ATP Cincinnati: men's outright betting preview, tip & TV details

Tournament preview
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Novak Djokovic takes to the court for the first time since claiming his fifth Wimbledon title last month and the serene Serb is a warm order to successfully defend his Cincinnati crown.

Djokovic, who outstayed old foe Roger Federer in a marathon match at the All England Club, also pipped the Swiss superstar to top honours at the Western & Southern Open last season and the layers are taking no chances, making the Serb 6-4 to repeat the dose.

However, it is worth noting that last season’s triumph was a first in Cincinnati in 12 previous attempts for Djokovic, who has had to settle for a runner-up berth on five occasions.

The draw could have been kinder, too.

Big servers Sam Querrey and John Isner are potential early-round opponents, while the temperamental but talented Nick Kyrgios, who managed to keep his focus to claim silverware in Washington this month, and ruthless Russian Karen Kachanov are also in Djokovic’s quarter of the draw.

A semi-final showdown with Federer is on the cards but the shorter format - best of three sets - makes an upset far more likely and there is no incentive in taking the short price on offer.

Instead, Rafael Nadal makes more appeal in a much less compact bottom half.

The Spaniard has already shown his well-being having reached the final of the Rogers Cup on Sunday, while fellow heavyweights Djokovic and Federer were resting.

Nadal could be more tuned up than his main market rivals and a bye followed by a second-round clash with Cristian Garin or Adrian Mannarino should ease him into contention.

Djokovic, Federer and Nadal have shared the last 11 Grand Slams between them, with the younger generation having not yet discovered how to bridge the gap. It would come as a surprise if one of them didn't find the winning formula in Cincinnati.

Andy Murray, champion in 2008 and 2011, makes his much-anticipated return to singles action against Frenchman Richard Gasquet.

Recommendation
Rafael Nadal
2pts 5-1 Coral, Ladbrokes

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