Nick Kyrgios and Taylor Fritz will be making quick turnarounds when they contest their Montreal openers on Tuesday. Kyrgios kicks off his campaign against Kyle Edmund, while Fritz faces Hubert Hurkacz.
Nick Kyrgios vs. Kyle Edmund
In the words of Daniil Medvedev, Kyrgios wanted to play in Washington, D.C. And when Kyrgios wants to play, he wins–at least more often than not. The 24-year-old Australian triumphed in the district, especially putting on a show in the semifinals against top-seeded Stefanos Tsitsipas before beating Medvedev 7-6(6), 7-6(4) in Sunday’s final.
Kyrgios is now making a quick transition to the Rogers Cup, where he will go up against Edmund for the second time on Tuesday. Their only previous meeting came last summer on the grass of Queen’s Club, where Kyrgios got the job done 7-6(3), 6-7(5), 6-3. Edmund is just 11-14 this season and has been passed by his opponent in the rankings (28th to 33rd). The 24-year-old Brit at least managed to reach the Washington, D.C. quarterfinals, so perhaps some of his confidence has been restored. As always, anything can happen in match involving Kyrgios. That is especially the case this time around, as the combustible character is playing great but at the same time is likely low on emotional and physical energy. This may be a good opportunity for Edmund to take advantage of a blip in Kyrgios’ positive vibes.
Pick: Edmund in 3
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Hubert Hurkacz vs. Taylor Fritz
Fritz is also coming off a final appearance, but unlike Kyrgios he could not make it over the last hurdle. In fact, the 25th-ranked American has turned in consecutive runner-up performances–first in Atlanta (lost to Alex de Minaur) and most recently in Los Cabos (lost to Diego Schwartzman on Saturday night). Fritz boasts a 26-19 record at the ATP level and registers at a career-high ranking for his efforts.
Up first for the 21-year-old on Tuesday is a second career encounter with Hurkacz. They faced each other earlier this summer on the grass courts of Eastbourne, where Fritz prevailed 6-4, 7-6(5) en route to…yes…another final–which he won for his first-ever ATP title. Although Hurkacz has cooled off just a bit since a hot start to the season, he at least reached the Wimbledon third round and snagged a set from eventual champion Novak Djokovic. Most importantly for the 22-year-old Pole, Fritz has to be feeling the effects of a busy two weeks.
Pick: Hurkacz in 3
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Fritz and NK in two
Fritz and NK in three
Im not sure this is a match Kyrgios loses, its usually when he’s guard is down after some big wins and against a solid, consistent top 20-30 performer.
Kyrgios will be thinking he doesnt want to lose to Edmund and will be ready.
Hurk in 3 I think.
Edmund hasnt been playing well enough for Kyrgios to respect/fear him for the upset to happen and Kyrgios is probably playing a bit too well.
The circumstances are never always exactly the same. Winning a tournmanent and being low on emotional and physical energy doesnt always equate to a loss.
Nick in 2; Fritz in 3.
Kyrgios is like Forrest Gump’s box of pralines: you never know what you will get. Even Kyrgios’ average level should theoretically be enough for beating Edmund. But he may have been partying after winning Washington – I’m actually quite sure he has – his batteries may be empty and his back may be sore: advantage Edmund. Then again, Kyrgios may be on an emotional high, he may have found out that success and acceptance taste actually quite sweet, and he may want to prove that he is on a more stable trajectory atm. Overall there are a lot of may-be’s – meaning: I haven’t the foggiest idea who will win☺
I settle for a piece of chocolat.
Damn funny. Thanks for the post.
I think the conditions in Montreal are quite different to Washington, Nick might not adjust .Ditto Fritz, but we know that now, he’s out .
NK and Fritz both lose to Edmund and Hurk! Nice calls, Ricky. Really would like to see NK play Djoker in Cincy so Novak can give him a hard court lesson.
Ricky’s on fire at the moment. Nostradamus II!
I dont think there’s any excuses for Nick, its clearly evident he doesnt learn fast enough from his mistakes. He shouldve seen this coming a mile away based on it happening before and been ready to dig in.
Edmund definately prefers the hardcourts so I guess he has to always be respected on this surface.
You have losing streaks on ocassion but I think its evident you clearly have an edge with the information you have. Ive been too busy with other things lately to be close attention at the moment.
Good excuse !