5 Matches to Watch in Round 2

Kei Nishikori

This article was being written during the Serena Williams vs Petra Kvitova match which is why it is not included on this list. 

With round one in the books we look ahead to round two. Here are five matches to check out in round 2.

Kei Nishikori vs Stan Wawrinka

Kei Nishikori is an aggressive young player from Japan who is coming off of a competetive match with Russian Andrey Rublev. Stan Wawrinka is a 16 year tour veteran and 3 time Grand Slam Champion. Stan upset the 12 seed Diego Schwartzman to move into the second round. Both are strong intense players that should give us a good match to watch.

(7) Marin Cilic vs Marius Copil 

 This match is very interesting for a couple reasons. Marius Copil is a qualifier from Romania who knocked out the hometown kid, JJ Wolf in qualifiers. Marin Cilic is the 7 seed who in interviews with reporters this week, admitted for all of his accomplishments, he still flies under the radar. Both are good players and this might be a match that gets overlooked.

(9) Karolina Pliskova vs Aryna Sabalenka

Both ladies came off of solid wins in the first round with Pliskova defeating Agniezska Radwanska, and Sabalenka defeating Johanna Konta. Now the young Sabalenka will look to knock off the former world #1 and move into round 3.

(1) Simona Halep vs Ajla Tomljanovic

This should be an easy match for Halep. The only concern here is if fatigue from the Rogers Cup will play a factor. Still with Rafael Nadal withdrawing before the first round, Simona will be the lone 1 seed to play in Cincinnati this year. 

(14) Kyle Edmunds vs Denis Shapovalov

Kyle Edmunds cruised to easy victory on Sunday in early first round action. Denis Shapovalov on the other hand had a bit tougher go. Shapovalov was all but beat in the third set against American Frances Tiafoe down a break at 5-4. He would only lose 3 points the rest of the way, moving on to this match up. Both should be well rested and this should be a fun match to watch.


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