Federer, Nadal, Zverev, and Thiem are favorites at the Rogers Cup

Roger Cup, the first Masters 1000 tournament of the summer hard court season, is on way now. Andy, Novak and Stan are missing but Roger Federer is present and for most, who understand the intricate nuances of the game, that in itself is a reason to celebrate tennis.  The draw is what it is and at the very end one of the players will take home the trophy, however, there is an element of fun and excitement in analyzing and predicting a possible winner and here is our take on the draw and its possibilities.

Nadal’s quarter looks tough

Rafael Nadal has a tough one against the winner of the match between Coric and Youzhny. Coric, for him, should be slightly tougher but he is expected to win. His next round against Del Potro should be even tougher, and he may not survive it.

The Goffin and Raonic section is tough to predict, but Raonic should be able to capitalize on his booming serve and the home court advantage to make it through. However, Goffin and Feliciano Lopez are no pushovers and either one of them can take out Raonic if he is not on his game.

Del Potro over Raonic in the quarters

Will Zverev be able to get past Kyrgios this time?

Alexander Zverev’s reward for winning the Citi Open last week is a super-tough draw this week. He will face Gasquet in his very first match, and if he survives Gasquet, he will then probably meet with his nemesis, Kyrgios who should be able to take out Tiafoe or Lorenzi in his next round.

Zverev’s performances against Gasquet and Kyrgios would indicate Zverev’s stamina to labor day-after-day at the very highest levels of the ATP circuit.

Tsonga has Sam Querrey, Kevin Anderson, and Karen Khachanov in his section, and Sam Querrey, who Tsonga could meet in his first match here, looks dangerous after his title in Mexico.

Zverev over Querrey in the quarters

Thiem’s real challenge will be Berdych

If the seeding holds then Dimitrov could meet Berdych and the winner, among them, will then meet Dominic Thiem in the quarter final round.

Thiem over Berdych in the quarters

Federer may meet Nishikori in the quarters

The match between Kei Nishikori and Gael Monfils should be an interesting one and Nishikori should win that encounter. He should also win his match against Ryan or Bautista Agut thereafter. Roger Federer should meet Jack Sock, who should come through against David Ferrer, in his third round, and Roger should win that if he is even half as serious as he is in slams. In the quarters I expect Roger to take out Nishikori too.

Federer over Nishikori in the quarters

Semifinals – Delpotro over Alexander Zverev, and Roger Federer over Thiem

Final – Roger Federer over Del Potro