Washington, D.C. winner Nick Kyrgios will go up against top American Taylor Fritz in an action-packed day at the Cincinnati Masters. Americans Frances Tiafoe and Sebastian Korda will also be in second-round action on Wednesday.
(11) Taylor Fritz vs. Nick Kyrgios
Top-ranked American Taylor Fritz has the unenviable task of facing Nick Kyrgios in the early rounds. The Australian has posted incredible results this summer, but the ATP decision to award no ranking points for Wimbledon keeps Kyrgios–who made the final–from being seeded.
Last week Daniil Medvedev ran into Kyrgios in the second round and promptly lost to the Aussie. This week, it’s Fritz’s turn. The good news for Fritz is that Kyrgios showed some signs of weakness in Montreal. The 27-year-old lost in the quarterfinals last week to Hubert Hurkacz.
Fritz is playing the best tennis of his career. He was close to picking off Rafael Nadal in the quarterfinals at Wimbledon. Fritz has been slightly off during the summer hard-court swing so far, but his movement has been outstanding. If Kyrgios keeps the points short and rushes Fritz, the Aussie may oust another seed–but if Fritz can coax Kyrgios into some longer rallies the American should pull it out.
Cheryl pick: Fritz in 3
Ricky pick: Fritz in 3
Frances Tiafoe vs. (WC) Sebastian Korda
This has not been a kind matchup for world No. 52 Sebastian Korda. He has run into Frances Tiafoe on three prior occasions and lost all three times. Their last meeting was a nail-biter in Estoril and while Korda served for the match in the second set, Tiafoe came away with the win in the end.
Korda has had a tough season so far. With a few exceptions he has underperformed compared to his results in 2021. He comes into Cincinnati off a run to the quarterfinals in Washington, D.C. a couple weeks ago (lost to Mikael Ymer). He likely has more confidence than he did after he dropped his first match in Atlanta to Taro Daniel, but Tiafoe is a tricky opponent.
If Korda can control his nerves–something he did nicely in his first round match against Karen Khachanaov this week–he will have a shot. Tiafoe has played well during the summer hard-court swing, but he has still shown some weaknesses that Korda can exploit. The result may just come down the matchup itself, and Korda hasn’t been able to get a win yet.
Cheryl pick: Tiafoe in 3
Ricky pick: Korda in 3
Fritz in 2 after Nick has a meltdown, and Korda in 3.
agreed with meltdown
WWW?
Fritz in 3 will be a good result for Kyrgios. He needs a refresh before the US.
Carreno losing gives him a chance of winning the USO as well.
They should rest and carb load then start some light training and weights this weekend and increase intensity until Friday week. Then take Saturday/Sunday off.
Nick ran out of steam.
As most players do , after a lot of tennis the week before.
We are wishing you a speedy recovery, Nick!