We've got three picks from the Cincinnati Open for you today, and at least a couple of these feel like they could go the distance. Let's get into it.
Cincinnati Open Predictions
Rafael Jodar vs Alejandro Tabilo
Head-to-head: Jodar 1-1 Tabilo
These two split their previous meetings and this one feels just as evenly matched on paper, but Jodar's ranking advantage tells part of the story. He's been the more consistent performer on hard courts this season and should have enough to come through in a tight one, all things considered.
Tabilo has the power to make life uncomfortable in the rallies, and he's beaten better players than Jodar before. That said, I think Jodar holds his nerve when it matters most here.
Prediction: Jodar in 3
Alexander Zverev vs Terence Atmane
Head-to-head: Zverev 1-0 Atmane
Atmane is a solid player who can hurt anyone on a good day, but Zverev is one of the best hard-court players in the world and the ranking gap here is enormous. The slow conditions in Cincinnati, which have historically suited the bigger baseliners, tend to reward patience in long rallies and Zverev has become so good at not panicking when points extend. Atmane won't get many free points on serve, and once Zverev settles in, this gets difficult fast.
Hard to see Atmane troubling Zverev here, even if he manages to take it to three sets.
Prediction: Zverev in 3
Taylor Fritz vs Alex Michelsen
Head-to-head: Fritz 1-2 Michelsen
This is the most interesting matchup of the three. Michelsen actually leads the head-to-head and has shown he's not intimidated by Fritz at all, which is a real problem for the American when they meet. Fritz has the bigger serve and more experience on the big stages, but Michelsen is young and plays with a lot of freedom and that combination has caused Fritz problems before.
Fritz is the higher-ranked player and the home crowd will be behind him, so I feel like that tips it his way in a close one.
Prediction: Fritz in 3
For full predictions on ATP and WTA matches today, check out Uppset.
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