Croatia’s @cilic_marin overcame Radu Albot 63 64 on Court 7 earlier today, he plays Monfils next #Rio2016 pic.twitter.com/iP5wCCSRZI

— ITF Olympic Tennis (@OlympicsTennis) August 8, 2016

Predicted Winners in BOLD

(3) Rafael Nadal VS (15) Gilles Simon – I think Simon could perhaps win, but Rafa seems quite inspired in Rio.  I think Rafa wins in straight sets and only 1 set will be competitive.

Fabio Fognini VS (2) Andy Murray – Fognini and Murray have not played since 2014.  I like Fognini’s shot making ability, but Murray’s court coverage and variety likely neutralize the effectiveness of Fognini’s shot making flare.

(6) Gael Monfils VS (9) Marin Cilic – Gael has had a better hard court summer, but I think Cilic’s firepower and height work well on this court.

Juan Martin del Potro VS (WC) Taro Daniel – Can Delpo eliminate one of the 2 remaining wild cards?  I think so.

(WC) Andrej Martin VS (4) Kei Nishikori – Nishikori should win this match.

Thomaz Bellucci VS (8) David Goffin – Bellucci’s one chance is to grab a lead and let the crowd carry him home.  If he front runs, Bellucci could ride a wave to a crowd pleasing win. Otherwise, Goffin’s return game and ability to take the ball early will win the day.

(10) Roberto Bautista Agut VS Gilles Muller – Bautista Agut’s game should benefit from this surface, but Muller is having a really good few months.

Evgeny Donskoy VS (12) Steve Johnson – Johnson is two match wins away from an olympic medal in singles.  Johnson already has assured himself of at least a bronze medal in men’s doubles.

AND

Predicted Winners in BOLD

Each of these winners is assured of at least a bronze medal

KEYS Madison vs. KASATKINA Daria – Madison Keys may have a 1996 Lindsay Davenport vibe at these games.  Keys should win this match and advance to the medal rounds.

Elina Svitolina #UKR has defeated Olympic defending champion Serena Williams #USA 6-4 6-3 in #Tennis Round 3! pic.twitter.com/s6w6JV8lBr

— Rio 2016 (@Rio2016_en) August 9, 2016

SVITOLINA Elina vs. KVITOVA Petra – This was the hardest match for me to predict. Svitolina is talented and just sealed the biggest win of her career.  Kvitova is talented and plays especially well representing the Czech Republic.  Kvitova has had stamina issues and just expended a lot of energy.  Svitolina needs to avoid an emotional let down after pulling a big upset.  I think Petra’s Wimbledon and Fed Cup titles make her the slight favorite.

Will Kerber’s forehand and/or defense be the difference?

KONTA Johanna vs. KERBER Angelique – This match is by no means a foregone conclusion.  Kerber is a clear world #2 at the moment.  She could claim the #1 ranking with a title in Cincinnati.  Still, Konta won a title at Stanford, reached the Australian Open semifinal (where she lost to Kerber), and can certainly win this match.  Still, Kerber is favored to win.

PUIG Monica vs. SIEGEMUND Laura – Puig has the opportunity of a lifetime as she expended very little energy versus Garbine Muguruza.