ATP Picks: Cincinnati

Western & Southern Open

Hot of the heels of the Toronto Masters, we are in Ohio. World No. 1 Novak Djokovic will look to claim the Career Golden Masters in Cincinnati. The Serb has been a runner-up here four times, but will need to shrug off the surprisingly easy loss to Jo Tsonga last week.

Federer loves it here and chases a 6th title, while Andy Murray is still yet to win here. Vasek Pospisil and Milos Raonic have been in a rich vein of form, so expect to see them in the latter stages of the tournament.

The USTA award wildcards to Jack Sock, Sam Querry, Robbie Ginepri and Steve Johnson. Sock and Johnson are in good nick and Querry is showing flashes of his former best.

Western & Southern Open – Cincinnati

Let’s break it down:

ATP Level: 1000

Surface: Outdoor Hard

Defending Champion: Rafael Nadal – Still out through injury.

Nasty Floater: Kevin ‘Mr.’ Anderson – Made the quarter-finals in Toronto and is very dangerous. Gets Isner 1st round.

Up and Coming: Vasek Pospisil – Not news but he’s unseeded and could face Federer in the 2nd round.

Slumping: Tomas ‘Berdman’ Berdych – A player of his quality should be doing better on the hard courts. Needs to justify his ranking.

On Fire: Jo ‘Willy’ Tsonga – His demolition of Djokovic, followed up by a win over Murray is significant at any time. 

My pick: Andy Murray – Is coming back to form and could seize the day here.

Did You Know? Nine of the past 10 Western & Southern Open champions held the No. 1 ranking during their careers

Watch: Cincinnati Uncovered

Thanks for reading and check back next week for more picks!