An intriguing third-round showdown between Gael Monfils and Marin Cilic is part of the Olympic third-round schedule on Wednesday. Juan Martin Del Potro is also in action and hoping to benefit from a much-needed off day in advance of facing Taro Daniel.
(6) Gael Monfils vs. (9) Marin Cilic
Monfils and Cilic will be going head-to-head for just the second time in their careers when they battle for a spot in the quarterfinals of the Rio Olympics on Wednesday. Their only previous meeting came seven years ago on the indoor hard courts of Paris, where Monfils prevailed 3-6, 6-4, 6-4. Since then, the Frenchman’s career has not taken flight to the extent that both his natural talent and his amazing junior results seemed to indicate. But a business-like Monfils has been outstanding in 2016, with a 32-10 record that is highlighted by a recent title in Washington, D.C. Benefiting from a favorable early-round draw in Rio de Janeiro, the sixth seed has picked up routine wins over Vasek Pospisil and Rogerio Dutra Silva.
Cilic advanced to the third round by defeating Grigor Dimitrov and Radu Albot in straight sets. The 14th-ranked Croat just parted ways from coach Goran Ivanisevic, a development that was not entirely unexpected given that Cilic has gone downhill since stunning the field en route to the 2014 U.S. Open title. He is just 26-16 this year and 3-3 in his last six matches dating back to a five-set quarterfinal loss to Roger Federer at Wimbledon. On a relatively slow surface, Monfils’ defense should beat Cilic’s offense in a showdown that will feature too many extended baseline rallies for the No. 9 seed’s liking.
Pick: Monfils in 2
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Juan Martin Del Potro vs. Taro Daniel
Del Potro and fellow Argentine Maximo Gonzalez lost to Rafael Nadal and Marc Lopez during second-round doubles action on Monday night in Rio. That may turn out to be a good thing for Del Potro. As a result, the 2009 U.S. Open champion got a much-needed off day on Tuesday instead of being forced to take the court again for the doubles quarterfinals. A welcomed rest followed four early-round matches for Del Potro–two in doubles and two grueling singles contests. The 2012 London Olympics bronze medalist shocked world No. 1 Novak Djokovic 7-6(4), 7-6(2) before holding off Joao Sousa 6-3, 1-6, 6-3.
Up next for Del Potro on Wednesday is a first-ever meeting with Daniel, which marks a surprising third-round tilt between two players ranked outside the top 100. Del Potro’s ranking of No. 141 is due entirely to wrist problems, whereas the 117th-ranked Daniel’s high point of his brief career is No. 85. The 23-year-old Japanese competitor has advanced in Rio by beating an ill Jack Sock 6-4, 6-4 before getting the best of Kyle Edmund 6-4, 7-5. He is 8-14 at the ATP level this season and 12-27 overall since turning professional in 2010. This is likely where Daniel’s run ends, because Del Potro will have a lot more in the tank that he did against Sousa and he will be eager to finish the job as quickly as possible.
Pick: Del Potro in 2
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who ya got?
Monfils in 3. JM Del P in 2.
Murray to defend his gold.
good picks on all counts
Do you think Djokovic’s loss has any significance for the US open?
Yes. It means he will be well rested and win it now.
La monf in three and del Po in two but daniel could take a set but probably not the match
Monfils in 3 sets.
Delpo in 2 sets.