David Ferrer’s final run in Miami continues on Monday against American Frances Tiafoe. Ferrer, who is retiring in Madrid, ousted Alexander Zverev on Saturday. Meanwhile, Denis Shapovalov battles Andrey Rublev for a spot in the fourth round.
(WC) David Ferrer vs. (28) Frances Tiafoe
The third-round match between David Ferrer and Frances Tiafoe will be a study in contrasts. At age 21, Tiafoe’s career is just taking off; Ferrer, 36, is putting the finishing touches on his own impressive time on the ATP.
David Ferrer’s career is quickly winding down. The Spaniard retire after he puts in an appearance on home soil at the Madrid Masters later this spring. In the meantime, he is still making waves in Miami as a wildcard ranked 155th in the world. The one-time world No. 3 looked more like the top-five player he once was when he dispatched current world No. 3 Alexander Zverev on Saturday night in the upset of the tournament so far.
As he proved in the second round, Ferrer still has the game to do damage even to the top players, but the veteran has lost a step or two in his ability to retrieve ball after ball. Tiafoe is a hard hitter, and if Ferrer is at all fatigued from his efforts against Zverev, the American should advance.
Cheryl pick: Tiafoe in 3
Ricky pick: Ferrer in 3
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(Q) Andrey Rublev vs. (20) Denis Shapovalov
A look at the rankings of Andrey Rublev and Denis Shapovalov would suggest that Shapovalov will be the heavy favorite in Monday’s third-round match. Rublev is ranked 99th in the world and he has been forced to come up through qualies for many tour level events in 2019. Shapovalov currently enjoys a career-high ranking of No. 23, and he comes into Miami off a tidy 4th round showing in Indian Wells. And yet, this match has the makings of cracker with a hint of upset in the offing.
First, Rublev is better than his ranking. The Russian was out for three months in 2018 with a back injury, which saw his ranking drop from a career-high 31st in the world to No. 78. He only now seems to be working his way back into form, as evidenced by the fact that he manhandled Marin Cilic in R2. Next, Rublev won the only other encounter against Shapovalov, at the 2017 NextGen finals. Granted, Shapovalov wasn’t the player then he is now–but it’s still worth noting.
The Canadian has only played one match in Miami so far; he had a first round bye, and took on Daniel Evans in the second. The Brit slipped into the main draw as a lucky loser, but Shapovalov still dropped a set to him. Rublev has been far more impressive so far this week, however he has played many more matches because he had to qualify. This one could be a real treat of a match.
Cheryl pick: Rublev in 3
Ricky pick: Shapovalov in 3
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Tiafoe in 3, maybe even 2, depending on much Ferrer has left in the tank – a tank that isn’t nearly as big as it was only a few years ago. I would really love for Ferrer to be the first non-slam winner to enter the Hall of Fame. He deserves it. Bad luck for him to be born in the era of the Big Four.
Shapo in 3 for the Not Upset. I think Shapo is getting better and Rublev may not be all the way back yet.
Ferrer in three; Shapo in three, maybe Rublev in three as Shapo tends to be inconsistent, sometimes going for broke too much.
I feel FAA has better potential than Shapo, as he knows when to go for it and when to hold back.
FAA’s serve is not very strong but he is smarter.
I think Tiafoe will take this match. I doubt that Ferrer has the energy to go for 3.
I think Rublev will beat Shapo in 3. The longer they play, Shapo will lose his control and tempo.
As you stated, both matches could be fantastic….can’t wait to watch. Tiafoe in 2…..Rublev in 3.