Washington

Anyone interested in this tournament?

Looks like a really good 500. Some potentially interesting matches. JMDP v Nishikori for a start.

Edmund v Dimitrov, potentially Zverev v Kyrgios too.

http://www.atpworldtour.com/en/scores/current/washington/418/draws

Nishi has already had a tough opener against Donald Young who saved a number of MPs before finally succumbing in a third-set tiebreak.
   As G82 says, it's a reasonably strong field. Would be good to see delpo go deep.

Edmund took Dimi to three sets before losing. The Brit is not getting smashed in these matches, but just can't get the big win that would propel him up the rankings.
   Raonic had a tough battle against Mahut before coming thru in two tiebreak sets. But Monfils lost to a 200-ranked qualifier.

sirfredperry wrote:Edmund took Dimi to three sets before losing. The Brit is not getting smashed in these matches, but just can't get the big win that would propel him up the rankings.
   Raonic had a tough battle against Mahut before coming thru in two tiebreak sets. But Monfils lost to a 200-ranked qualifier.

After a rocky start to the year, Kyle at least seems to be playing reasonably well, but his progress does seem to have stalled a little in terms of continuing to climb the rankings. Competitive with guys playing at a very good level but just a few too many holes in his game to let him win these matches on a semi-consistent basis.

Surprising loss for Monfils to Bhambri.

Not sure any Monfils loss is that surprising. Kyrgios also retired whilst losing again, shame for him as he seemed to have found some form and maturity pre-injury.

Think Edmund has worked on his fitness and backhand a lot. Can see him being a top 20 player, but not sure he'll get much higher.

Young American Tommy Paul beat Pouille too - he was quite highly thought of a few years ago. Plays Gilles Muller next.

Thiem v Anderson and JMDP v Nishikori look interesting today.

A good win for Anderson over Thiem in long three-setter. Delpo lost in straights against Nishi. Medvedev smashed Dimi for loss of only six games. Wins also for Zverev and Raonic.

Guest82 wrote:Not sure any Monfils loss is that surprising.  Kyrgios also retired whilst losing again, shame for him as he seemed to have found some form and maturity pre-injury.

Think Edmund has worked on his fitness and backhand a lot.  Can see him being a top 20 player, but not sure he'll get much higher.

Young American Tommy Paul beat Pouille too - he was quite highly thought of a few years ago. Plays Gilles Muller next.

Thiem v Anderson and JMDP v Nishikori look interesting today.

Kyrgios recent series of injuries (or the same one recurring) is showing the importance of not pushing your body beyond capacity. Hopefully Edmund will remain fit and have an epiphany moment where his reading of the game improves dramatically. With regard to Kyrgios injuries - in the past and in other sports that is the reason why people used "performance enhancing drugs" during their training to prevent such breakdowns and for speedier recoveries. Without such drugs they need to be much more careful and aware of their bodies limitations - and to work on developing techniques that don't overstrain the body.

Nishikori in trouble against Tommy Paul. Paul has already beaten Pouille and Muller so far.

Nishikori Saves 3 M.P. To Survive #NextGenATP Paul.

Is Nishi wearing himself out ? He's got Montreal next week , although I don't know if he's playing Cinci as well.

Nishi well beaten by A Zverev  who will take on Anderson in final.

Interesting when a player does this...Zverev a set down in his first match and a TB final set then after that every match won in straight sets. Fine lines here -- won a tournament, but could easily have lost in his first match.

I only saw the semi-final and final, but think Zverev looked very, very good.

He's up to fourth in the race now. With Djokovic and Stan out and Murray struggling, he is probably my favourite for YE#3.

I think we should be cautious about putting Zverev ahead of Thiem in terms of potential (whether for the rest of this year, or longer term). Zverev is on a good run, but things could change. Anyway, Zverev has basically qualified for the year end tournament now barring injury or maybe if he barely wins a match for the rest of the season, otherwise he'll be there and make a good addition to the tournament.

That's good news. Am really keen to see new, younger faces at WTF

Henman Bill wrote:I think we should be cautious about putting Zverev ahead of Thiem in terms of potential (whether for the rest of this year, or longer term). Zverev is on a good run, but things could change. Anyway, Zverev has basically qualified for the year end tournament now barring injury or maybe if he barely wins a match for the rest of the season, otherwise he'll be there and make a good addition to the tournament.

Think both have great potential to be at the top of the rankings as the old guard drop away. However Zverev who just turned 20 looks to have a little bit more than Thiem who turns 24 next month. Good to see them both up there though.

Thiem is only really good on clay. Zverev's game seems to translate across all surfaces.