The German Tennis Championships are underway with some boys taking their final swings on clay. Here’s hoping for a Thiem v Schwartzman final on the weekend, but the Monfils and Gasquets of the draw might have something to say about that; it’s clay, so anything is possible even though Dominic and Diego know that we know they should decide this championship.

In Switzerland, Fognini looks to back-up his title last week? Not putting any money on that.

What I am aiming for is a chance to see Felix Auger-Aliassime face-off with Borna Coric in QF play there. That could be a real gem of high quality court youth.

Finally, Atlanta has some real potential. Isner, top seed there, gets the mini Hewitt in 2R — his name is Alex for those late to that party. One of our all-time favorites, Youzhny, former world #8, announced his 2018 retirement following the North American hard courts and a final farewell at the St. Petersburg Open in September. He gets Mischa Zverev next in Atlanta.

Chung and Fritz face-off today there in Atlanta. Kyrgios is at the bottom of that draw. Certainly a few fellas to keep our eyes on as we get set for some big hard court tennis over the next several weeks.

Make sure to read my Wimbledon 2008 v Wimbledon 2018 post. Spot on.