The Cincinnati Masters warms up with fan favorite Frances Tiafoe who is concerned against Ugo Humbert and flammable character Holger Rune takes on Alex Michelsen. Spots in the fourth round are on the line.
(10) Frances Tiafoe vs. (20) Ugo Humbert
The Cincinnati Masters is the last major warm -up event for players for the US Open (despite Novak Djokovic, who does not play a warm -up event for the US Open). This is the most important time of the year for the American Frances Tiafoe. He defends the last points in Cincinnati and semi -final points for the US Open. The world no. 14 certainly seems to be his brightest when he plays in front of the home crowd in North American hard courts. But one blinker in August and his ranking could fall.
The man they call ‘enemy won a few games each in Washington, DC and Toronto. He plays moderately well, but he has to set it up a equipment to defend his ranking position. The American had a simple victory over Roberto Carballes Baena in the second round, but his opponent on Monday is a more difficult prospect.
Ugo Humbert of France has been a bit included since his surprise first round exit in Wimbledon early this summer. Cincinnati has even returned his first tournament since the disappointment of the Grass Court season. This week he had a Straight set victory over Coleman Wong in the second round, but Wong is in 177 in the world and few conclusions about his form can be drawn.
Tiafoe has a 2-1 record about Humbert. And while the Frenchman plays his best tennis on faster (low bouncing) surfaces, he has not performed well in Cincy.
Cheryl pick: tiafoe in 2
Ricky Pick: Tiafoe in 2
(7) Holger Rune vs. (28) Alex Michelsen
This will be the first meeting between Holger Rune and Alex Michelsen. Michelsen, who is an emerging American player, actually had better results in Toronto than Rune. The World No. 33 made the quarterfinals, where he lost to the final finalist Karen Khahanov. Rune bowed in the round of 16 for Alexei Pofyrin.
Rune has had a wild series of coaching changes during his career, the most recent lets him collaborate with Andre Agassi for the US Open. The two men still seem to feel each other. Whether the presence of Agassi makes a difference for the Danish star can still be seen. Rune is still in the top 10, but he defends semi -final points in Cincy, so he has to appear this week.
Cheryl Pick: Rune in 3
Ricky Pick: Michelsen in 3
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