Cincinnati R1 previews and predictions: Auger-Aliassime vs Basilashvili, Edmund vs Anderson

Canadian star Felix Auger-Aliassime takes the court against Nikoloz Basilashvili, while Great Britain’s Kyle Edmund battles Kevin Anderson as the ATP tour restarts after the pandemic pause. It’s Day 1 at the Cincinnati Masters.

(15) Felix Auger-Aliassime vs. Nikoloz Basilashvili

Felix Auger-Aliassime drew a tricky first-round opponent in Nikoloz Basilashvili. The Canadian will not be able to shake off the layoff rust and ease into the tournament against a wildcard or qualifier. Instead, he faces the world No. 27.

There is some good news for Auger-Aliassime. Before the layoff, Basilashvili had a dismal start to the 2020 season with a miserable 4-5 record to show for his efforts. Further, the Georgian absorbed a pair of losses in his only two meetings with the world No. 20.

Despite the uncertainties of player conditioning over the 5-month hiatus, this matchup clearly favors Auger-Aliassime. There is no reason to expect a different outcome on Saturday.

Cheryl pick: Auger-Aliassime in 3

Ricky pick: Auger-Aliassime in 2

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Kyle Edmund vs. (PR) Kevin Anderson

Kevin Anderson is a former Wimbledon finalist and the former world No. 5, but the South African has been sidelined with injuries, with another knee problem surfacing again in February of this year. His ranking sits at No. 123, but if Anderson is healthy again we should see a steady climb back.

Kyle Edmund is one of the few players who has a title to his name in 2020. The Brit won the indoor event in New York in February and he fought his way into the quarters in Acapulco, beating Auger-Aliassime on the way. Unfortunately, the draw gods weren’t kind to him this week.

If Anderson is healthy and his knees give him no more trouble, he is a dangerous opponent regardless of his ranking. The two men have met just twice before and split wins at one each. Both matches were blistering five-set Grand Slam marathons. Indeed, if both players are fit fans (on television!) could be in for a real first-round treat.

This could be a tight one, but Edmund was the more in form player of the abbreviated year so far.

Cheryl pick: Edmund in 3

Ricky pick: Edmund in 3

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