Fabio Fognini d Nikoloz Basilashvilli 7-6(3) 6-3
Basil just not having a consistent enough performance on court today. Fognini can have his off days too, but he just had that bit more of an impact, in better serving and less unforced errors compared to the Georgian.
Dominik Koepfer d Jan-Lennard Struff 7-6(2) 5-7 6-3
In a battle of the Germans, the last battle in late April between the two ended up in a tight three set match with two tiebreakers, but this time it was the more consistent Koepfer to bring home the glory. Both serving well, but it was a battle of consistency here, as Koepfer just had fewer unforced errors.
Jannik Sinner (11) d Federico Delbonis 6-2 7-5
Sinner is back in fine form after some time to recover. His loss to James Duckworth first round last week in Toronto was forgivable after his win in Washington. The Italian serving and returning well, creating 14 break point opportunities and converting 5 compared to 2/6 for the Argentine. A very happy birthday for Jannik Sinner, who turned 20 today!
Albert Ramos-Vinolas d Taylor Fritz 4-6 6-4 6-4
Despite previous close matches between these two, it was expected that Fritz would blitz today. It is also not easy for a 33yo to comeback from a set down against someone like Taylor Fritz. However, ARV dug deep, and honestly did deserve to win. His converted 4/15 break point opportunities compared to 3/6 for the American, showing that he did have the chances.
Lloyd Harris d Yoshihito Nishioka 6-3 6-4
Despite Nishioka having 50% more break point opportunities, it was Harris converting well (4/6)! Harris is becoming more consistent, and is in a good spot to take a set off Zverev, just like he did last time they played in December.
Felix Auger-Aliassime (12) d Marton Fucsovics 7-6(0) 6-3
Pre-match I thought Fucsovics would cover the handicap of +2.5, and during the first set he was up 4-3 40-15 about to double break. Despite serving for the set at 5-4, he could not serve it out, and he only won 4 more games after that. Fucsovics was just not patient enough, wasting 7/10 break point opportunities.
Diego Schwartzman (10) d Dan Evans 6-2 4-6 6-3
Schwartzman recovered from a break down in the final set to recover nicely. There was a bit of beef between the two after Evans was accused of cussing at Diego, but it was quickly resolved and Schwartzman was able to create that divide in the final set. Schwartzman using his experience as 10th seed to get over the line.
Andy Murray d Richard Gasquet 6-4 6-4
A battle of the GOATS, as the 34yo Brit and 35yo Frenchman battled it out in a decent match. Murray winning in all areas of the court, serving 14 aces to 3, winning 21% more on first serve (81% to 60%) and converting 3/10 break point opportunities compared to just 1/5 for Gasquet.
Alex De Minaur (14) d Filip Krajinovic 0-6 6-4 6-4
De Minaur was on track for his 6th straight defeat, but he was able to get his shit together and pull off a miraculous comeback. De Minaur odds were close to $7 at one point early in the second set, but it was the Aussie coming through with the consistency and hustle to prove that he might just be back!
Mackenzie McDonald d Brandon Nakashima 7-5 6-2
Despite Nakashima's hype in Los Cabos, Atlanta and Washington, it was not enough to get him through Cincinnati. McDonald on a high of his own, almost winning Washington, and definitely finding some form. McDonald faces tournament favourite Daniil Medvedev, who recently won in Toronto. Medvedev should not be tired, but McDonald might try and win the crowd over to help him earn a set or even win the match.
Karen Khachanov d Kevin Anderson 6-2 6-4
Khachanov has been in excellent form recently, and continues to do so, breaking servebot Anderson 3/10 break point chances to convincingly win the match in straight sets. Khachanov is building that variety and consistency that earned him world no 8 a couple years ago.
