Strong Support For Sinner
US Open preparations will be completed at the Cincinnati Open, and Jannik Sinner is assured of strong support in the men's singles. The Italian blitzed Frances Tiafoe in straight sets to win last year's final and returns to the Ohio event in great spirits following a brilliant Wimbledon triumph.
However, Sinner was pushed all the way by Andrey Rublev in the quarter-finals and Alexander Zverev in the semis 12 months ago, so there are reasons to take him on. Admittedly, he should still be fresh after being campaigned sparingly this term, but don't forget that early exit in Halle prior to Wimbledon, and it is clear Sinner is now prioritising the grand slam events.
Djokovic Withdraws
Novak Djokovic has withdrawn from this tournament, so that leaves Carlos Alcaraz as a clear second favourite, with the Spaniard having been runner-up to the Serbian in a classic final here in 2023.
Sinner and Alcaraz have dominated the last three tournaments both have featured in, with the latter prevailing in Rome and French Open deciders before being defeated in the title match at the All-England Club.
Under-The-Radar Fritz
For those looking for a bit of value in the Cincinnati Open odds, though, it is worth noting that fourth seed Taylor Fritz is quite fond of going into grand slam events on a high.
He warmed up for the Australian Open by claiming the United Cup title and prevailed in Eastbourne prior to Wimbledon. Fritz is in the top half of the draw alongside Sinner and travels to Cincinnati on the back of a strong showing in Toronto.
Sabalenka Ready To Get Back On Track
Last year's women's singles event in Cincinnati proved an excellent form guide for the US Open, with Aryna Sabalenka beating Jessica Pegula in the final here and then again in the Flushing Meadows decider.
Sabalenka did not drop a set 12 months ago and will be seen as the one to beat, even though she has just fallen back into a nasty habit of self-imploding late on in tournaments.
A holiday back home in Miami will hopefully have helped exorcise the demons of a disappointing Wimbledon semi-final loss to Amanda Anisimova, and the 27-year-old certainly seemed in a relaxed mood, judging by her Instagram posts.
When hitting with freedom, Sabalenka simply has the power to overwhelm any opponent on this surface.
Contenders Have Issues
Wimbledon champion Iga Swiatek has reached the semi-finals for the past two years, but switching to American hard courts never seems to come naturally for the Polish ace.
Pegula admitted her form has been sloppy after a shock loss to Anastasia Sevastova at the Canadian Open, while Coco Gauff has a poor record at this event aside from her 2023 title triumph.
With all that in mind, Sabalenka really does seem the safest bet to retain her title.
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