Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the ATP Cincinnati match.
The first-ever meeting between Auger-Aliassime and Bonzi in the Cincinnati last 16 brings together the Canadian’s booming first serve against the Frenchman’s stubborn counter-punching. The key question: will Bonzi have enough left in the tank after his exhausting route here to cope with the pace and aggression on this quick hard court?
Felix Auger-Aliassime
Auger-Aliassime has been clinical against players outside the top 50 on this surface, winning 7 of 10 such matches this season. His performances can fluctuate, though — he was flawless against Tomas Etcheverry, but his accuracy dipped against Arthur Rinderknech (60% first serve in, 2/11 break points converted). Even so, his serving power and ability to apply sustained pressure on return often allow him to swing sets in his favour. In Cincinnati, Felix beat the Argentine by five games and was three points up when rain interrupted his match with the Frenchman.
Benjamin Bonzi
Bonzi has been dragged into a string of “marathon” matches since arriving in the US — four of his last five have featured either a tie-break or split sets. Here in Cincinnati, he’s already played three three-setters, spending over eight hours on court. Across those matches, he’s hit 15 double faults and averaged just 59% first-serve accuracy. Against the relentless pace of Auger-Aliassime, holding serve without dips will be an uphill battle, particularly late in sets.
Felix Auger-Aliassime vs Benjamin Bonzi Prediction
With the likelihood of at least one competitive set, Auger-Aliassime’s heavier game and fresher legs should still see him pull away on the scoreboard. Bonzi’s fatigue after so many long matches only strengthens the Canadian’s hand.
