Newly-crowned world No. 3 Stefanos Tsitsipas takes on Russian silver medalist Karen Khachanov at the Toronto Masters on Thursday. Diego Schwartzman is also in action against Spanish veteran Roberto Bautista Agut.
(3) Stefanos Tsitsipas vs. Karen Khachanov
Although he recently made his way to a career high No. 3 in the world (replacing an ailing Rafael Nadal), Stefanos Tsitsipas has had a miserable time shaking off the disappointment of losing his first Grand Slam final at the French Open. The Greek had three early losses in as many events going into Toronto, including a first round ouster at Wimbledon at the hands of Frances Tiafoe.
World No. 28 Karen Khachanov has been on an impressive run. He made the quarters at Wimbledon and found his way to the gold medal match at the Olympics in Tokyo. He lost the top prize to Alexander Zverev, but Khachanov is now an Olympic silver medalist. Unfortunately for the Russian, he has not managed to beat Tsitsipas in their three meetings.
The last time the ATP event was held in Toronto was 2018, the very tournament at which Tsitispas made his big breakthrough as a Masters finalist. The third seed has a large fanbase there, and with no Nadal in the draw Tsitispas is in the running as one of the tournament favorites.
Cheryl pick: Tsitsipas in 3
Ricky pick: Tsitsipas in 2
(8) Diego Schwartzman vs. (10) Roberto Bautista Agut
World No. 17 Roberto Bautista Agut has had a relatively poor 2021 season. Going into Wimbledon, the Spaniard was barely winning two matches in a row. His entire clay season was disappointing, culminating in a limp second-round loss to Henri Laaksonsen at Roland Garros. He made the round of 16 at Wimbledon, but directly thereafter he went back to losing on clay again.
And if Bautista Agut’s season has been a slight disappointment, Schwartzman’s is a genuine head-scratcher. The Argentine had a series of first-round losses on European clay and then went to the French Open and carved his way all the way to the quarterfinals, where he ran into Nadal. He has since won a couple matches each at Wimbledon and the Tokyo Olympics.
Given both players’ unpredictable form, this is a tricky one to call. The surface probably favors the Spaniard, but much will depend on each man’s form on Thursday.
Cheryl pick: Bautista Agut in 3
Ricky pick: Schwartzman in 3
WWW?
Even though Khachanov was getting his A-game back, the one he had when he won Paris-Bercy, I need more proof. Wait, oh, the is on match now. I like what I see from both players.
Tsitsipas has the best confidence of all the younger guys. I think I heard a commentator say it is Stefanos’ birthday! I forget how young he is. It would help if he shaved his face and got a haircut.
Tsitsi’s hair actually looks better than in Tokyo. He must have had it trimmed. At least it fits under the headband.
Khachanov has lost confidence or maybe the timid play is because of Tsitsipas. He beat Karatsev yesterday. Come on Karen, play your game!
I had Korda taking out Schapo, so I’m quite glad Frances has done the job!
I like KK but he’s a much more limited player than Tsitsi.
Yes, silent K does not have the options that Tsitsi has but when silent K is playing confident he can play better than he did today. He knows it and his coach knows it, he could not execute his best because he knows Tsitsipas is better. e Bad luck for silent K. A couple more matches he could win would have been ideal.
Margot, are you anti-Shapo? I am anti-Korda. I like his sister, Nelly, though Great golpher already.
No not at all, either. In fact I like watching Denis, he’s great to watch all twitchy energy and confidence. But a bit too confident coming up to this tournament, pride goes b4 a fall, and all that.
Korda is a rising star, one to watch.
Generally I’m anti big servers, just find them tedious to watch.
Both of these matches could be great to watch: Tpas in 3; Schwatz in a very tough 3.
Happy birthday to Stefanos! At 23 now, time to be really focused on your tennis career, and hope that you’ll stay humble regardless of whatever achievements that you may have in future.