Three third round picks from Cincinnati today, and we've got a couple of interesting ones mixed in with what should be a straightforward afternoon for Zverev. Let's get into it.
Cincinnati Open Predictions
Brandon Nakashima vs Daniil Medvedev
Head-to-head: Nakashima 0-3 Medvedev
Nakashima has never taken a set off Medvedev in three meetings, and on a fast hard court in Cincinnati, it's hard to see that changing. Medvedev's ability to absorb pace and redirect it is exactly the kind of tennis that makes Nakashima's flat ball-striking less effective and the American doesn't have a big enough serve to buy himself free points when rallies get difficult.
That said, Medvedev hasn't looked entirely sharp this year and Nakashima is no pushover at this level. I think this goes three, but Medvedev closes it out without too much drama.
Prediction: Medvedev in 3
Learner Tien vs Frances Tiafoe
Head-to-head: Tien 1-1 Tiafoe
This is the match of the day for me. Tiafoe is electric when he's feeling it, and these two clearly know each other well enough that neither will be surprised by anything. The split series keeps this completely open, and Tiafoe's ability to raise his level in big moments on hard courts makes him dangerous even at a lower ranking.
But Tien has been the more consistent player lately, and at 21 years old, he's become so good at not panicking when matches get tight. Tien in three feels right, though don't be shocked if Tiafoe takes this one.
Prediction: Tien in 3
Alexander Zverev vs Terence Atmane
Head-to-head: Zverev 1-0 Atmane
Atmane is a decent player and his ranking reflects a real improvement over the past year, but hard to see this being competitive at all. Zverev's serve and his ability to control rallies from the baseline with his forehand, which has looked particularly clean this week, should be more than enough here and Atmane doesn't have the weapons to consistently hurt a top-three player on this surface.
Prediction: Zverev in 2
For full predictions on ATP and WTA matches today, check out Uppset.
Credit Image: © Scott Stuart/ZUMA Press Wire