Toronto
TorontoThe Rogers Cup alternates back to Toronto this year from Montreal. Unfortunately, the event’s namesake Roger Federer skips after his tiring Olympic duty.
The first of back-to-back Masters events (with Cincinnati) the US Open series shifts up a gear and we’re set for some tough hard court tennis. Canadian interest include Milos Raonic, Frank Dancevic, Peter Polansky and Vasek Pospisil who all sound like they’re from Eastern Europe.
Let’s break it down:
ATP Level: 1000
Surface: Outdoor Hard
Defending Champion: Novak Djokovic – Been overshadowed by his rivals of late and will look to make a statement on the hard courts, his back yard.
Nasty Floater: Sam Querry – On a roll in North America and gets a special entry here.
Veteran Watch: David ‘Nails’ Nalbandian – A popcorn match against uber-veteran Haas, but not playing as well.
Up and Coming: Vasek Pospisil – Young Canadian one to watch on hard courts.
Slumping: Donald Young – Creeping up on Vince Spadea’s losing streak record.
On Fire: Tommy ‘Gun’ Haas – Reached his 3rd final in Washington D.C on as many surfaces. He’s a wildman.
My pick: Novak Djokovic – He’s road-worthy, hungry and mean. Will want revenge over Murray.
Did You Know? The world famous Canadian Open is the oldest ongoing tennis tournament after Wimbledon and the US Open.
Watch: Behind the scenes in Toronto
Thanks for reading and check back next week for more picks and amusement!
