2015 Winston-Salem Open- Tuesday Predictions

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.

2015 Citi Open- Day 2 Men’s Picks

The seeds begin to play on the men’s side in Washington today, as the 2015 Citi begins to push on. Here are my predictions for three of the matches today!

James Duckworth vs Kei Nishikori

The 2nd seed Kei Nishikori plays his first match since withdrawing from the second round of Wimbledon against 23 year-old Sydney native James Duckworth, who was impressive in a 6-1 7-6 win over Ryan Harrison yesterday. Nishikori, who reached the US Open final last year, will be looking to gain momentum going into Flushing Meadows where many will be seeing him as a contender for the title. It will be interesting to see how fit he is, and how confident Duckworth is following his victory yesterday.

Prediction: Nishikori in 2

Hyeon Chung vs Marin Cilic

Defending US Open champion Marin Cilic is looking for some much needed momentum going into the US Hard Court season. Over half of his points are from his triumph at Flushing Meadows last year, so he will be looking to build up his ranking and secure a top eight seeding. He faces South Korean Hyeon Chung in the first round, and the world number 77 comes into his match with Cilic off the back off an impressive 6-2 6-1 against Dudi Sela. Highlighted as a potential star of the future, it will be interesting to see how Chung plays against the experienced Cilic

Prediction: Cilic in 2

Vasek Pospisil vs Donald Young

There is an intriguing battle on Grandstand 1, as two talented players who haven’t lived up to their potential face off. Pospisil, the 12th seed, was the runner up at this tournament last year and reached the Quarter Final at Wimbledon, though has and relatively poor 14-14 win/loss record for the year. Young however, has an even worse record at 14/16 but will the have the crowd behind him in an America-Canada battle, and Pospisil did have to play the doubles yesterday. It promises to be a tight match.

Prediction: Pospisil in 3

Also in action

Lleyton Hewitt faces fellow Australian John-Patrick Smith third on Stadium Court, whilst at around the same time American Jack Sock kicks off his campaign against Belgian Ruben Bemelmans. Fellow Americans Steve Johnson and Sam Querrey also start their campaigns.