Canadian Open 2023: Tommy Paul vs Francisco Cerundolo - A Closer Look at Their Showdown
The 2023 Canadian Open will witness a thrilling encounter between Tommy Paul and Francisco Cerundolo as they vie for victory in the second round on Wednesday.
In the initial round, Paul faced off against former top 10 player Diego Schwartzman. The opening set saw a straightforward path, with a lone service break favoring the American, allowing him to claim the set.
Schwartzman displayed an elevated performance level in the second set, securing the final three games and leveling the match. While Schwartzman gained an early lead in the decisive set, Paul swiftly responded, restoring parity.
With Schwartzman serving at 5-4, Paul seized the opportunity, breaking his serve and sealing a hard-fought 6-3, 3-6, 6-4 triumph.
Cerundolo's opener pitted him against the home favorite, Alexis Galarneau. Displaying dominance, Cerundolo broke his opponent's serve twice, securing a 5-1 lead in the first set. Despite facing challenges while closing the set, he managed to secure it on his third set point after saving break points.
Galarneau rallied back from a break down in the second set, eventually clinching it and forcing a deciding set. In a remarkable turnaround, Cerundolo surged ahead 3-0 in the third set. However, Galarneau's momentum was short-lived as Cerundolo staged an impressive comeback, winning the match 6-2, 4-6, 6-4.
Head-to-Head Record:
In their head-to-head record, Cerundolo holds a 2-1 lead over Paul. Their most recent encounter took place in the final of the 2023 Eastbourne International, with Cerundolo prevailing in a three-set battle.
Both players encountered three-set battles in the first round. Paul showcased strong service skills, registering 31 winners against 21 unforced errors. In contrast, Cerundolo displayed a balance of winners and errors.
Player Analysis:
Paul's prowess lies in his serving, with a slight edge over Cerundolo. In this season, Paul has secured victory in 82% of his service games, compared to Cerundolo's 76%. Paul also exhibits remarkable footwork and consistency in his ground game on the surface.
Cerundolo is known for his competitive spirit, particularly when in peak form. It's worth noting that Paul's skills are particularly well-suited to hardcourts, making this match a chance for him to level their head-to-head record.
Prediction:
Anticipate a tightly contested battle, with both players showing their strengths. Given Paul's proficiency on hardcourts, the prediction leans towards him emerging victorious in three sets.