For the second consecutive week, Novak Djokovic fell in the third round of a tournament and this time, to Tommy Robredo.  TOMMY ROBREDO.  The Spaniard has had a brilliant week, winning all his matches in straight sets.  Despite these rather surprising losses, I’d still take Djokovic as the favourite to win the US Open.  I can’t say that I am feeling particularly enthused about mens tennis right now…

1. Andy Murray v Roger Federer (ATP Cincy, QF)

Andy Murray booked his spot in the quarter-finals with a huge win over John Isner, saving two match points to win 6-7(3) 6-4 7-6(2) in two hours and 23 minutes.  It was a high quality match and Isner was perhaps the better player over the course of the entire match.  He was really aggressive and showed some delightfully deft touch at the net.  Murray’s first serve disappeared as he served up two double faults at *5-6 in the third set.  Isner could have done better with a volley on the first match point.  Murray’s returning and defence was particularly impressive at the end of the match and he produced this sensational shot to set up game point at *5-6 40-40.

Isner played a poor third set tiebreak, double faulting on the final point.  It was a sad way to end what was a good match and a very encouraging performance from Isner.  Murray goes through to play Roger Federer in the quarter-finals.  Roger’s started his campaign in Cincy with two three set wins over Vasek Pospisil and Gael Monfils.  His third round match against Monfils, which he won, 6-4 4-6 6-3, sounded like a really entertaining match.  In the head-to-head Murrays leads 11-10.  Murray v Federer matches have been pretty rare on the tour in recent years.  Their last two matches have come at the Australian Open with Federer winning in Melbourne at the start of this year in four sets.  I was impressed with Murray’s performance against Isner and although I was asleep when Federer v Monfils was on, I think he will the fresher and also, the winner.

Prediction: Murray d. Federer in 3 sets

ATP Cincy Quarter-Final Predictions

David Ferrer d. Tommy Robredo in 2 tight sets: Ferrer has a very solid record over Robredo.  Also, i’m not sure how Robredo will be able to back up his win over Novak.

Stan Wawrinka d. Julien Benneteau in 3 sets: Benneteau has a good record over Stan, winning two of their last three matches and he’s playing much better of late.  I’d still take Wawrinka to make the semi-finals now after he beat Cilic, 3-6 6-0 6-1 in the third round.

Milos Raonic d. Fabio Fognini in 2 sets: Please Milos.  I never thought I’d be cheering for you, but PLEASE MILOS.