Predicted Winners in BOLD

[1] Rafael Nadal (ESP) vs. [6] John Isner (USA) – I don’t think Rafa enjoys playing Isner much.  Rafa wins two ways: excellent play and grinding his opponent’s mental and physical game down.  Isner hits so many aces that this grinding style doesn’t impact him as much.  Isner led 2 sets to 1 at Roland Garros.  Isner lost 7-6, 7-6 to Rafa in the 2013 Cincinnati final.  Isner beat Nadal at the Laver Cup (non sanctioned) recently.  I think Rafa wins, but a loss would not be shocking.

[2] Alexander Zverev (GER) vs. Andrey Rublev (RUS) – An all-Russian battle err a German-Russian battle.

[3] Grigor Dimitrov (BUL) vs. [5] Roberto Bautista Agut (ESP) – Grigor needs to end the year strong for 2017 to be seen as more than an odd year for him.

[8] Nick Kyrgios (AUS) vs. [Q] Steve Darcis (BEL) – Kyrgios throws some power and then more power to win this match.