, threatened to skip the event due to recurring shoulder injury. However, the 33-year old Serb will continue to play in singles despite pulling out from the doubles category. Whereas, World No.72 Berankis had to go through the phase of qualifiers to enter the main draw. In first round, the Lithuanian defeated Tommy Paul in a marathon match 6-7, 6-4, 7-5.

2020 has been nothing short of a miracle for Djokovic, as he is yet to lose a match this season. In the process he has racked up 18 wins and Australian Open title being the icing on the cake. On the other hand, the 30-year old Berankis has more losses (4) than wins (3) up to his name in 2020. He reached Round of 64 in Melbourne and his best performance this season has been in ATP 250 Pune, where Ricardas was semifinalist.

Novak Djokovic vs Ricardas Berankis | Head-to-Head

Novak Djokovic

Their last and the only previous meeting was way back in 2013. There, Djokovic faced Berankis in the first round of the US Open, where the Serb swatted aside the challenge of the Lithuanian, winning in fine fashion 6-1, 6-2, 6-2.

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Novak Djokovic vs Ricardas Berankis | Prediction

Novak Djokovic
Novak Djokovic

The 17-time Major winner is expected to win this match comfortably albeit his shoulder niggle come to haunt him during the match. What Berankis can do is to play his best tennis and hope the luck goes his way. At the best, he can force a set into a tie-breaker. Other than that, Djokovic will be looking to wrap up the proceedings quickly in order to save his energy for stiffer challenges coming forward.

Match Prediction: Novak Djokovic defeats Ricardas Berankis convincingly in two sets.

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