Stefan Kozlov continues to struggle at the ATP level with poor results and tough draws. Today he fell again for the third time in straight sets to Sam “Sambrero” Querrey. Kozlov is ranked around 133 right now but has not capitalized on ATP main draw wildcards in Indian Wells, Citi Open, Delray Beach, Cincy. Right now is a challenging stage in his career as he has not made an impact in any ATP main draws and his game is not striking any fear in established ATP players. Is a new co-coach with ATP experience the answer?
Tommy Paul continues to shine with another fine win against Donald Young 65 76. This is a high quality win for Paul against a player who has shown fierce resistance to lose to any USA #NEXTGEN players, evidenced by Young’s super intensity expressed in wins against Kozlov this year and last year. Young has struggled this year in many close matches and could be having confidence issues also.
Federer, Nishikori, Monfils all pulling out of Cincinnati? High profile withdrawals always seem to be par for the court for Cincy.
Ryan Harrison lost a 76 in the third heartbreaker to Gilles Muller.
Frances Tiafoe posted an important win against Max Marterer, a German qualifier, and will next face Alexander Zverev.
Daniil Medvedev came up short 46 67 to Fabio Fognini.
Q Mitchell Krueger crushed Benoit Paire 61 62.
Ivo Karlovic beat Jiri Vesely 75 in the third to level their ATP head to head at two-all. Their last meeting was at the US Open last year, won by Vesely 76 in the fifth.
Del Potro and Berdych will do battle tomorrow for the ninth time, with the series deadlocked at four each.
Jack Sock vs Sugita and John Isner vs Tommy Paul will also be played on stadium court.
Daniel Nestor lost again first round in doubles, for the third event in a row with a different partner Quereshi in DC, Pospisil in Montreal and Steve Johnson today). Could Nestor be nearing the end of his career at 44?
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Duke Carnoustie · August 15, 2017 at 1:16 am
Duke Carnoustie writes:
Also Gasquet advances to face Rafa. Nadal is 14-0 in the series. Does anybody beat Richard Gasquet 15 times in a row? We shall see.
Scoop Malinowski · August 15, 2017 at 10:49 am
Scoop Malinowski writes:
Duke; 15 in a row could eventually stretch into 20-0. I wonder what the greatest ATP domination head to head has been. Lendl vs Gilbert? Djokovic vs Monfils? It's an interesting topic. I could see Rafa's domination of Gasquet ending up being up as the top case of domination. Just can't see Gasquet ever beating Rafa.
Duke Carnoustie · August 15, 2017 at 11:05 am
Duke Carnoustie writes:
Duke Carnoustie writes: Djoko-Monfils is also 14-0 and just last week we had Fed improve to 17-0 v. Ferrer. Perhaps the unlikeliest is Ferrer's 11-0 mark v. Fognini. I looked up Fognini is only 0-3 against Roger; I'd bet that would be 20-0 if he had played him that many times. Scoop you make a good point about losing to younger players. We saw Sampras and Agassi lose to Fed and it was the beginning of the end. Here's food for thought: Djoker has lost this year once apiece to Thiem and Zverev and twice to Kyrgios. That has to create doubt for him.
Duke Carnoustie · August 15, 2017 at 11:05 am
Duke Carnoustie writes:
I meant 20-0 for Roger v. Fognini
Chazz · August 15, 2017 at 11:11 am
Chazz writes:
I watched Eubanks play against Ramanathan last night. Ramanathan beat him in 3 sets for the second time in a month. First time I have seen Eubanks play. He's a tall (6'7") good athlete with a big serve, but was a little surprised he didn't have more aces. He also is a bit less refined than I expected, plays a bit of a helter skelter style and was outplayed by the more consistent Ramanathan. I guess I was expecting a little more just because he beat Fritz and Donaldson in Atlanta. He will be one to watch but definitely needs some good coaching.
Scoop Malinowski · August 15, 2017 at 11:31 am
Scoop Malinowski writes:
Totally agree Duke. Losing to younger players is devastating mentally. Also, Sampras lost to Roddick in Miami when A-Rod was very young. When the fresh kids come in and take out superstar veterans it's irrefutable proof that the balance of power is shifting. Gulbis suffered a lot of losses to Thiem and Kokkinakis which led to his prolonged slump. And yes for sure Djokovic losing to Thiem, Zverev and Kyrgios twice was devastating to his confidence and ego. That's why everyone loves to see young players upset superstars – because it signifies that a new era is beginning. Nadal losing to Shapovalov could result in more shocking losses for Nadal in the coming weeks.
Scoop Malinowski · August 15, 2017 at 11:33 am
Scoop Malinowski writes:
Chazz, Ramanathan has a win over Thiem this year. He may be better than we realize.
Chazz · August 15, 2017 at 12:03 pm
Chazz writes:
Yes, Ramanathan is good. I wouldn't call it a terrible loss for Eubanks.
Scoop Malinowski · August 15, 2017 at 12:54 pm
Scoop Malinowski writes:
Hard to label any loss terrible because scores can be misleading but Paire losing 1 and 2 to Krueger looks like a bad day. Any current college player who is holding his own in ATP 1000s is playing top 50 caliber tennis. Eubanks just got a US Open WC along with Fratangelo, Kypson, Fritz, Paul.
Duke Carnoustie · August 15, 2017 at 5:40 pm
Duke Carnoustie writes:
I was one week early in predicting Sock would lose in round one. One of Sugita, Khachanov, Sousa or Fabbiano will be a QF. Same holds for one of Basilashvili/C-Harrison/Ramkumar/Donaldson. Major points at stake for these guys.
Scoop Malinowski · August 15, 2017 at 7:27 pm
Scoop Malinowski writes:
Donaldson is really taking it to another level now with these steady impressive wins. Today he slayed 12 seed Agut. Jan Michael Gambill is doing a superb job with Donaldson this year.
Scoop Malinowski · August 16, 2017 at 9:07 am
Scoop Malinowski writes:
Dr. Ivo has defeated Tsonga again, first time on hard court, the two other wins were battles at Wimbledon on grass. 3-1 head to head now for Dr Ivo who continues to have a stellar success at age 38. Thiem straight sets over Fog and Isner Isnerized Paul 6363.
Doogie · August 16, 2017 at 3:55 pm
Doogie writes:
Imo the empty stadiums are a shame for a 1000 event. All 1000 tournaments in Europes are sold out the whole week!! U have to by a tickets months before start of event(centre court). Cinci, Miami and Shanghai have by far less fans in it. Tennis in Europe has another status and fanbase then rest of world.
Hartt · August 16, 2017 at 4:15 pm
Hartt writes:
Regarding tennis fans supporting the Masters tourneys, Montreal is more like Europe, in fact last week they set the all-time record for attendance at a one-week tournament at over 216,000.
catherine · August 16, 2017 at 5:25 pm
catherine writes:
Ash Barty beats Venus Williams and Kerber goes down to Makarova in 3 sets with tiebreak – so a much better match for Angie than Toronto and a good competitive effort. She and Makarova are the same age and have been playing each other for years. H2H about 7-6 Kerber I think but Makarova has won last 3. Hartt: I agree about crowds. Good crowds in Toronto for WTA and as you say, Montreal was a sellout. I've seen some packed stands in Cincy but not early in the day, which is usual. And I've seen plenty of empty seats in Europe. Shanghai ? There are never big crowds in China. Not a fair comparison.
Duke Carnoustie · August 16, 2017 at 5:27 pm
Duke Carnoustie writes:
Attendance in Cincinnati is horrendous. Then again, given all the cities in this country it's tough to get to – especially flying – and makes little sense geographically. Plus logistics and nothing else to do make it a poor event. I;d rather go to Toronto or Montreal for sure.
Duke Carnoustie · August 16, 2017 at 5:30 pm
Duke Carnoustie writes:
Francis Tiafoe scores the biggest win of any of our youngsters by taking out the unbeatable Zverev. IMO the Open for men will be one of the most unpredictable events and it's quite possible some surprise QF or SF or even champion will emerge. Maybe Shapavalov? Ha. Women's event will have much more quality even w/o Serena. Caught some of Makarova over Kerber, insane TB. I'm going to pick Wozniacki, this may finally be her time.
catherine · August 16, 2017 at 5:49 pm
catherine writes:
Duke – people are always saying it's Wozniaki's time, as in Toronto – but somehow it doesn't work out. She falls at the last fence – I imagine players expect that from her now. Would be ironic if Kerber's best matches this year are defeats – W'don v Muguruza and now Cincinatti. Didn't see the match but sounds as if Angie's getting some heart back into her game.
catherine · August 16, 2017 at 5:56 pm
catherine writes:
BTW – looks like Makarova played twice in the same day from the scores I follow. Strange, if true, surely, at this stage.
Doogie · August 16, 2017 at 6:29 pm
Doogie writes:
@catherine: Tell me in which 1000 event in Europe u saw empty seats???
catherine · August 16, 2017 at 6:35 pm
catherine writes:
Doogie – I can't remember which events are 1000, I don't take much notice, but I've seen sparse crowds at several major events in Europe over the years, particularly in daytime early sessions.
catherine · August 17, 2017 at 1:55 am
catherine writes:
Re crowds – lots of empty seats for Kerber/Makarova match which was a shame but it's a working day in Cincinatti amd maybe the people thus aren't there.
catherine · August 17, 2017 at 2:17 am
catherine writes:
Meant 'just aren't there' but maybe 'thus' makes sense 🙂 I'm sorry Andrew is no longer here to add the Kerber/Makarova handshake to his collection of cursory WTA net exchanges. Barely touched.
catherine · August 17, 2017 at 2:41 am
catherine writes:
I gather there is a bit of history there, no great love lost – and Makarova took toilet breaks and the dramatic cramping and maybe Angie was a bit fed up losing. These days she shows that more than she used to. I'd written Angie off after Toronto but this match showed her game is there – needs more confidence, trying for better angles and maybe bit more aggression in forecourt.
scoopmalinowski · August 17, 2017 at 6:27 am
scoopmalinowski writes:
Bad news that cincy has low attendance. This is a very popular and longstanding tournament. Since the 70s. Fed was in the draw so he sold a lot of tickets you would think. Or did he? Could this be the first sign that Fed is losing his draw powers in the usa? Or is cincy tennis fading? Or did Fed fans just eat their tickets. Whatever, its a very bad sign if this cincy event is on the rocks.
Scoop Malinowski · August 17, 2017 at 7:43 am
Scoop Malinowski writes:
Heartbreaker for Kerber, she fought and really wanted it. Just like the Muguruza loss she came so close but couldn't finish the job. These losses show she is close but her aura of invincibility is no there. It remains to be seen if Kerber can re establish her dominion. And yes that was a very quick cold, get me outta here handshake by Kerber 🙂
catherine · August 17, 2017 at 7:44 am
catherine writes:
Scoop – I doubt Cincinatti is on the rocks. Obviously I'm not there so I can't say from first hand knowledge but I suspect the crowds will pick up and by the final rounds will probably be good. It's a longstanding event, as you point out, and an important run-up to USO. The stands did fill more towards the end of Kerber/Marakova, which, being a women's match, would probably be a bit less of a draw anyway – and neither player being stars in the US.
catherine · August 17, 2017 at 7:54 am
catherine writes:
Scoop – I think this match shows that her bad year has changed something in Angie – not sure what. But when she plays these tough matches she's not giving up – she knows the mountain to climb and tries. Hence the disappointment she doesn't hide and the handshake. In Toronto I did think she was finished, her whole demeanour was defeatist, but it just shows you – not to make hasty judgements and we don't know what goes on behind the scenes. Would be Angie's luck to draw Makarova again at USO.
catherine · August 17, 2017 at 1:13 pm
catherine writes:
Can anyone call themselves whatever they like on the internet ? When I was looking up Kerber/Makarova match on Youtube I noticed Milos Raonic had posted a comment ('I love you Angie whatever the others say'). Milos is that really you ? And OMG some of those comments are vicious.
Hartt · August 17, 2017 at 1:46 pm
Hartt writes:
Lol, that does not sound like the way Milos expresses himself.
catherine · August 17, 2017 at 2:13 pm
catherine writes:
Hartt – no I thought not – and he'd hardly use Youtube as a message board 🙂 Someone else there called themselves 'Samantha Fox' – and SS used to be a page 3 girl (pin-up) in the Sun newspaper here in UK years ago. So that's pretty unlikely too.
Scoop Malinowski · August 17, 2017 at 2:58 pm
Scoop Malinowski writes:
There's no way Milos Raonic would make that comment to Kerber, absolutely zero chance. How about Ferrer upsetting Busta? Very nice win, Ferrer seems to have his confidence back and with all the elite players pulling out there is an opening for Ferrer to make a deep run at US Open.
catherine · August 17, 2017 at 3:20 pm
catherine writes:
Scoop – I just thought it a bit bizarre that people can use real names online like that- I mean, I could call myself Serena Williams and make all sorts of libellous comments about other players there and what could she do about it ? Muguruza 3 sets with Keys and then rain last I looked.