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Tennis Channel All-Stars virtual tourney: Ashe Region predictions

By Brandon Daniels

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 15: Rafael Nadal of Spain embraces Novak Djokovic of Serbia during the Rally for Relief Bushfire Appeal event at Rod Laver Arena on January 15, 2020 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Graham Denholm/Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 15: Rafael Nadal of Spain embraces Novak Djokovic of Serbia during the Rally for Relief Bushfire Appeal event at Rod Laver Arena on January 15, 2020 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Graham Denholm/Getty Images) /
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Juan Martin Del Potro of Argentina serves to Roger Federer of Switzerland in the Men’s Final match during the 2009 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, in New York, September 14, 2009. AFP PHOTO/Stan HONDA (Photo credit should read STAN HONDA/AFP via Getty Images)
Juan Martin Del Potro of Argentina serves to Roger Federer of Switzerland in the Men’s Final match during the 2009 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, in New York, September 14, 2009. AFP PHOTO/Stan HONDA (Photo credit should read STAN HONDA/AFP via Getty Images) /

Ashe Region predictions: Round 2

Match #9: Rafael Nadal vs Stefanos Tsitsipas

Nadal shouldn’t have much of a difficulty moving on through this one either. Although Tsitsipas is one of the more likeable young players on tour, he isn’t’ going to be able to compete with the legendary Spaniard.

If this tournament comes along in five years or so, Tsitsipas could have a major championship or two. It could put him further along, but as of now, this matchup isn’t going to fare well for him.

Winner: Nadal

Match #10: Pete Sampras vs Lleyton Hewitt

Much like the Nadal-Tsitsipas matchup, Hewitt was the young gun coming along during the final years of Sampras’ career. Hewitt did have a very solid career, winning two major championships, but unfortunately, he has a rough draw here against the legendary American.

Hewitt likely could have moved on against Del Potro or Wawrinka if the draw worked out for him that way, but here in this matchup, Hewitt will fall.

Winner: Sampras

Match #11: Stan Wawrinka vs Juan Martin Del Potro

This is a very interesting matchup. They are two of the best veteran players on tour currently and have put together solid careers during the reign of the Big 3. Outside of them and Murray, they’ve both been the next best players in contention for Grand Slams.

This is certainly a very close matchup, with each player liked by fans and each having similar careers. If I had to choose, I’d go with Del Potro over Wawrinka despite the Swiss’ 3 majors.

Winner: Del Potro

Match #12: Dominic Thiem vs Novak Djokovic

These two have begun to battle each other on court more often over the last calendar year, most recently at the 2020 Australian Open final. Djokovic came out on top but Thiem put up a great fight, even pulling ahead 2 sets to 1 before the World #1 pulled out the win.

Djokovic has a clear advantage here, and while Thiem is the most promising player on tour with the most potential, that isn’t enough for Djokovic and his extremely successful career.

Winner: Djokovic

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