I’d have said Sinner is a lock for this because this tournament uses the super slow, ultra-dead Dunlop AO balls, but Medvedev seemed to imply they might be faster this year, which helps Carlos. I’ll still say Sinner, but it’s 70-30. CA can still run into some trouble against a big, flat hitter in night conditions, and he puts a disproportionate amount of pressure on himself to win this particular event, which is probably why he let Novak get in his head last year.
A lot of people are hyping Bublik, but I think he will flop. He never does well in back-to-back events. And Musetti is my darkhorse, I think people are really underestimating him (though yes, I still wouldn’t be surprised if he went out early).
Beyond that, I’m dreading this event. As a Daniil fan it’s my white whale, and I know the odds are almost impossible for him. And once he’s lost, that means the dream of there being justice for that hellish night 4 years ago (and then reliving the trauma over two years later) is over for another year, and who knows how many more years there will be. All there is to do is pray to God, even though it is wrong and idolatry, that he can provide the miracles he needs.
