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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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PARIS, FRANCE – JUNE 11: Rafael Nadal of Spain during the men’s final on day 15 of the 2017 French Open, second Grand Slam of the season at Roland Garros stadium on June 11, 2017 in Paris, France. (Photo by Jean Catuffe/Getty Images)
PARIS, FRANCE – JUNE 11: Rafael Nadal of Spain during the men’s final on day 15 of the 2017 French Open, second Grand Slam of the season at Roland Garros stadium on June 11, 2017 in Paris, France. (Photo by Jean Catuffe/Getty Images) /

Ashe Region predictions: Rounds 3 and 4 (Regional semifinals and regional finals)

Match #13 (Semifinal 1): Rafael Nadal vs Pete Sampras

This is a star-studded matchup, most likely the best two players facing each other before the regional finals (the Laver Region final was Federer vs Agassi). Here, the best of the current generation squares up against the best of the previous generation. These two are neck and neck in career achievements, with Nadal winning more Grand Slams (17-14) and total titles (85-64) but Sampras spending more time as World #1 (286-209).

Once again, this is a fan vote so the result will be much less close than it should be. Nadal will take the win and will move onto the Ashe regional finals.

Match #14 (Semifinal 2): Juan Martin Del Potro vs Novak Djokovic

Similar to the outcome of his entire career, Del Potro will be heavily outmatched here. Djokovic has bested Del Potro 16 of the 20 times they played. The last time he recorded a loss was during his 2016 injury-riddled season at the Rio Olympics and he has never lost to Del Potro in a major.

Del Potro is a very solid player, in fact, one of the best players of the current generation, but it isn’t enough to beat one of the best of all time here in this matchup.

Winner: Djokovic

Match #15 (FINALS): Rafael Nadal vs Novak Djokovic

Well, well. WIth Federer locked into the finals of the tournament, and these two set to go head-to-head in the Ashe regional finals, it’s the result many people will expect for this tournament: The Big 3 at the end.

Throughout this tournament, we’ve had matches dictated by one player’s career being better than the other or dictated by fan popularity. This match, as good as the on-court battles are, will be decided simply be if fans support Nadal or Djokovic.

Either way, it’s difficult to argue against Nadal, whose 19 major championships could soon turn into 20 or 21 by the end of the 2020 season, making him the all-time leader in Grand Slam victories. Djokovic, however, is putting together another one of his legendary seasons and hasn’t lost in 2020.

light. Related Story. Why Novak Djokovic’s bold career prediction is 100% correct

Nonetheless, the fans usually favour Nadal. While it will be extremely close, Nadal has the edge. Much like Federer, he’s as successful off the court as he is on it. Djokovic will continue to fall under the shadow of Federer and Nadal and lose here in the regional finals.

Winner: Nadal

Next. TC All-Star Championships: Laver Region breakdown and predictions. dark

TC All-Star Championships Final: Roger Federer (Laver Region) vs Rafael Nadal (Ashe Region)

We’ll be making a separate post for tomorrow on why both Federer and Nadal could come out victorious in this match. You could write an entire book on who’s the better player, however, we’ll keep it short (ish) to decide the winner of the virtual tournament.

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