Daniil Medvedev and Stefanos Tsitsipas are the last two seeds remaining in Toronto, where they have giant hurdles standing in their way of the final. John Isner and Reilly Opelka, respectively, are the two underdog American opponents.
(3) Stefanos Tsitsipas vs. Reilly Opelka
It seems to be all or nothing for Opelka in 2021. The National Bank Open marks just the third time this season that he has won multiple matches at a single tournament, but it is also his second trip to the semifinals of a Masters 1000 event (previously Rome). Opelka is serving huge and showcasing an improved ground game. His Toronto scalps include Nick Kyrgios, Grigor Dimitrov, Lloyd Harris, and Roberto Bautista Agut.
Up next for the world No. 32 on Saturday afternoon is a second career contest against Tsitsipas. Their only previous encounter came last summer in Cincinnati, where the Greek got a first-set retirement. Tsitsipas will likely be in four a tougher day at the office this time around, but he looks ready for it following Toronto defeats of Ugo Humbert, Karen Khachanov, and Casper Ruud. The third seed has taken his last five sets by scores of 6-1, 6-3, 6-2, 6-1, and 6-4. Opelka has made no secret that he thinks Tsitsipas is the best player in the world whenever Novak Djokovic is out (which the Serb is at the moment), and the American is absolutely right.
Pick: Tsitsipas in 2
(1) Daniil Medvedev vs. John Isner
Medvedev and Isner will be going head-to-head for just the second time in their careers, as well, and their first meeting also did not last long. The Russian routed Isner 6-3, 6-1 at the 2020 ATP Cup. Of course, the 36-year-old American is playing much better tennis now and the summer hard-court swing always provides him with the best possible conditions. Isner’s current nine-match winning streak includes a sixth Atlanta title followed by victories this week over Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, Cristian Garin, Andrey Rublev, and Gael Monfils.
Whereas Isner has been cruising for the most part, Medvedev survived the match of the tournament on Friday night by outlasting Hubert Hurkacz 2-6, 7-6(6), 7-6(5). The world No. 2 has not been at his best since winning the Marseille title in March, so Isner has a real chance in this one. Still, Medvedev knows how to play against Isner and will get balls back in play by returning serve from the back wall–and perhaps even staying there during rallies. This will be a lot more competitive than the ATP Cup contest, but Medvedev should have a slight edge.
Pick: Medvedev in 3
WWW?
Tpas in 2; Med in 2.
Well, that put a sudden end to Tsitsipas’ birthday inspiration.
Sorry Tsitsipas’s.
The American got it wrong
Medvedev is as good as Tsitsipas if not better
They are close but I say, Medvedev. I like Meddy better right now. TsiTsi is maybe somewhat in love with himself. It’s not terrible but he does carry himself with a hint of majesty.
Hoping Medvedev can make quick work of Opelka.
Tsit needs to sack his dad. In fact his dad needs to be banned from court side, unless they’ve changed the rules regarding coaching. I think he’s an embarrassment.
Margot,
What is going on with Tsitsipas? He has so much talent. Is his father coaching him?
Hi NNY! His father coaches him all the time, got a warning from the umpire during the Opelka match.
I love his game, can’t warm to him as a person, which is silly as I don’t know him!
Rusedski was talking about his serve, seems to think it could do with some spin and the placement gets a bit predictable. I used to think his ROS was poor but that seems to have got much better.
Margot,
Thanks for the info. I do like his game, but also can’t watch to him as a person. He is very egotistical and arrogant. Not appealing. His father needs to go if he is coaching during matches.
In the immortal words of Tom Lehrer, “I don’t like anybody very much.” Currently, anyway.
Yeah depends on the surface.Both good in their own way.Meddy on hardcourt.
And maybe even on grass
Did that self entitled, spoiled brat with awful attitude have hissy fits for losing the match, did he bash up his father.
Pity he is a Greek, I love Greeks and feel bad for disliking this Jesus lookalike Gyros Boy.
Good job Opelka
Camila Giorgi beat Karolina Pliskova! Okay, beating Pliskova she had done that before, but not for such a big prize.
Congratulations Camila!
See you all in Cincinnati 🖐.