ATP ST. PETERSBURG PREVIEW

The Slams are now finished, but the tennis never stops. We have plenty to look forward to in 2019 including two Masters 1000 events in Shanghai and Paris, and capped by the Nitto ATP Finals from London.

Nadal and Djokovic shared the spoils in the Grand Slams this year, but we won’t see either one in action in St. Petersburg. But we have plenty of ambitious top 20 players including the beaten finalist from the US Open, Daniil Medvedev, along with compatriots Karen Khachanov and Andrey Rublev.

QUARTER ONE

Medvedev is in the form of his life. He’s won 20 of his last 23 games including a Masters 1000 title in Cincinnati and runner up spots in Washington, Montreal and the above mentioned US Open final. Following that excellent run, Medvedev finds himself at the dizzying heights of world No. 4, and with that, much expectation here at his home tournament. Medvedev gets a first round bye. Medvedev, barring injury should find his way to the quarter final where his likely opponent is fellow Russian Rublev. Rublev is a danger as shown on many occasions in 2019 including his win over Roger Federer. Most recently, the 21 year old reached the 4th round in the US Open. I expect Medvedev to prevail if the two meet.

QUARTER TWO

Matteo Berrettini is currently the best player in this quarter. He had a magnificent run in the US Open where he was beaten in the semi finals by eventual winner Rafa Nadal. On top of a great Wimbledon, he has also won two tour titles in 2019. Possible opponents for Berrettini include Martin Klizan and Adrian Mannarino. While not easy opponents on this surface, an in-form Berrettini should be able to handle them.

QUARTER THREE

Borna Coric [click to read more]