Defending champion Rafa Nadal has pulled out of this year’s Rogers Cup with a wrist injury. The news has also cast doubt over the Spaniards chances of defending his US Open crown later this month. His absence means that Novak Djokovic will be the clear favourite ahead of Roger Federer as the Croatian attempts to win his fourth title in Toronto.
Number one seed Djokovic has yet to play a tournament since his gruelling Wimbledon victory against Federer last month and has been handed a tricky draw on his return. He could potentially face Gael Monfils and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga on the way to the quarter-finals where he could face Andy Murray, Richard Gasquet, Bernard Tomic or Nick Kyrgios to name a few. Despite the tough draw, Djokovic has the form to make it to the final but the 4/7 from Bet365 is the best price you will get.
Roger Federer is back at the tournament after a two year absence and has a more favourable draw. The Wimbledon finalist looks in great shape and can be backed at a decent price of 6/4 with Bet365 to make this year’s final.
Murray has not performed well in Toronto since 2010 and a combination of his current form and a tough draw makes it hard to fancy him in this tournament. However, he needs points in order to push for a top eight seeding in New York and, with just a couple of tournaments left to play, this could be just the incentive the Scot needs to regain some focus and form.
The young Australians, Nick Kyrgios and Bernard Tomic could both have a chance to cause early round problems for Andy Murray and may be ones to watch in Toronto along with Kitzbuehel finalist Dominic Thiem.
Canadian fans will be buzzing after watching Milos Raonic beat Vasek Pospisil in the first ever all-Canadian ATP final in Washington on Sunday. The Citi Open victory has lifted Raonic to number six in the World as he continues to cement his place in the World top ten. The Wimbledon semi-finalist will enter the tournament full of confidence and with the frenzied support of the home crowd behind him, anything is possible. He can be backed at 6/4 with BetVictor to win his quarter and he has been handed a decent draw.
A Djokovic/Federer final looks likely and can be backed at 5/2 with Skybet. As for the winner – Federer is in good form and the three set format will give him a decent chance if he does face the Croatian. You can back him at 9/2 with most bookmakers.