The first of the main draw ATP Cincinnati matches begin on Monday. Tommy Paul takes on Flavio Cobolli, while Karen Khachanov battles Francisco Cerundolo. There are also some qualifying contests to be completed on Monday, and we at LWOT predict two of those matches in this article. But which players do you expect to win?
ATP Cincinnati Day 1 Predictions
Alex Michelsen vs Mackenzie McDonald (qualifying)
Head-to-head: Michelsen 1-0 McDonald
McDonald returned from an injury in May after being out since the Australian Open. He has mostly struggled since making his comeback to the sport, and his younger compatriot’s blistering power will not be easy to handle. 19-year-old Michelsen is still quite inconsistent at this stage of his career, but I like his chances of overpowering McDonald to reach the main draw.
Prediction: Michelsen in 2
Nuno Borges vs Aleksandar Vukic (qualifying)
Head-to-head: First meeting
The North American hard court swing was a successful period for Vukic last year, reaching the final at the Citi DC Open in Washington. He made a slower start this year but did get a good win against the talented Jakub Mensik in the previous qualifying round. Borges made the round of 16 in Montreal and is one of the most underrated players in the men’s game. However, when he finds his range, Vukic’s game is slightly more formidable in the fast Cincinnati conditions. His performance against Mensik might give him the confidence he needs to win again.
Prediction: Vukic in 3
Karen Khachanov vs Francisco Cerundolo
Head-to-head: Khachanov 5-0 Cerundolo
This has been a very tough matchup for Cerundolo in the past. Khachanov is adept at soaking up the Argentine’s powerful forehands, and he hits the ball very flat, making the ball bounce at a lower height than Cerundolo is comfortable with. He also possesses a more formidable serve, meaning it is tough for Cerundolo to dominate any aspect of this matchup. Khachanov is the favorite to defeat Cerundolo for a sixth consecutive time.
Prediction: Khachanov in 2
Tommy Paul vs Flavio Cobolli
Head-to-head: First meeting
Paul was nowhere near his best in either of his matches in Montreal. That is not surprising due to the short turnaround he faced after competing at the Olympics at Roland-Garros. Cobolli was the runner-up at the Citi DC Open, although he came crashing back to earth with a heavy loss to Arthur Rinderknech in Montreal. Paul should be in a better rhythm on the hardcourts in Cincinnati than in Canada. He thrives in home conditions at his best and will overcome the Italian if he finds his range.
Prediction: Paul in 2
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey-USA TODAY Sports
