5 Matches to Watch in the First Round

Center Court Lindner Family Tennis Center

The draw for the Western and Southern Open was released last night. While there are still qualifiers to play, and many great players in that field, there were some interesting first round meetings announced. A lot of fans will go to see the top seeds play, but here are five matches that have potential to steal the show in the first round.

(9) John Isner vs. Sam Querry

It’s American vs American in a  battle of two of the best servers in the game. Isner’s tall frame gives him a huge power boost on his serve. Sam Querry has one of the smoothest serves on the tour. If both players are on their game, expect this to be a match with few serve breaks and good rallies.

(13) Madison Keys vs Bethanie Mattek-Sands

This is going to be a matchup between a young player already making waves on the tour, versus a tour veteran who has seen most of her success in doubles. Madison Keys was just four years old when Bethanie Mattek-Sands made her pro debut in 1999. Mattek-Sands has seen limited success in singles, but with five Grand Slam Doubles titles on her resume, she knows how to perform on a big stage. Keys is almost a complete opposite. Keys has made an impact on the tour in Singles and has all the tools to be a super star for the sport. It will be interesting to see how these two players with different play styles do against one another.

(9) Karolina Pliskova vs Agnieska Radwanska

Pliskova and Radwanska are both aggressive veterans on the tour who have seen some success. This should be a good match with a fast pace of play.

Kiki Bertens vs Coco Vandeweghe

This is a matchup of two players who never reached their full potential, but still have time left in their careers. It will be interesting to see these two 26 year olds go at it with the two seed Caroline Wozniacki awaiting the winner.

David Ferrer vs Benoit Paire

Ferrer is a tour veteran who is on the back swing of his career. Ferrer, while a tour veteran should not be overlooked. That being said, Benoit Paire is the reason to see this match. Paire has earned a reputation of being an entertainer on the court. Famous for hitting unnecessary trick shots and extreme angle shots, Paire’s play will lighten any match. See some of Paire's greatest shots below.


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