On Tuesday, fans selection was immense and will repeat again Wednesday. Notables on deck for the WTA were Venus Williams, Simona Halep, Jo Konta, Alize Cornet, Catherine “Cici” Bellis, Jelena Ostapenko and more. The ATP saw strong performances by Ivo Karlovic, John Isner, Yuichi Sugita, Juan Martin Del Potro, David Ferrer, wounded warrior Nick Kyrgios and hands-down, No. 7 Dominic Thiem was on fire against Fabio Fognini on the Grandstand.

Singles Draw Departures

ATP Notables: Tomas Berdych [CZE], Jack Sock [USA], David Goffin [BEL], Steve Johnson [USA], Tommy Paul [USA] Fabio Fognini [ITA], Jo Wilfred Tsonga [FRA], Kevin Andersen [RSA] and Milos Raonic withdrew citing a sore wrist.

WTA Notables: Alison Riske [USA], Ana Konjuh [CRO], Agnieszka Radwanska [POL], Catherine Bellis [USA], Kiki Bertens [NED], Lucie Safarova [CZE], Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova [RUS], Taylor Townsend [USA] and Caroline Garcia [FRA]

Tuesday-Presser Highlights

Alexander Zverev Post Doubles Match Presser

Zverev arrived at press after a tight doubles loss to Marc Lopez and Feliciano Lopez, 2-6 7-6(2) 10-6 with partner Leander Paes. Despite this, Alexander Zverev was in a joking mood. He revealed that Leander approached him to play in Cincy. Those who got into court 11 today were fortunate. Given his laser focus on singles, the 4th seed is not likely to play doubles often.

His presser was comical. We were also joined by the ATP’s Marcelo Melo who took it on the chin when he miss-quoted Zverev’s 1000 series win record… but it was in good fun. And in case you are wondering, the very photogenic Zverev pooch will not have a Facebook or Twitter account. “Let him be a dog.” (Laughing)

Venus Williams d. Alison Riske 6-2 6-0 Presser

In search of a 50th career singles title, Venus Williams was efficient winning in straight sets over fellow American, Alison Riske.  With today’s result, it could be easy to forget that Venus manages an illness every day, Sjogren’s syndrome. When asked about that and how she manages it she said, “As professional athletes, if we decide to walk on the court, it doesn’t matter what you’re dealing with, you need to get out there and hold your head high and complete. And if you are not prepared, do your best to prepare again. So that’s what I do.” On becoming a first-time aunt soon, she’s doing a good bit of shopping and she got the “low-down” from mom on what to buy.

Venus also revealed that her last book was a lot of work… but that said, she does have another idea…Next up for Venus Williams is Australian, Ashleigh Barty.

John Isner d. Tommy Paul [WC] 6-3 6-3

John Isner delivered an impressive performance under the lights and heat of center court. He faced fellow American and wild card, Tommy Paul. Despite the effort of Paul, Isner was at another level. In just under one hour, Isner exited the victor, 6-3 6-3. In classic style, he delivered very clean service games with 16 aces, zero double-faults and faced no break points.

In contrast, Isner won 60% of break points and was returning well. To Paul’s credit, he held serve in the 1st set until game 6. No doubt feeling pressure to hold, a double-fault crept in and John seized the break. With the door open, he quickly walked thru delivering 3 aces in a row to go up 5-2. The rest is history. Next up for Isner is another American wild card Frances Tiafoe or the German on the move, Alexander Zverev.

In press, Isner talked about recognizing when he is playing “tentative” tennis. The key to avoiding that is to stay in the present moment. He described that sometimes his mind gets foggy with unclear thoughts. It is in those moments that he struggles. He is working hard to overcome that.

Wednesday evening, both World No. 1s headline. First up Western & Southern Open defending champion, Karolina Pliskova takes on a “Lucky Loser,” Russian Natalia Vikhlyantseva. This is their first ever match. These types of matches can challenge the best due to lack of history and knowledge of the playing style of their opponent.  Meanwhile, the underdog opponent having nothing to lose sometimes plays “lights out tennis.” With 321 aces year-to-date, Pliskova should be on solid ground.

The ATP follows with Rafael Nadal joining a familiar foe on center court, Richard Gasquet. One handed versus 2-handed backhand matches are always interesting and these two have a long history. Rafa has dominated leading the head-to-head 14-0. But let’s just wait and see.

 In all, there are thirty-nine matches scheduled for Wednesday with something for everyone including two more doubles blockbusters, WTA: Martina Hingis and Yung-Jan Chan take on team USA Raquel Atawo and Coco Vandeweghe while the ATP hosts Marc Lopez and Feliciano Lopez versus the record holding Bryan Brothers. These “big” matches are scheduled on the outer courts so arrive early.