One semi-final to preview from Cincinnati today, and it's an all-American clash that's a lot more interesting than the rankings suggest.
Cincinnati Open Predictions
Brandon Nakashima vs Frances Tiafoe
Head-to-head: Nakashima 1-7 Tiafoe
That H2H is brutal for Nakashima. Seven wins for Tiafoe, and this matchup has never really been close on paper. But Nakashima's level this week has been something else, and he's been one of the most consistent ball-strikers in the draw, keeping rallies tight and making very few unforced errors in the conditions here.
Tiafoe is always dangerous in big moments and the crowd will be with him, but he can be streaky and when his first serve dips he tends to leak points in bunches. Nakashima has gotten very good at not panicking when things tighten up and I feel like that composure is what finally gets him over the line against an opponent who has owned him historically, all things considered. Three sets, but Nakashima gets through.
Prediction: Nakashima in 3
For full predictions on ATP and WTA matches today, check out Uppset.
Credit Image: © Marcin Cholewinski/ZUMA Press Wire