CINCINNATI OPEN: It’s a second week in a row of Masters 1000 Series action on the ATP Tour as the world’s best keep the ball rolling on the North American hardcourts as they head from Ontario to Cincinnati for the 2023 Cincinnati Open with all preparation geared towards the upcoming US Open.
Borna Coric – Defending champion
Borna Coric will be heading back to Cincinnati with hopes of defending his crown after he put in a string of spectacular performances to lift the trophy here last year and land his first victory on the Masters 100 Series.
Somewhat of a hardcourt specialist, the world number 15 has only managed three ATP Tour wins in his career, with one in the 1000 series, one in the 500 and one in the 250. His two others have come on grass and clay but he has also reached a further five finals, four of which were on hardcourt.
Given the calibre of his opponents it will be extremely hard for him to defend his title, but Coric is an extremely skilled and determined competitor. He faces great challenges in the likes of Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic against whom he has played a combined five matches and is yet to win. He will likely have to put an end to one of those losing streaks if he is to be victorious here again.
Carlos Alcaraz – World number one
Carlos Alcaraz continues to impress on all aspects of the ATP Tour but hardcourt tennis is possibly the strongest string to his bow. The Spaniard did compete here last year but lost in the quarterfinals to an inspired Cameron Norrie in a close-fought contest.
Although still just 20 years of age Alcaraz is no stranger to the Masters 1000 Series, picking up his first title at the Miami Open last year. He has since gone on to win three more giving him a record of 4-0 in Masters 1000 Series finals.
With last year’s US Open title to defend Alcaraz will be as determined as ever to put in performance after performance on the hardcourts. Currently still going strong in the Canadian Open, he could potentially have another two Masters 100 Series titles to his name come the US Open.
Novak Djokovic – Hunting a hat-trick
Every tennis fan knows exactly what Novak Djokovic is about with his impenetrable defence, ferocious ball striking and physical dominance. He remains one of, if not the best player on the tour.
When it comes to the Masters 1000 Series alone Djokovic has more titles than most players will ever win at any level of the ATP Tour combined. Since his first victory in 2007 Djokovic has racked up 38 titles from 56 finals in the Masters 1000 Series. He also holds the record for most hardcourt wins on the Masters 1000 Series with 27, two of which came at the Cincinnati Open.
Having been beaten by Alcaraz in the Wimbledon final and being without a US Open title since 2018 – a long time for the 23-time Grand Slam champion – he will be hugely motivated to win here and build some momentum towards regaining the US Open crown.
Brandon Nakashima – Fans’ favourite
Brandon Nakashima may not have established himself on the ATP Tour yet but the 22-year-old American was certainly a star among the juniors and is one of the brightest up and coming players in world tennis.
Nakashima has been granted a wildcard entry into this tournament and it could be the perfect stage for him to make an impression amongst some of tennis’ biggest names. Nakashima secured his first ATP title last year in winning the San Diego Open, another hardcourt event. Couple that with the fact that all of his wins on the ATP Challenger and ITF Futures tours came on hardcourt and you can see why he will be expecting to make an impression here.
While Nakashima may not be expected to win the tournament, he has every chance of battling through the first few rounds to get his chance against one of the big boys and potentially cause an upset. With the backing of a home crowd he will undoubtedly enjoy it and can only improve from the experience, so he looks a player to keep an eye on in future hardcourt tournaments.
