Top seed Daniil Medvedev will take on an in-form Grigor Dimitrov, while Jannik Sinner and Lorenzo Sonego clash in an all-Italian showdown at the ATP 500 in Vienna on Thursday. Sinner beat Ben Shelton in round one.
(1) Daniil Medvedev vs. Grigor Dimitrov
On paper, the match between Daniil Medvedev and Grigor Dimitrov is the most compelling of the Erste Bank Open second round. At a different event, Dimitrov–ranked 17th in the world–might have been seeded. Unfortunately, the “great match” potential may be confined to the theoretical. Dimitrov does not have an encouraging record against the Russian. The two men met earlier this year in Rotterdam and Medvedev dished out an old-fashioned drubbing.
Perhaps even more telling is that they met on this very court last year, with Medvedev winning 6-4, 6-2. The courts in Vienna suit Medvedev’s game well; he is the defending champion, one of only two titles he won in 2022. On the positive side for Dimitrov, he is enjoying great form at the moment. The Bulgarian made the semifinals in Shanghai last week, defeating Carlos Alcaraz along the way.
Dimitrov may have a chance to nab a set off Medvedev, but with the No. 1 playing as well as he has been, anything but a Medvedev victory would be a surprise.
Cheryl pick: Medvedev in 2
Ricky pick: Medvedev in 2
(2) Jannik Sinner vs. (LL) Lorenzo Sonego
No. 2 seed Jannik Sinner faced a tough test in his first-round match against U.S. Open semifinalist Ben Shelton. The American had chances to take the first set before the Italian ground out the win 7-6(2), 7-5. Sinner should have a much easier time of it in his second round match against countryman Lorenzo Sonego.
Sonego, who is ranked 52nd in the world, made his way into the main draw as a lucky loser–benefitting from Mackenzie McDonald’s withdrawal. Sonego lost to Frenchman Alexandre Muller in the second round of qualies.
This has been an unkind matchup for Sonego. Sinner has only lost one set in three previous matches against his compatriot. He also heads into Thursday’s match in outstanding form. Expect a routine win for the Sinner.
Cheryl pick: Sinner in 2
Ricky pick: Sinner in 2
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