Just some news & notes to start.
Nadal OUT w/knee issues. Very realistic that he misses the US Open. Verdasco, Almagro out. Tsonga out after running into a fire hydrant. YES, that is 100% hilarious and true. Suffered a cut that needed stitches, so he sits until the Open. Murray is in for now. I think he's going to give it a go because of all the points he has to defend, but he won't hesitate to pull out if his knee continues to hurt. Djokovic will be there. Federer will be there. I think Federer is one to watch. Refreshed and likely to have a little chip on his shoulder from the Olympics. I'm not discounting Djokovic this week after a solid week in Toronto so far - there is a week in between Cincy & the US Open for rest, so don't look for him to lack effort since he has Finals points to defend.
Cincy Seeds: Federer, Djokovic, Murray, Ferrer, Berdych, Del Potro, Tipsarevic, Monaco, Isner, Fish
Will have a full preview before Monday, but expect full effort from the majority of the top guys who are here this week. This is THE PREP tourney for the US Open this year due to the Olympic schedule. Guys should be looking for form here.