There is plenty of room for upsets, with no clear favourite apart from Rafael Nadal, but card court. Also, 44% of its matches in the last seven editions featuring at least one tie break, and it averages 81% service holds in its last four editions. Big servers have tended to go well here, with Kyrgios, Anderson, Karlovic and Isner all finalists in the last five editions, while Alexander Zverev won it in 2017 and 2018.
This week will be the first time that Rafa has played an ATP Tour 250 or 500 in the United States in his entire career, so it’s a rare opportunity for US fans to see him play live outside of a M1000 or major. This also hints that Rafa is declining in his career. :O
Nadal is too short to pick here, with odds being around $2.5-$3. With many young guns firing already in the hard court season, I'd much rather go with them than the 35yo Clay master.
Kyrgios is a previous winner here, and loves interacting with the crowd.
1) That pisses the opponents off
2) Calms himself
I'd say he is sure to do that again after doing it last week in Atlanta.
FAA is also a force to be reckoned with, and has a favourable draw being seed 2. FAA was amazing in the grass season, and could well continue to consolidate himself as a top 20 player.
Korda, is in his home country, and has a decent draw leading up to the QF. Korda's serve is lethal, as with many, but his play style is still underrated in my opinion. Korda was training with Rafa on Centre Court the last day, and seems to be having good preparation. These two may even face off!
