The ATP Cincinnati Open is the second big tournament in the North American hard-court swing after Montreal. With players who skipped Montreal returning to action, the draw is stacked as players aim to fine-tune their game ahead of the US Open. As always, we here at LWOT will offer our predictions for every match on the slate for Day 2. But who will advance?
ATP Cincinnati Day 2 Predictions
Marcos Giron vs Sebastian Baez
Head-to-Head: Giron 0-1 Baez
Marcos Giron has experienced a dip in form since winning his first ATP title in Newport, especially the loss in Montreal against James Duckworth in straight sets. Giron will look to bounce back here and has a winnable first-round match. Sebastian Baez served for the first set against Tsitsipas in Montreal but got broken and faded away. Baez has a 33% win rate on hard courts, and I can’t see him trouble a better player on this surface. Giron should win this in straight sets if he shows up.
Prediction: Giron in 2
Zhizhen Zhang vs Giovanni Mpteshi Perricard
Head-to-Head: First meeting
Zhang Zhizhen lost in the first round at the Paris Olympics, but he won a Silver Medal in mixed doubles. Such achievements tend to boost the confidence of a player, and he must be energized to start his North American hard-court swing. Zhang’s game is suited to any surface, which will ease his transition. Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard could not make it past the qualifying round in Montreal, losing a three-setter to McDonald. The Frenchman has limited experience of playing on hard courts and is still finding his feet. It’s been evident in the past that if the Opponent can make enough returns, Perricard can falter quickly. Zhang doesn’t have the best returns of serve, but he will give back his chances here.
Prediction: Zhang in 3
Alejandro Tabilo vs Luciano Darderi
Head-to-Head: Tabilo 1-0 Darderi
Alejandro Tabilo played at a high level at the National Bank Open in Montreal but faced the world No.1 in the third round. He is having a great season, and his game is perfectly suited to hard courts. Tabilo’s big serve and aggressive first-strike tennis had Jannik Sinner in trouble in the first set. Luciano Darderi has lost his last three matches, two of them coming against Tommy Paul. He won’t be too worried as he has played some exceptional tennis this year. However, he has yet to win a tour-level match on this surface. Tabilo got the better of him in their last meeting. I expect the same outcome here.
Prediction: Tabilo in 2
Alejandro Davidovich Fokina vs Frances Tiafoe
Head-to-Head: Davidovich Fokina 0-1 Tiafoe
Alejandro Davidovich Fokina was playing some great tennis in Montreal before he succumbed to the heat against Matteo Arnaldi. Beating Daniil Medvedev on hard courts is a big task, and he did it by dominating the match. The Spaniard looked very aggressive and will look to play a similar brand of tennis here at the Cincinnati Open. Frances Tiafoe has a similar story, as he has looked much better since the hard court swing started. He looks more confident, and that’s when he plays his best tennis. This match has the making of a blockbuster, and fans will be treated if it delivers. I am giving the slight edge to Tiafoe as he gets extra fired up when playing in front of his home crowd.
Prediction: Tiafoe in 3
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey – USA TODAY Sports
