Andy Murray will be back in Washington, D.C. action when he takes the court against fellow Brit Kyle Edmund on Wednesday. Meanwhile, recent Atlanta champion John Isner kicks off his campaign against Noah Rubin.
(4) Kyle Edmund vs. Andy Murray
Prior to the Citi Open, Andy Murray played exactly three matches in 2018; one of them was against his Wednesday opponent and compatriot Kyle Edmund. Edmund won their match in Eastbourne a month ago in comfortable straight sets. Murray, who has been sidelined for the past year with hip problems, was attempting to prepare for a triumphant return to Wimbledon, but one match win (against Stanislas Wawrinka) in two tournaments convinced the Scot to postpone his comeback.
The decision may have been a good one. Murray posted a win in the Citi Open first round against American Mackenzie McDonald on Monday night. His form was scratchy at times, and his play was often too passive, but the Scot was able to hold on for a three-set win. Edmund will be a tougher prospect. The fourth-seeded Brit started the season off with a surprising run to the semifinals at the Australian Open and although the rest of the season has been a bit lackluster in comparison, he’s still more than capable of exploiting any lingering passivity in Murray’s game.
Prediction – Edmund in 3
(2) John Isner vs. (WC) Noah Rubin
Top American John Isner comes into the Washington tournament off his customary title in Atlanta. The No. 2 seed has won his favorite tournament for the fifth time just two days ago. Despite some probable fatigue, Isner takes on fellow American Noah Rubin, ranked No. 153 in the world on Wednesday. The good news for Rubin is that he was able to secure a wild card into the event and he won his opening-round match against Mikhail Youzhny 6-4, 6-4. The bad news is that he is now running into Isner.
Isner and Rubin met for the first time earlier this year at the French Open. Since clay is Isner’s least successful surface, his straight-set win there doesn’t bode well for Rubin’s chances on Wednesday.
Prediction – Isner in 2
Murray in 3 , Isner in 2
(I feel like theres a psychological component in the game between Edmund and Murray which will play a part)
I don’t disagree, MJ. It was a tough call. The deciding factor for me was Murray’s form against McDonald. His game was pretty scratchy and I have to think that Edmund will be in a better position to exploit that than Mackenzie was.
Edmund in three Isner in two
Kyle Edmund is such a nit. Probably the only player today that would find a way to lose to a 50% Murray.
Insyaallah Andy in 3….C’mon Andy!!…U can do it!!
He did it! Go Andy!!!
Yes Ramara!..He did it!!Woooohoooo!!…I know he can do it!…C’mon Andy!…Keep on winning!…Hope he will win in 2 next rd!
Zverev vs Zverev in round three 😆
Zverev in 3 🙂
Andy’s game depends on his speed and the ability to put balls back in play. Can he stay fit? http://www.138mph.com/tennis-andy-murray-announces-his-intent-with-his-three-set-win-over-kyle-edmunds/