Heartbreaker.

Two players I've backed a lot this year, but I have to admit that right now they’re not giving me the best impression.

It’s looking better for JM Cerundolo with his win over Baez, who was admittedly tired, but on JM’s side it was almost perfect. He served a bit better than in recent matches, and I found him back to the version I like: ultra solid from the baseline and lethal on the forehand side, mixing in a few well-placed attacks to surprise. For a few matches I’d found him much more labored, but I don’t want to get carried away either because, as I said, Baez was really not having a good day and even ended up retiring. It’s a bit different with Buse because I think the problem has mainly been physical for some time now and, in this tournament, he’s still not at his best, even tennis-wise. He got past Walton while coming close to choking and, today against Altmaier, he played relatively well but deserved to lose the second set that he somehow managed to turn around. It’s better from him too, but it’s not perfect; I’m only moderately convinced by both of them.

JM Cerundolo is the one leading 2–0 in the head-to-head, which is significant because Buse loses value and effectiveness when he can’t clearly blow his opponent off the court. Today, he managed to do that against Altmaier, who doesn’t attack intelligently and can rack up as many as 50 unforced errors per match. Cerundolo, on the other hand, is not that type of player. He attacks intelligently, especially with his forehand, which he disguises well. On top of that, he’s developed good tennis IQ over the years, sometimes complemented by effective net play. I don’t really like the match-up for Buse, because conversely, I don’t think he has enough power to beat our Argentine friend for pace. He could win by grinding him down, but it’s quite tricky.

I rated J.M. Cerundolo slightly higher based on current form, and given the way their matches have gone this week, I’d say he’s still a bit ahead, even very recently.