Western & Southern Open - Cincinnati Masters 20-28 Aug 2020

[Hawkeye]

Andy takes a wild card for the Cincinnati ATP Masters 1000.

https://www.wsopen.com/Players/atp_wild_cards_awarded/

[patmoren]

I hope the organisers are successful at managing this one. The country overall not doing very well.

[lynne]

I hope the organisers are successful at managing this one. The country overall not doing very well.


My thoughts exactly Pat, I was hoping Andy wouldn't go, but hopefully he & all those with him stays safe!

[RoastLamb]

Well all the other sports are now starting up - baseball is having problems due to travelling, but the others seem OK for now: hockey (it's all taking place in two cities in Canada) and basketball is in a bubble in Orlando.

[Jane]

Andy beat Federer in the second round of the event in 2006 - 14 years ago today - and I recorded the match LIVE on VCR. I have just watched it, and it has really cheered me up. The tape is still running and he is playing Ginepri. Andy won that one too, but was later beaten by Roddick, who won the title in the end.

[JAMES4578]

I remember Andy winning that one and few gave him much of a chance chance at the time, it was not vintage Federer but was great achievement. Long time since I've had a VCR though !

[Jane]

I remember Andy winning that one and few gave him much of a chance chance at the time, it was not vintage Federer but was great achievement. Long time since I've had a VCR though !

I have had various VCRs since 1982, so have a lot of stuff on tape. To be honest I rarely use it, but it is there if needed. :)

[RoastLamb]

Andy beat Federer in the second round of the event in 2006 - 14 years ago today - and I recorded the match LIVE on VCR. I have just watched it, and it has really cheered me up. The tape is still running and he is playing Ginepri. Andy won that one too, but was later beaten by Roddick, who won the title in the end.

I remember this well! I had just seen Andy play at Rogers Cup in the 1/4 final where he beat Jarrko Niemenen from Finland in three sets. The first time I'd ever seen him live and it was SO EXCITING! (I was sat very close to Brad his coach and I kept waving the Scottish flag and he kept looking over.) He lost in the semi to Gasquet and Federer won RC 2006 in three sets beating Gasquet and I think he was tired going into Cincy having had played 4 three set matches at RC. I also remember Federer grumbling about Andy being a counterpuncher. That was the last time Federer won Canada btw.

[patmoren]

I still have my VCR. Not connected at present but there if needed. I have lots of holiday video tapes of the family.

[JAMES4578]

I have had various VCRs since 1982, so have a lot of stuff on tape. To be honest I rarely use it, but it is there if needed. :)

oh right, at one point I had a VCR/DVD Combi and I Just transferred some stuff (I'd likely watch again) to DVD.

[HoopGirl]

I remember being at my first cricket match with my husband and some friends and being bored stiff.
So I sneaked off to watch Andy beat Novak.
Just checked the year 2011, strangely enough I’d forgotten that Novak retired in that one.
I do remember how ugly the trophy was though!

[HoopGirl]

How lovely everyone is starting to get excited about it! Have so missed this - especially in this difficult time of Covid!

[JAMES4578]

Nishikori out of Western/Southern Open at least after becoming the latest player to test positive for Covid-19 . (https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2020/08/17/tennis/kei-nishikori-coronavirus/#.Xzrz3TXTWUk)

[pabbers]

:eek:

[RoastLamb]

Wait. Is Andy playing Cincy???

[Hawkeye]

Wait. Is Andy playing Cincy???
Well, you "thanked" the OP that says that Andy has taken a wild card for Cinci... :big grin:

[RoastLamb]

Phew!

[Hawkeye]

The draw (https://www.atptour.com/en/scores/current/new-york/422/draws?matchtype=singles). Andy plays Frances Tiafoe, with the winner facing Alexander Zverev, so a toughie!

[Jan]

Cam Norrie won his Q1 match :clap:

[harriet]

the round up from the ATP sitehttps://www.atptour.com/en/news/wso-2020-draw-preview

[jackie55]

The draw (https://www.atptour.com/en/scores/current/new-york/422/draws?matchtype=singles). Andy plays Frances Tiafoe, with the winner facing Alexander Zverev, so a toughie!

When will Andy play?

[patlowe]

When will Andy play?

Andy is playing tomorrow, my guess at approx 8pm BST. He is on Grandstand after a women's match scheduled not before 6pm BST.

[supergran]

It's been a long time but looking forward to this so much. Am nervous and excited....but what's new? Come on Andy!

[Mickey]

It's been a long time but looking forward to this so much. Am nervous and excited....but what's new? Come on Andy!

Me too.

[RoastLamb]

Today's the day! FINALLY! Cannae wait! :yahoo:

[RosieBear]

Very best of luck to Andy today. So happy he's back on court - can't keep a champ down. I'm not expecting too much, but then everyone is going to be very rusty which will be a big leveller. Let's see. Go on Andy! :cheer:

[Rosalind]

it has been a long time!

Will enjoy it whatever happens as will be good to watch tennis again.

[JAMES4578]

Should be good seeing Andy play on the tour again (even wirth the bubble still a bit apprehensive mind you) though likely to take a bit of time to get into the swing of things-noticed comment he thought he was a bit off the pace.

[Guerkins2]

Me too.

Me too! :tennis::tennis::tennis:

[lovetennis]

Can't wait to see Andy back on court :swingin:

[RosieBear]

Fabulous to see Dan teaming up with Goffin for the dubs. He's getting a lot of respect from the top guys these days :thumbup:

You'd think each doubles player would get a parasol, bit poor that one on each team is being left without shade. Hope they sort this out quickly.

[jaysee]

Fabulous to see Dan teaming up with Goffin for the dubs. He's getting a lot of respect from the top guys these days :thumbup:

You'd think each doubles player would get a parasol, bit poor that one on each team is being left without shade. Hope they sort this out quickly.

And a great win for them against Peers and Venus! :thumbup:

[patlowe]

Looks like we'll be seeing Andy very soon as Sakkari is making short work of Gauff. Sakkari serving for the match. I'm really getting pumped up now! Go Andy!!

[JAMES4578]

Sakkari through (bit surprised it was comfortable against Gauff) technical issue on Prime at end of that match but sorted now!

[cazza99]

Set up a match thread for Andy vs Tiafoe, so please post about the match on there - https://www.andymurrayfanforum.com/forums/showthread.php?4542-Cincy-Masters-R1-Andy-vs-Tiafoe

[cazza99]

oop out for Sunday - https://www.wsopen.com/daily_schedule/

(https://www.wsopen.com/daily_schedule/)
Dan vs Rublev second on court 17 (1st match starts at 4.00 pm)

[RoastLamb]

Good day for me. All my faves won: Felix, Milos, Denis, Jamie/Ken and Andy! Woot!

[Jean]

Could someone please tell me what tv channel this event is being shown on -I think (my glasses need glasses !!!) because I just cannot find the coverage -thank you sooo much ?

[JAMES4578]

Could someone please tell me what tv channel this event is being shown on -I think (my glasses need glasses !!!) because I just cannot find the coverage -thank you sooo much ?

It is available on Amazon Prime Video (https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/video/offers/ref=dvm_uk_sl_ambr_zzz_R8cQxNjQc_c428618500530_s) and Tennis TV (https://www.tennistv.com/) (via internet streaming)- links attached . It is not on a Broadcast channel such as Eurosport or Sky Sports. Sky sports do not have any tennis now anyway. If you have not had Prime before should be able to get a free trial, do not see special offers for Tennis Tv. Prime usually £7.99 per month which includes free and quicker delivery on direct Amazon orders plus some music/ kindle benefits (though video only £5.99) Tennis Tv is £9.99. The Us Open is on Prime only, though Tennis Tv do have some ATP events prime do not cover. Replays available on both platforms. Both a bit cheaper with annual subscriptions (if were going to view a lot and they have bulk of ATP tennis and only on one of these will you wll be able to view The Masters and 500 events plus many 250's.) Prime has both ATP/WTA now, Tennis Tv is ATP. Eurosport still has Australian/French plus some ATP 250s. ITV do have French as well but only show 1 court. Obviously BBC still has Wimbledon plus Queen's/Eastbourne. They also show afternoon matches at ATP Tour Finals plus the final .

[JAMES4578]

Yes was convincing win for Dennis over Cilic , 6-3,6-3 . De Minaur did not do too much against Struff going down 6-2,6-4. Paire retired early in 2nd set hjaving not win a game against Coric.

[Sallydaisy]

Well, that was fun! Tennis to watch and Murrays to boot!!!
Fantastic to see all those Brits back in action.
:GBflag:

Unfortunately, late nights mean I just have to have a lie-in to recover ...
:big grin:

[JAMES4578]

Dimitrov was back in action and got through against Humbert 6-3,6-4, whilst Bedene put out 13th seed Garin 6-4,6-7,6-0 . Anderson had little impact as Tsitispas advanced 6-1,6-3 and Goffin had 7-6,6-4 win over Coric.

[RosieBear]

Sad to see Felix A-A edged out of a tight one against Sandgren. An untimely DF at 5 all in the 3rd set breaker cost him dear :sad: He and Stefanos are my picks to be the next megastars after Roger and Rafa go, both great to watch and have the X factor on and off court, imo. Pleased that at least Stefanos goes on.

[jaysee]

A late night tomorrow - Andy v Raonic is 2nd match after 8pm UK time! :rolleyes:

[RoastLamb]

A late night tomorrow - Andy v Raonic is 2nd match after 8pm UK time! :rolleyes:

Perfect time for me - dinner time. Popcorn! I wish they were not playing against each other coz all the other Cdns are out.

[cazza99]

oop for Tuesday - https://www.atptour.com/en/scores/current/new-york/422/daily-schedule

[Jan]

Please can anyone help me?!
I've got the ATP/WTA score app on my phone, which is fine, but I want to access the same on my computer. I'm sure there used to be a link to scores via the ATP website - all live matches came up in a separate box, called protennis live or something like that. Does anyone have it working please and could send me a link? I'm very confused (or just have a very bad memory!). Thanks

edit
By some trial and error and editing a very old link I've managed to get there!! Hooray!

[Teresa]

I will watch tonight as long as I can stay awake. I have a busy day tomorrow. If he loses tonight so be it. As Murray fans we owe Raonic a few. He didn’t spoil the party in 2016, at Queen’s and Wimbledon, his withdrawal gave AM the number 1 spot without hitting a ball. Not to mention the year end semis.

[RoastLamb]

Well I am always torn when a Canadian player plays either Andy or Rafa. Sad for Andy but happy for Milos. He is playing very well, despite his hair resembling Medusa's.
:lol:

[Sallydaisy]

There will be NO play today following a joint statement from the ATP/WTA & USTA per below

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EgZVX8RXYAAiAOV?format=jpg&name=small

The statement was released shortly after Naomi Osaka issued this on Twitter
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EgY2uXZWAAECxuP?format=jpg&name=large

[JAMES4578]

When play resumes Men's semis will be Djokovic v Bautista Agut, Bautista Aguut put out Medvedev 1-6,6-4,6-3 and Tsitsipas v Raonic. Raonic came from set down and also saved match point beating Krajinovic 4-6,7-6,7-5.

https://www.atptour.com/en/news/raonic-krajinovic-ws-open-2020-wednesday

[Sallydaisy]

This link (http://wtafiles.wtatennis.com/pdf/draws/2020/1017/OP.pdf) takes you to the PDF OOP for today (which is PAUSED, see above (https://www.andymurrayfanforum.com/forums/showthread.php?4540-Western-amp-Southern-Open-Cincinnati-Masters-20-28-Aug-2020&p=285400&viewfull=1#post285400)).
It may yet apply to Friday 28th but nothing is yet certain, including Osaka's involvement (https://www.andymurrayfanforum.com/forums/showthread.php?144-WTA-general-thread&p=285409&viewfull=1#post285409).

[Sallydaisy]

The ITF has issued a statement supporting the decision to pause this event.
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EgbGG5SXkAI4fMT?format=jpg&name=small

[RoastLamb]

Jolly good match that between the Serb and Milos. I thought Milos was a goner but he stormed back in style!

[Sallydaisy]

Meanwhile, one fan waits patiently for play to resume ...

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EgXpoAEWoAEwpgo?format=jpg&name=small

[Sallydaisy]

Ladies Semi-Finals in progress ...

Osaka 6'2, 3'4 v Mertens (who is a break to the good in the 2nd set)
Konta 6'4, 1'3 v Azarenka (Vika 15-40 on her serve so Jo fighting for the break back)

[Sallydaisy]

Vika with a break and a tough hold for 4-1 in the 2nd set, going the distance this is.
Osaka has broken Mertens to get back on level terms at 4-4 in their 2nd set.

[JAMES4578]

Quite tough for Johanna at the moment even though set up, having saved more break back chancesin 2nd Vika will eager to press home her asdvantage (unless Konta finds something special) Challange for Osaka in 2nd after dictating initially.

[Sallydaisy]

Vika levels by taking the 2nd set 6'4. All to play for!!!
C'mon Jo!
:GBflag:

It seems neither Osaka nor Mertens wants to win this match. 5-5 in the 2nd set.

[Sallydaisy]

Tie-break for Mertens and Osaka. Jo holds for 1-1 v Vika.

[Sallydaisy]

Osaka wins 6'2, 7'6(5) and is through to the Final.

Vika putting the Konta serve under a lot of pressure, not helped by Jo serving 2nd in this deciding set. And there's the break for Vika, 3-1

[JAMES4578]

Osaka getting there in the end, well done! . Azarenka finding the better form right now and some great returning. Konta will need to dig deep, up against it now at 4-1.

[Sallydaisy]

Oh dear, wonder what happened there in that last set?
Azarenka d Konta 4'6, 6'4, 6'1

[JAMES4578]

Johanna fell away but Vika certainly playing well. A pity but still Konta showed some good form throughout week.

[RosieBear]

Sad to see Johanna and Stefanos go out. Jo played pretty well and had chances but Vika was just too good. More grim was to watch was Stefanos' exquisite game being crushed by Raonic. I appreciate it takes all kind of players to make an interesting tour, but it does feel galling sometimes to see power prevail over talent.

[JAMES4578]

Certainly prefer Stefanos' game but Milos showing good form this week and was strong. A tough first set but Raonic thereafter had the upper hand, has poor record against Djokovic though should he advance. Novak dropped the first to Bautista Agut but 4-3 up in 2nd (just broken back mind you).

[RoastLamb]

Yeah I think Milos is playing very well. Of course, he has no chance vs either RBA or ND but so far, so good. His return game has improved massively.

[Sallydaisy]

1-1 between Bautista and Djokovic.
Into the 3rd set ...

[Sallydaisy]

Curious ...
Having levelled the match at 4-6, 6-4, and serving for it at 5-3 up Noley then failed to close it out. He got broken by RBA who has now held for 5-5 so it's all still to play for.

[JAMES4578]

It's all happening, RBA served for match at 6-5 but Djokovic finds way to break back- Breaker to decide it. An anti climax as Djokovic takes it 7-0, Bautista Agut did not help his cause with errors early on but Novak found something extra when he "appeared" to be on the brink.

[Mickey]

I see Djokovic played his I’m injured card after BA won the first set and then miraculously able to play a further 2 sets to win. I don’t watch his matches because of his behaviour - although I do think he is a great actor, but wish he would stop his acting on court, which is a form of cheating.

[RosieBear]

So Novak squeaked through, but there's clearly something in RBA's game that really troubles him. I agree Novak was making a meal of things, but I think he has genuine health issues with his neck. I'm also fascinated to to see how his stamina holds up - all the tests and practice in the world can't simulate match conditions and Novak will only really know where he is once he starts going deep in a few events. I'm still in disbelief that he took the risks he did. Even if it costs him just 0.5% in performance that can make the difference in a tight match. Utter madness.

I think Raonic is going to win tomorrow and has a great chance for the open as well. I don't love his game but he has other qualities - he's a thinker and a tryer - so can't begrudge him being the one to benefit from a diminished field. As someone who has consistently gone deep in events only to be pipped by the big guys, certainly feel he deserves it more than when a very young Sasha snaffled a couple of masters when the big names were absent.

[JAMES4578]

Djokovic and Raonic will play theit final today from 6 PM onwards (after Osaka/Azarenka). Raonic has got a bit more to his game these days and had a good week, however in ten previouus matches with the Serb has only won two sets. Will depend to an extent on the the kind of shape Djokovic is in today and how confidently Milos starts.

[Sallydaisy]

Osaka out of Cincy with a Hamstring injury, Azarenka is the Champion via W/O.

SCHEDULE CHANGED

Western & Southern Open@CincyTennis (https://twitter.com/CincyTennis)5m (https://twitter.com/CincyTennis/status/1299701724945567745)
Today’s schedule has been modified to move the women’s doubles championships into Armstrong Stadium.
At 11 a.m., the women’s singles trophy presentation will take place, followed by women’s doubles final.
The men’s singles championship remains at not before 1 p.m.

[RoastLamb]

Oh wow didn't see that coming. Tbh I'm more looking forward to the men's dubs final than anything else coz I know Milos will get drubbed.

[Sallydaisy]

Oh wow didn't see that coming. Tbh I'm more looking forward to the men's dubs final than anything else coz I know Milos will get drubbed.
Mens Doubles at 15.40pm UK time on Amazon Prime ...
:thumbup:

[JAMES4578]

Pity for Osaka, oh well Azarenka did play well this week. Look forward to the Men's Doubles shortly.

[Hawkeye]

Raonic romping the first set...

[RosieBear]

Raonic 6-1. Obviously Novak will push back, but still calling it for Raonic and really hope he can do it. Easier to root for him when he's an underdog not brutaliser. The stars have aligned: a tired Andy and Novak, and super fast courts. It's now or never for Raonic to get a masters, hope he does it :thumbup:

[JAMES4578]

Certainly a strong start from Raonic anyway though not sure out of sorts Djokovic has been. 2 all in 2nd.

[RosieBear]

Novak now a break up. 5-2. Hard to capitalise on Novak having much longer semi when points are so short.

[RosieBear]

Novak far from his best, but all square. Raonic played a lot less freely in that 2nd set. Hope his chance hasn't gone.

[Hawkeye]

Got decent odds on Nole after the first set. Come on Nole!

[RosieBear]

Raonic serving first in the decider should help his cause a bit.

[patlowe]

Raonic 6-1. Obviously Novak will push back, but still calling it for Raonic and really hope he can do it. Easier to root for him when he's an underdog not brutaliser. The stars have aligned: a tired Andy and Novak, and super fast courts. It's now or never for Raonic to get a masters, hope he does it :thumbup:

I hope Milos will win too! I thought Djoko was awful last night...it was such a hard watch. Made me feel ill! It would put me off ever watching him again. But of course I'm watching now...to cheer on Milos of course! Sam Smyth also annoying me a bit with her constant lauding of Djoko.

[RosieBear]

Raonic breaks! It's literally in his own hands now. Hold the monster serve and the trophy is his. Will come down to belief.

[RosieBear]

Ugh, broken to love. Nole is a great returner, but not enough from Raonic.

[RosieBear]

Ironically for a huge server, I think Raonic's best chance is to guard his serve then take the match on a break.

[JAMES4578]

will be intriguing to see how this goes but Djokovic could well turn it in his favour. 2 all and 15-40 now!

[Hawkeye]

Nole up a break.

[Sallydaisy]

Djokovic breaks to go 3-2 and serving next. Bleugh!

[RosieBear]

Raonic broken. I don't see him doing it now. Shame because it was a real opportunity for him. But it must be incredibly hard to believe when you're 0-10 against someone.

[patlowe]

A Milos quote: "Nobody beats Milos 11 times" :help:

[patlowe]

Que sera sera. :shrug:

[JAMES4578]

Djokovic takes it 6-4 in the 3rd, some exciting points to finish it but Raonic failed to take bp. Still an encouraging week for Milos but after storming start could not quite find a way to take title and 1st win over the Serb.

[RosieBear]

Novak wins :clap: Big shame for Raonic but struggled when it really mattered. Petchy and Daniela are right, he gets brittle which encourages opponents. But you never know, if he stays injury free he might grab a masters or even slam one day.

[Hawkeye]

Ch-ching!

[Sallydaisy]

Ch-ching!
Boring.

[RoastLamb]

Ugh that was CRAP!!! Milos, WTH??? Break up in the third and everything. Sigh.