ATP Toronto: Day 6 Predictions (Round of 16)

The Toronto Masters, known as the National Bank Open, is through two rounds of play and many of the top players have advanced to the Round of 16 in the tournament.

Of the top eight players who entered the draw, six still remain. No. 2 seed Rafael Nadal withdrew from the tournament after be forced out with a lingering foot injury. No. 5 seed Denis Shapovalov failed to make it pass the first match at his home country event after a loss to Frances Tiafoe, who is ranked No. 52 in the world.

But no fear, No. 1 seed Daniil Medvedev and No. 3 seed Stefanos Tsitsipas remain in the draw and will be looking to reach the final for a much anticipated clash. For now, in this round, many of the top seeds will face friendlier opponents and have a good chance to move on.

Here are my ATP Toronto Masters Round of 16 predictions:

(1) Daniil Medvedev (RUS) vs (Q) James Duckworth (AUS)

Prediction: (1) Daniil Medvedev

Duckworth has earned impressive straight set wins over Taylor Fritz and last week’s Citi Open champion Jannik Sinner. Medvedev should be a much more difficult opponent for the Australian qualifier, especially getting through a tricky first match against Alexander Bublik.

Nikoloz Basilashvili (GEO) vs (7) Hubert Hurkacz (POL)

Prediction: Nikoloz Basilashvili

Basilashvili appears to have the hot hand heading into this match after a 6-1, 6-1 victory over No. 12 seed Alex de Minaur. Hurkacz first match of the tournament is this match, so expect a slow start from the Pole.

(4) Andrey Rublev (RUS) vs John Isner (USA)

Prediction: (4) Andrey Rublev

This match should be very close considering Isner actually leads the head-to-head 2-0. The biggest key for Rublev is to try and avoid getting into a tiebreak with a player who is known for being great in tiebreaks (16-6 this year). If Rublev can do that, advantage to him.

(11) Gael Monfils (FRA) vs (LL) Frances Tiafoe (USA)

Prediction: Frances Tiafoe

My trust in Monfils has pretty much disappeared. He is 3-14 since last year’s resumption after the pandemic. The physical ability has always been there but it’s the mental side which tends to fall behind at times. Maybe his recent marriage to Elina Svitolina, ranked No. 5 in WTA singles, can help turn things around. Unfortunately, I think Tiafoe being a lucky loser makes him more dangerous because, frankly, he has nothing to lose at this point.

(6) Casper Ruud (NOR) vs Dusan Lajovic (SRB)

Prediction: (6) Casper Ruud

Ruud is one of the hottest players on tour right. He has recorded 13 straight wins, including winning three straight ATP Tour titles. It’s tough to see Dusan Lajovic, ranked 44th in the world, ending the streak.

Karen Khachanov (RUS) vs (3) Stefanos Tsitsipas (GRE)

Prediction: (3) Stefanos Tsitsipas

Tsitsipas is 3-0 head-to-head against Khachanov and the Russian has not done enough in the early rounds to convince me he can earn his first victory in the matchup.

(8) Diego Schwartzman (ARG) vs (10) Roberto Bautista Agut (ESP)

Prediction: (10) Roberto Bautista Agut

Surprisingly, this is the only Round of 16 matchup between seeded players. I’m giving a slight edge to the Spaniard considering this match is being played on a hard court.

Reilly Opelka (USA) vs Lloyd Harris (RSA)

Prediction: Reilly Opelka

I believe Opelka’s serve gives him the advantage in this match. Quality wins over Nick Kyrgios and Grigor Dimitrov also bodes well for the No. 32 ranked player in the world. I understand Harris just took out Rafael Nadal last week at the Citi Open, but I just think Opelka is slightly better at the moment.