ATP Masters Cincinnati Draw: Rafael Nadal in Felix Auger-Aliasme's quarters
The draw for the second ATP Masters 1000 event is here. In Cincinnati, returnee Rafael Nadal will probably open against Borna Coric , possible quarter-final opponent is Felix Auger-Aliassime. The field is led by Daniil Medvedev, who could meet Botic van de Zandschulp at the start.
by Michael Rothschädl
last edit: Aug 13, 2022, 09:15 am
Rafael Nadal's comeback plans were of course completely muddled by the slight abdominal muscle complaints in training: the Spaniard actually wanted to start at the ATP Masters 1000 event in Montreal and keep a start in Cincinnati open as an option. Now things turned out differently: Nadal will probably only serve in Ohio before the US Open before New York City is about to go for Grand Slam title number 23.
At the start in Cincinnati, the third in the world rankings was given a bye in Cincinnati, and Borna Coric could wait in round two. Possible round of 16 opponent is Roberto Bautista Agut before Jannik Sinner or Felix Auger-Aliassime could wait. According to the seeding list, Nadal could face Carlos Alcaraz in the semifinals, who is waiting for the winner of the first round duel between Mackkenzie McDonald and Nikoloz Basilashvili after a bye.
Medvedev top seed
A possible quarter-final opponent for the youngster Alcaraz is Casper Ruud, who starts the race in Cincinnati as number five. The Norwegian could face USA's Ben Shelton in round two, who opens against a qualifier. Also in the Ruuds and Alcaraz` district: Stan Wawrinka, who meets a qualifier and Holger Rune, who will play one of the most promising first-round duels against Cameron Norrie.
The field in Cincinnati is led by world number one Daniil Medvedev, who could meet Botic van de Zandschulp after a bye. In the quarterfinals there could be a duel with compatriot Andrey Rublev. Or to see Nick Kyrgios again, who defeated Medvedev in Montreal: The Australian meets Alejandro Davidovich-Fokina at the start and is a possible opponent of Rublev's round of 16. Kyrgios was only able to defeat Medvedev in three sets in Montreal.
The number four of the tournament, Stefanos Tsitsipas, got a difficult task after a bye: the Greek is waiting for the winner of the duel between Dan Evans and Filip Krajinovic. In the quarterfinals, Tsitsipas could meet Hubert Hurkacz, who is currently in the semifinals in Montreal. And otherwise? There are still two absolute first-round hits to report: Grigor Dimitrov meets Denis Shapovalov and Matteo Berrettini has to deal with Frances Tiafoe.