A resurgent Andy Murray takes the court against Canadian veteran Milos Raonic in the round of 16 at the Cincinnati Masters. In other Tuesday action, Stefanos Tsitsipas will face John Isner.
(WC) Andy Murray vs. Milos Raonic
To say that his matchup with Andy Murray has been unkind to Milos Raonic is still understating the case. The world No. 30 has run into Murray an even dozen times in his career. He has managed to win just three times. Worse, Raonic hasn’t beaten the Scot since 2014.
The good news for Raonic is that he appears to be in good form in Cincy. He dispatched American Sam Querrey and Britain’s Dan Evans en route to the third round. The bad news for Raonic is that Murray looks even better. The former world No. 1 took out Frances Tiafoe in the first round and No. 5 seed Alexander Zverev on Monday.
If Raonic continues to fire his serve as he has been so far this week, Murray will have his hands full on Tuesday. In his second-round win over Evans, the Canadian smacked 23 aces. Still, the matchup favors Murray and while fatigue may be a factor later in the tournament, Murray should have enough in the tank for at least one more big win.
Cheryl pick: Murray in 3
Ricky pick: Raonic in 3
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(4) Stefanos Tsitsipas vs. (16) John Isner
In his second-round match, Greek upstart Stefanos Tsitsipas completely dismantled former Wimbledon finalist Kevin Anderson. In fact, Anderson kept Tsitsipas on court for only an hour and eight minutes. By contrast, John Isner spent almost three hours on court on Monday against John Millman to earn his spot in the third round.
Tsitispas and Isner have played three times. Isner has won two of those three encounters, but they came in 2018 and 2017 before Tsitsipas had his big breakthrough in Toronto in 2018. Since then, they’ve met once in 2019 in Beijing. The Greek secured the win in straight sets.
Isner’s serve is always a factor in every match he plays. The American stands at 6’10” and possesses what is likely the single most effective shot on the ATP tour. The problem is that at his size, his movement is sometimes compromised. When his serve isn’t dead on, he is vulnerable.
Cheryl pick: Tsitsipas in 3
Ricky pick: Tsitsipas in 2
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WWW?
Muzz will find a way.
Andy is not afraid of big servers. As soon as Raonic is broken his game falls apart including the serve. I’ve seen it happen so many times.
Just as the bookie heavily under dogged Murray against Zverev and he won,he will win this one too i believe..Raonic is all the time shaky agaisnt top opponent..
I’m fearful for Murray today but Cheryl has reassured me. 🙂 Thanks!
Murray in 3.
Isner in 3. Big John’s been looking good I’m told. Not like I actually watch him. I’d rather watch grass grow.