A fantastic day 5 is in store for the Western & Southern Open, with all eight third-round ATP matches scheduled to be played. Unfortunately, rain may interrupt parts of play towards the evening, but there are plenty of exciting matches. LWOT offers insight into all of these matches, with this piece highlighting World No. 2 Novak Djokovic. The other set of ATP predictions, including Carlos Alcaraz vs Tommy Paul can be found here.
ATP Cincinnati Day 5 Predictions
Mackenzie McDonald vs Adrian Mannarino
Head-to-head: Mannarino 1-0
The first prediction is the ATP Cincinnati is a good one. Mannarino did a great job taking out Felix Auger-Alliasime in two comfortable sets. However, he now faces the additional challenge of going up against a home favorite. McDonald has been quietly having a nice summer hard-court season and got the benefit of moving into the third round after Holger Rune’s injury withdrawal. Expecting the American to continue his high-quality run.
Prediction: McDonald in 2
Dusan Lajovic vs Taylor Fritz
Head-to-head: Lajovic 1-0
It’s been awhile since the two players met, with Lajovic using his favorite clay courts to his advantage in the 2018 Lyon Open. Fritz is obviously far more established now on tour. However, he’s struggled a bit in the past few months. Lajovic also got a big win over Jannik Sinner in the second round, wearing out the exhausted Italian after his Toronto victory. Fritz’s big serve should get him through, but it won’t be easy.
Prediction: Fritz in 3
Alexander Zverev vs Daniil Medvedev
Head-to-head: Medvedev 9-5
The pair’s epic rivalry will be renewed in the humid Cincinnati conditions. Medvedev won their last three meetings in exciting matches. This will certainly fire up Zverev to get a win, yet Medvedev looked flawless in a 6-3 and 6-2 win over Lorenzo Musetti. Medvedev’s slow groundstrokes helps him force errors from Zverev’s backhands, and he also tends to take advantage of Zverev’s worse movement. The Russian should get through this one, and it should definitely be fun to watch.
Prediction: Medvedev in 3
Novak Djokovic vs Gael Monfils
Head-to-head: Djokovic 18-0
No, you’re reading that head-to-head correctly. Djokovic tends to bring out his best tennis against Monfils and certainly plays solid to move the Frenchman around the court. The summer of 2023 has felt like a renaissance for Monfils, and Djokovic likewise didn’t look great in his win via retirement over Alejandro Davidovich Fokina. Actually predicting that Monfils grabs a set here, but Djokovic should be too mentally solid. Fans should hope for some epic shots from Monfils, on what surely will be played out in front of a primetime Stadium crowd.
Prediction: Djokovic in 3
Main Photo: Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports
