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Montreal Masters: Third Round Predictions, Sock faces Djokovic

By Geoff Nichols

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Montreal Masters: Third Round Predictions

The Montreal Masters will hope to reclaim the headlines for the tennis on show on Thursday as we reach the third round stage. Nick Kyrgios’ on court antics, to say the least, have engendered significant discussion as to whether the Australian’s behaviour is out of control.

In beating Stan Wawrinka, he booked his place in the third round at the Masters 1000 event in Canada, where there is a lot still to play for. Sixteen players remain in the draw, where should they have aspirations of lifting the title, they will have to win four more matches in consecutive days.

– Latest ATP Race Standings – 

So far the unpredictable weather has made scheduling tricky, although organisers have done well to minimise the disruption. With Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray all still alive in both singles and doubles events, there is plenty of top quality tennis to look forward to.

First Quarter

Novak Djokovic SRB [1] v Jack Sock USA

The draw has well and truly opened up for Djokovic, who finds himself as the only seeded player remaining in the entire top half. Sock may have weapons, including a ferocious forehand, but he will need to play the match of his lift to push the world number one.

– Can Novak Djokovic be the Greatest of All Time? – 

Sock should take heart from the performance of Thomas Bellucci in the previous round, who did well to rush Djokovic and not let him settle. A lot will depend on how his approaches the match, because from Sock’s end we can almost guarantee aggression. Djokovic in two

Ernests Gulbis LAT v Donald Young USA

Two surprise candidates in the third round in Montreal, both men have struggled for form in 2015. Gulbis has made it all the way through qualifying and is a confidence player, so will do doubt have the belief he can keep going. Young earned the scalp of Thomas Berdych, but still didn’t look hugely interested. Gulbis in three

Second Quarter

Nick Kyrgios AUS v John Isner USA

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How will Kyrgios respond with all the criticism coming his way for his behaviour yesterday? He will be under the microscope more than ever, which could bring some inspired tennis or more petulance. Patience will be required against an in-form Isner, something the Australian isn’t exactly famous for.

Both men are going to be dominant on their serves, with those big points coming at any break point opportunities. Isner is really knocking on the door of the Top 10, which I think is adding an extra focus to him game. He also seems good at ignoring the other end of the court, which is crucial against Kyrgios. Isner in three

Jeremy Chardy FRA v Ivo Karlovic CRO

Another two surprise packages, although with the way Karlovic has been serving in recent months, his success can be understood. Chardy has performed well in Montreal before and scored some big wins on the hard courts in recent years. Chardy in three

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Third Quarter

Rafael Nadal ESP [7] v Mikhail Youzhny RUS

Nadal was making his trademark forehand passes during his second round match, a sign of the confidence returning to his game in a big way. Youzhny probably isn’t the player to knock the Spaniard out of his groove, although Nadal will have to improve at closing sets out. Nadal in two 

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David Goffin BEL v Kei Nishikori JPN [4]

Nishikori  continues his fine run of form in North America, although this is also the time of year last season when Goffin hit an unbelievable purple patch. Will the Japanese be weary after his recent exploits. Goffin is the kind of player who will make him work. Nishikori in two

Fourth Quarter

Bernard Tomic AUS v Jo-Wilfried Tsonga FRA

Tomic is probably enjoying not being the most vilified Australian tennis player at the moment. He has been flying under the radar with his performances and his in the best form of his career. Tsonga won last year and clearly likes the conditions. Tsonga in three

Andy Murray GBR [2] v Gilles Muller LUX

Murray looked composed in dispatching Robredo, a performance which showed the progress he has made since this time last year. Muller and his fantastic serve caused him problems earlier in the year at Queens, but the conditions in Montreal are slower than on the grass.

– Andy Murray having career year in 2015 – 

The carrot of overtaking Roger Federer in the ATP Rankings is a big one for Murray if he can make the final. My only concern would be that he is distracted by the assumption that Djokovic will be waiting in the final. Overall, Muller needs to hit the lines and come in and be bold. Murray in three

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Next: Wimbledon 2015: Top 5 Upsets in Men's Draw

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