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It is big-server versus athletic returner as Max Purcell meet Pablo Carreno Busta in the second round at the Cincinnati Open
RANKING POINTS: ATP 1000
START DATE/TIME: Thursday 15th August, 2024, UK – not before 5:20pm / US ET – not before 12:20pm / US PT – not before 9:20am
VENUE: Lindner Family Tennis Center, Ohio, USA
SURFACE: Outdoor hard
HOW TO WATCH ON TV: UK – Sky Sports Tennis / US – Tennis Channel
HOW TO WATCH ONLINE: UK – Sky Go / US – Tennis Channel
TICKETS: Visit this link for the latest Max Purcell vs Pablo Carreno Busta ticket information
MAX PURCELL VS PABLO CARRENO BUSTA PREDICTION
The bookies consider this to be a pick’em match with both players’ odds the same and that is no surprise given the quality of the players. They are however completely different profiles with the big-serving Purcell against the quality defensive technician in Carreno Busta.
Purcell was excellent in the first round as he fired down and impressive 15 aces in beating Tomas Machac in straight sets. His 94% win percentage on first serve was particularly impressive and he will be eager to continue that here.
He comes up against Pablo Carreno Busta who continues to work his way back to full fitness after his injury issues. He got his first win over the year against Fabian Marozsan in Montreal before losing to Holger Rune, and then he beat the in-form Sebastian Korda on Wednesday in the first round in Cincinnati.
There is little doubting the quality that Carreno Busta possesses and if he was in full swing, he would undoubtedly be favourite here. There remain question marks over his condition as he returns from a lengthy absence, and that is where the risk lies. Purcell’s serve gives him a chance in any game but we are just going with Carreno Busta to be able to handle that and be too good for the Aussie all-round.
MAX PURCELL VS PABLO CARRENO BUSTA TIP: PABLO CARRENO BUSTA TO WIN