Novak Djokovic will take on top American Taylor Fritz in Friday’s marquee quarterfinal match in Cincinnati.
Novak Djokovic is back in the United States after a lengthy travel ban kept him sidelined due to his failure to meet COVID vaccine requirements. With the vaccine mandate lifted, Djokovic is once again a main attraction at the Western & Southern Open.
The 36-year-old hasn’t played much tennis this week so far. He had a tantalizing second-round match against Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, but the Spaniard was forced to withdraw with a lower-back injury after dropping the first set 6-4. Djokovic also made quick work of third-round opponent Gael Monfils. The Serb posted his 19th straight win over the French veteran via a 6-3, 6-2 decision.
Taylor Fritz’s record against Djokovic isn’t quite as disheartening as that of Monfils, but the American hasn’t been able to post a win over the current world No. 2 in six previous attempts. He has been close, at least–most notably losing in five sets at the 2021 Australian Open.
Fritz earned his quarterfinal spot with the withdrawal of Dusan Lajovic due to a toe injury. Prior to his opponent’s retirement from the match, Fritz was in excellent form. He defeated Jiri Lehecka and Lorenzo Sonego in his first two rounds this week.
There is little to suggest that Fritz is in any position to start turning his record around against Djokovic. The second seed is striking the ball cleanly this week and he is moving well. Fritz might be able to snag a set, but expect this one to go to Djokovic.
Cheryl pick: Djokovic in 3
Ricky pick: Djokovic in 3
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Massive gap between Novak & Taylor
Not as far as the propoganda kings are concerned. They are masters at pumping their own kind.