A tough second-round encounter on Wednesday in Cincinnati will pit Indian Wells doubles partners Milos Raonic and John Isner against each other. Meanwhile, David Goffin will continue his campaign with Bernard Tomic on the other side of the net.
(4) Milos Raonic vs. John Isner
Raonic and Isner will be squaring off for the fourth time in their careers when they clash in round two of the Western & Southern Open on Wednesday. Isner is sweeping the head-to-head series 3-0; he prevailed 7-6(9), 6-4 four years ago at the Rogers Cup, 7-6(5), 6-4 one season later in Cincinnati, and 6-7(3), 7-6(6), 7-6(5) last year in Miami. Although the scorelines may not indicated it, Isner has been broken by Raonic twice (in 40 total service games).
Although the American hard-court summer is Isner’s favorite time of year, the 2016 campaign has mostly been a disappointment for him. He is still a modest 23-15 and down at 22nd in the rankings despite recently advancing to the quarterfinals in Washington, D.C. and the final in Atlanta. Raonic finished runner-up at Wimbledon to Andy Murray before running into a red-hot Gael Monfils in the Toronto quarterfinals, resulting in a 6-4, 6-4 loss. The sixth-ranked Canadian is an awesome 39-10 for the season and currently in third place in the race to London. This should be Raonic’s time to finally get on the scoreboard against Isner, but as usual it will likely come down to just a few critical points at the end of each set. An important statistic to note is that Isner is just 24-24 in tiebreakers this year, 0-4 in his last four, and 0-6 in final-set ‘breakers.
Pick: Raonic in 3
[polldaddy poll=9499026]
(11) David Goffin vs. Bernard Tomic
Rafael Nadal managed to avoid the fate that befell Goffin at the Rio Olympics, which was an upset loss amidst a crazed atmosphere against Brazilian favorite Thomaz Bellucci. Nadal, who recovered from a set deficit to beat Bellucci, had appeared to be in line for a third-round showdown against Goffin. Instead, the Belgian was bounced out of the tournament by Bellucci 7-6(10), 6-4 during second-round action. Still, it has been a simply outstanding season for Goffin. The world No. 13 boasts a 35-15 record that is highlighted by back-to-back semifinal performances in Indian Wells and Miami, and he registers at 11th in the race to London (virtually 10th with Roger Federer out for the year).
Goffin took care of Nikoloz Basilashvili 7-5, 6-3 on Tuesday and is now set for a third career meeting with Tomic. The head-to-head series is all tied up at one win apiece; Goffin got the job done 3-6, 6-3, 6-4, 6-4 at Wimbledon in 2012 before Tomic exacted revenge in the form of a 6-1, 6-3 rout the following summer in Washington, D.C. Tomic booked his spot in the Cincinnati second round by coasting past Joao Sousa 6-4, 6-3 on Tuesday. The 21st-ranked Australian is simply not playing as well as Goffin right now and he may not want it as much, either.
Pick: Goffin in 2
[polldaddy poll=9499025]
WWW?
Isner in three and Goffin in three
The Big Dawg has more in the tank than Rick thinks…he’ll win in straight; and Goffin in straight.
Milos in 2 sets and Goffin in 3 sets
Isner was serving really well yesterday so I’m going to go with him in 2.
Tomic in 2 also, for no good reason.
Really tough first round matches.
I wasn’t watching Olympics during Bellucci-Goffin or Bellucci-Rafa but the results were incredible.
Anyways… Goffin could have trouble from Tomic. Going with Goffin in 3.
I don’t know which way to go on Isner v Raonic.
I think Isner/Raonic is s toss up. Isner is always dangerous with his big serving, even if he’s not in great form right now. Raonic has been the better player this year, so if one goes off of form, then Raonic would be the pick.
I give the edge to Raonic in 3 sets.
Goffin should have a pretty easy time beating Tomic. You never know for sure with Tomic, because he is capable of stepping up when he wants to, but I think that Goffin will ein in 3 sets.
Wish I could watch the Thiem match right now. It’s been way too long since I’ve seen him! I’m afraid he’s going to lose to Millman.
Simona is looking okay.
Phew. Thiem looks fine. My concern is that he burnt himself out over the first 6 months of the season. He’ll have a harder test next match. In the post-match interview he says he’s happy how it went.
Stan won the 2nd set and should make it – maybe. He’s not playing with much conviction.
Yes,Stan looks off to me. He’s been up and down but he should be able to close this out now.
Monaco beat Karlovic 4 and 4 on a hard court?!? Dr Ivo must have had a really off day.
Isner so unclutch now. No first serves at big moments. After you get the mini break back for 5-6 you gotta come up with a big serve when you’re John. Or at least find that point.
Such a good 2015 where he won lots of close ones. Still had fair share of tough losses but this year he’s had just as many close losses if not more. Was 45-25 last year. Now he’s 24-16 this year and 24-26 in breakers. If he just won some close matches this year like that epic muller match at queens and those losses in the golden swing on clay it could be a much better season for him. The biggest one in my opinion was his five set loss to Tsonga up two sets to love losing MP 19-17 in the fifth because not only would’ve been in fourth round but would’ve really been in QF because gasquet withdrew early against Tsonga with an injury that he had before match started. I’m pretty sure at least. Maybe Richard got it during first few games against Jo but I don’t think so. Either way Isner would’ve had a great chance at Richard whether he was injured or not.
Raonic did win over Isner in SS. Of course both sets went to TBs!
So Raonic got the win in straight sets. My hunch was right on that one.
Of course, no surprise it was TB’s!
But Goffin lost to Tomic. It felt like Tomic would try in Cincy – the slacker; getting ready for US Open but he can’t be bothered most of the season.
rc,
I didn’t know that Goffin lost to Tomic! Do I only got one match right!
I did say that you never know with Tomic. I am wondering if Goffin lost it or Tomic won it.
Oh well! ?
Can I get half credit? I was right about Isner/Raonic going 2, but had the wrong winner. And I was right about Tomic winning but he did it in 3. Somehow I had a hunch he would win, but didn’t think he would win if he lost a set. Well, good on him. I really think most of what’s wrong with Bernie could be cured by a little more growing up. Well, maybe a LOT more.
According to me, yes, I like your story, credit granted 😉
About Bernie? We’ll see. I’m still generally annoyed at him but can’t remember why it was. Nick is the one I like but he’s a work in progress too.
rc,
I do not like Tomic. Never have, never will. I just could not warm up to his style of play or his attitude.
He’s someone who can surprise at times with really good tennis and then he can come out and stink up the court.
Happy next gen seems to be picking up steam!