Action continues in Winston-Salem as many matches delayed from yesterday take place, as well as some that were originally scheduled for today- here are three of my predictions!
Jo-Wilfred Tsonga vs Denis Istomin
Jo-Wilfred Tsonga looks to start his campaign for the Winston-Salem title with a win over Denis Istomin, who won his first career title earlier this year. Tsonga played well in Montreal, reaching the quarter-finals, but then lost early in Cincinnati and will be looking to pick up form as he is at risk of dropping out of the top 20 if he doesn’t defend is 4th round points at the US Open. Istomin won his first title in Nottingham earlier this year, but hasn’t been in great form since and is currently just inside the the top 70. Tsonga has won the four previous times they have played, and should have too much firepower for Istomin today.
Prediction: Tsonga in 2
Gilles Simon vs Aljaz Bedene
Top seed Gilles Simon will start his campaign for the title against Aljaz Bedene second on Stadium Court. Simon lost early in Montreal and Cincinnati and will be looking for some confidence before Flushing Meadows, though he won’t have the easiest opening match against Bedene. The Brit reached his first ATP final in Chennai earlier this year and is in the world’s top 60 for the first time. He also played well in his first match, cruising past Marco Cecchinato for the loss of just four games and certainly has the potential to beat Simon. However Bedene is quite inconsistent and Simon certainly has the better pedigree. It should be tight, but it seems Simon will come through this challenging match.
Prediction: Simon in 3
Benoit Paire vs Hyeon Chung
An in-form Benoit Paire could have a tricky match as he faces rising star Hyeon Chung in the second round. Paire won his first ATP title in Gstaad and is rising back up the rankings after a disappointing 2015. Chung, considered by many as a future star of the sport, has had a pretty consistent year and edged past James Ward in three sets in the opening round. It won’t be an easy match for Paire, but he has been in good form of late and should be able to come through this match. However Chung could make it difficult for the Frenchman this evening.
Prediction: Paire in 2
Also in action
2nd seed Kevin Anderson begins his campaign against Mikhail Kukushkin, whilst 7th seed Sam Querrey takes on Simone Bolelli and 13th seed Steve Johnson takes on Sam Groth. Defending champion Lukas Rosol takes on Jerzy Janowicz with several other matches taking place.
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