3rd seeded German Alex Zverev was in complete control during his opening Cincinnati clash, outgunning Nishesh Basavareddy 6-3, 6-3. He was impeccable from the back of the court, hitting 20 winners to 10 unforced errors.
2025 ATP Tour
Masters 1000
Cincinnati Open
Linder Family Tennis Centre (Outdoor Hardcourt)
Selected Round of 32 and 16 Matches- 13th August
Round of 32
Alex Zverev (3) 0.29 vs Brandon Nakashima (27) 2.5
The 2021 Cincinnati champ clearly loves these brisk surfaces, reaching the semifinal stage in each of the last two seasons. Zverev has been really consistent at Masters 1000 level of late, reaching the quarterfinal stage or better in nine of his last 15 events. But he hasn’t looked at his best since another heartbreaking Grand Slam final defeat in Melbourne. He has reserved his best tennis for home conditions, winning on the Munich clay before a runner-up finish on Stuttgart grass. But he showed his undoubted hardcourt prowess in Toronto, bowing out to Khachanov in a gruelling semifinal clash. He will be looking for one final strong showing ahead of this year’s US Open.
Brandon Nakashima had the crowd to thank for pulling him through an epic three-setter against exciting youngster Alexander Blockx. The American baseliner had to dig deep against the Belgian in a high-quality match, hitting 38 winners to 13 unforced errors. Nakashima played his best tennis in the closing stages, carefully constructing points with little regard for the pressure of the situation. Nakashima has flirted with a terrific season, reaching the quarterfinal stage or better in five events. He has also come close to deep Masters runs, going out at the round of 16 stage in three events (including back-to-back 4th round defeats at the much-vaunted ‘Sunshine Double’). He has looked dangerous since the start of the North American hardcourt swing, reaching the Washington quarters before succumbing to eventual champ Ben Shelton in an exciting Toronto clash.
The Verdict: Zverev to win in three sets at 2.5– Zverev has dominated Nakashima in the head-to-head stakes, extending his unbeaten record to 4-0 with victory in this year’s Stuttgart quarterfinals. Having said that, Nakashima was able to pinch a set off Zverev in each of their US Open meetings. I think that Nakashima will give a good account of himself in front of his adoring home fans, using his excellent shot-placement and movement to manipulate the German around the court. In the end, I still think Zverev’s superior firepower will see him through in three.
Round of 16
Holger Rune (7) 0.74 vs Frances Tiafoe (10) 1.06
This looks set to be an exhilarating rematch of last year’s Cincinnati semifinal (won by Tiafoe). Rune is yet to drop a set this fortnight, coming through a tight opener against Safiullin in his opening clash. He looked solid in oppressive conditions in his round of 32 clash, seeing off dangerous American Alex Michelson 7-6, 6-3. He hit 17 winners to 19 unforced errors against Michelson, using his supreme physical conditioning to withstand the awful Cincinnati heat. He was particularly impressive on serve, winning 82% of his first-serve points and only facing one break-point in the entire match. This has been a bizarre roller-coaster of a season for Rune. He has enjoyed some incredible highs, finishing runner-up at Indian Wells before beating Alcaraz to claim his maiden ATP 500 title in Barcelona. But he has also been eliminated in the first round of five events (including his recent first-round capitulation against Jarry at Wimbledon). The unpredictable Dane was cruising in Toronto, easing past Mpetshi Perricard and Muller before taking a one-set lead against Popyrin. But he lost the plot against the Aussie, spraying errors in those final two sets. Which Rune will appear in this match?
Two-time US Open semifinalist Frances Tiafoe has enjoyed a frustrating campaign, failing to win successive tour-level matches until the US Men’s Clay Court Championships in April (where he would finish runner-up). But he suddenly burst into life on the biggest stage, reaching the Roland Garros quarters (where he pushed Lorenzo Musetti to four sets). Tiafoe only won one match on the grass but has looked slightly more at home on the North American hardcourts, winning successive matches in back-to-back events in Washington and Toronto (the first time that has happened all year). A finalist here last season, Tiafoe has looked back to his best on these quick surfaces, strolling past Carballes Baena and Humbert in straight-sets wins. He looked particularly assured in his round of 32 win against Humbert, diffusing the big-serving lefty’s power while hitting 22 winners to 19 unforced errors. He served well when it mattered, hitting eight aces to just one double fault. Tiafoe is just tailormade for these surfaces, using his flat-hitting style and in-your-face athleticism to bully opponents.
The Verdict: Tiafoe to win in straight sets at 2.45– Tiafoe leads the head-to-head 1-0, winning their only encounter in last year’s semifinals. I think that Tiafoe’s direct, relentless power-hitting should see him through here. He is one of the best athletes I have ever seen on tour and will thrive in the stultifying conditions.
