Novak Djokovic looks to claim his first Cincinnati title.
© Jerry Fritsch
Will Victoria Azarenka make a run for the Cincy title once again?
© Victor Kincer
World No.1 Serena Williams takes the court to defend her title here.
© Picasa
The 2015 Western & Southern Open officially kicked off Friday night with the annual Draw Party, where both the men’s and men's and women's singles main and qualifying draws for the tournament were made.
On the men’s side of things it is the potential quarterfinal match-ups that stand out. If seeds stand we could see:
- A French Open final rematch between Novak Djokovic and Stan Wawrinka
- A thrilling match-up of Kei Nishikori vs. Tomas Berdych
- A battle of the Grand Slam champions as reigning US Open victor Marin Cilic could meet two-time Major champion Andy Murray
- An incredible 34th Rafael Nadal-Roger Federer battle
Trying not to get ahead of ourselves, two all-American first round meetings caught our eye. Big serving John Isner will face off with sometimes doubles partner Sam Querrey, who leads their head-to-head 3-1. In an American young gun battle it’s a first time meeting for wild card Bjorn Fratangelo and Jack Sock.
Check out the full men’s draw HERE.
On the women’s side of things four former champions headline the field: Serena Williams (2014), Victoria Azarenka (2013), Maria Sharapova (2011) and Jelena Jankovic (2009).
It is the potential second round meeting between former World No.1s Caroline Wozniacki and Victoria Azarenka that has fans talking. Azarenka leads the series against Wozniacki 6-4, having faced one another three times this year, all straight-set wins by Azarenka. The pair faced in at the 2013 W&S Open, with Azarenka winning 6-3, 7-6 (5) in the quarterfinals en route to claiming the title.
We could have a rematch of last year’s final between Serena Williams and Ana Ivanovic. The two could face off in the quarterfinals if the seeds advance as expected. World No.1 Williams won their 2014 meeting in straight sets.
American young gun, Madison Keys, will face No.12 seed Timea Bacsinszky in the opening round. Bacsinszky won their only meeting 6-4, 6-2 in the third round of this year’s French Open, en route to her semifinal run.
Check out the full women’s draw HERE.
Play begins for the two-round qualifying tournament on Saturday at 10 am. Seven men and 12 women will advance from the qualifying into the main draw.