ATP Cincinnati Open Odds: Medvedev, Nadal Battle For No.1

With the Western & Southern Open underway this week, we look at the main storyline dominating the tournament and, equally,  the ATP Cincinnati Open odds board. That is the battle between Medvedev and Nadal for the ATP No.1 ranking in Cincy.

The pair are the top favorites in the tournament and they fall on opposite sides of the draw. Should things go to plan according to the draw, it’s possible that they could decide the title between them when all is said and done.

More importantly, though, Nadal could upset Medvedev from his perch at the top of the ATP ranking this week if he wins the title and Medvedev loses before the quarterfinals. The implications of this are significant with the US Open fast approaching on the ATP tennis schedule.

If the latest Cincy tennis odds were any indication, the outlook is optimistic for the current World No.1 Medvedev the player to beat priced at +350 while Nadal firmly nips at his heels as the +400 bet.

Does that mean Medvedev is the best bet to win Cincy and, in turn, retain his No.1 ranking? Can Nadal dethrone Medvedev before the US Open? Or will another player crash the party in Cincy?

Medvedev +350 To Win Title In Cincy

World No. 1 Daniil Medvedev needs two wins to secure his top ranking through to the 2022 US Open where he’ll be embarking on his first-ever title defense at a grand slam. As per the ATP Cincinnati Open odds, he’s the player to beat.

The 25-year-old Russian will certainly be motivated to deliver on his ATP tennis betting odds – he needs to reach the quarterfinals at the very least to maintain his No.1 ranking.

Medvedev is on good form and recently won the title in Los Cabos. A player’s form is always a good indicator of a player’s chances and it factors in the shaping of the tennis odds.

Of course, things don’t always fall in line with the odds. Case in point,  Medvedev was ousted in the first round of the National Bank Open in Montreal last week where he too was tipped as the firm favorite to win the title. It was the case of a tough draw there. A tough opening matchup against big-serving Aussie Nick Kyrgios which he lost in three sets.

Medvedev’s draw is no picnic in Cincy. It’s loaded with threats, including top Americans in the early rounds. Although he might be able to survive those first few precarious rounds to potentially secure the No.1 ranking, winning the title will be more challenging.

He could come up against Kyrgios in the quarters for instance or a number of top players such Stefanos Tsitsipas or Poland’s Hubert Hurkacz, who is coming off a runner-up finish in Canada.

So, is Medvedev a good bet as the top favorite + 350? Should bettors consider backing the Russian to come through in Cincy?

One can’t dismiss Medvedev entirely because when he’s in top form, he’s one of the toughest players to beat on a hard court. But this is the first time he’s facing all these kinds of pressures. It’s one thing to be the player that is doing the chasing. Another to be the one that is being chased.

Nadal +400 To Win Title in Cincy

Rafael Nadal is back in action this week for the first time since he withdrew from the Wimbledon semi-finals with an abdominal injury.

Arguably, the potential to clinch the No.1 ranking before the US Open is one of the many motivating factors that brought the Spaniard to Cincy. Another is getting his game warmed up for the US Open.

Nadal is the consummate competitor and whenever he steps onto a court, he’s the player to beat without a doubt. For that reason alone, he’s always worth betting on.

However, his form is a big question mark seeing as he hasn’t played since Wimbledon. And that uncertainty does take the shine off of his odds to win the title in Cincy, even if his ATP Cincinnati Open odds are favorable.

Nadal’s draw is tough in Cincinnati with some early dangerous floaters lurking. Should he survive those early rounds, he could face either Jannik Sinner and/or Felix Auger-Aliassime in the quarterfinals.

Nadal is also in the same section of the draw as teenage phenom Carlos Alcaraz, who is priced as the third best bet to win the title at +600.

Nadal will be chasing a 23-grand slam title in Flushing Meadows later this month. Arguably, it’s more important that he gets some match play under his belt and conserves his energy for the US Open than putting all his energy into winning Cincy.

Medvedev, Nadal Battle Impact

Considering the big occasion and the stakes involved, it’s quite possible that the winner of Cincy is outside of these top two bets. Defending the US Open title will be of greater importance to Medvedev. As it is to Nadal, who is chasing his 23 Grand Slam title at Flushing Meadows.