Day 2 at the ATP Cincinnati Masters has a lot of exciting matches scheduled. Old giants Murray and Wawrinka will also lock horns. As always, we predict all of the day’s matches. In addition to this article, we also have three more on the day. One features Sebastian Korda vs Karen Khachanov, the second headlines Denis Shapovalov vs Grigor Dimitrov, and the third features Matteo Berrettini vs Frances Tiafoe. Who do you think will advance to the next round?
ATP Cincinnati Day 2 Predictions
Aslan Karatsev vs Brandon Nakashima
Head-to-head: Karatsev 1-0 Nakashima
Karatsev is undergoing a poor run of form, losing his last four consecutive matches. On the American hard courts, he failed to show any promise in two of his matches. The serve isn’t quite there, and one can’t do nothing on the fast American courts without a good serve. Nakashima on the other hand, has given some fine showings in his last two tournaments. Karatsev leads their h2h, but Nakashima should be able to level it now.
Prediction: Nakashima in 3
Albert Ramos-Vinolas vs Fabio Fognini
Head-to-head: Ramos-Vinolas 2-9 Fognini
Fognini has slipped to 61st in the world rankings. As result, he has to play the qualifying rounds against, younger, hungrier opponents, which affects his main draw performance. He steps in here as a lucky loser. His opponent, Albert Ramos-vinolas has shown better consistency overall. In Montreal, he gave a hard time to eventual runner-up Hubert Hurkacz. If the match comes down to the longer rallies, back Ramos-Vinolas to grind through. Fognini has totally dominated their clashes till now, but that shouldn’t be the case this time.
Prediction: Ramos-Vinolas in 3
Marcos Giron vs David Goffin
Head-to-head: Giron 1-0 Goffin
David Goffin picked his first win after Wimbledon in the qualifying draw here. If his performances in the last two tournaments are to be considered, Goffin is not the most equipped to win this match. Marcos Giron qualified for the main draw without dropping a set. He makes his percentage tennis work on the hard courts, with good results. There is a lack of explosiveness in his game though, which is of pristine importance in Cincinnati. This match shouldn’t be a problem though.
Prediction: Giron in 3
Andy Murray vs Stan Wawrinka
Head-to-head: Murray 12-9 Wawrinka
Andy Murray has climbed very quickly through the rankings, breaking into the Top 50 already. Perhaps the only issue remaining with his game now, is his fitness. On the other hand, Stan Wawrinka has slipped to a pitiful #300 in the rankings. In his match against Ruusuvuori in Montreal, he showed some glimpses of greatness though. Just a few years back, this match-up would rank between the very best in tennis. Both players have had huge drops in performances. Murray has started resurrecting though, and at the moment, he is the better player by far.
Prediction: Murray in 2
Main Photo from Getty.
