
Jannik Sinner is the overwhelming player to beat following Alcaraz’s withdrawal. The world No. 1 enters Cincinnati after defending his Wimbledon championship and building a substantial lead at the top of the ATP rankings. Alexander Zverev, Novak Djokovic, Ben Shelton and Taylor Fritz form the next group of contenders.
The following numbers are projected tournament odds based on the current field, rankings, recent form and expected hard-court performance. They are not quoted live sportsbook lines and should be compared with the prices offered after the draw is released.
Player Projected Odds
Jannik Sinner-140
Alexander Zverev+700
Novak Djokovic+1000
Ben Shelton+1600
Taylor Fritz+1800
Alex de Minaur+2500
Daniil Medvedev+2800
Felix Auger-Aliassime+3300
Alexander Bublik+4000
Lorenzo Musetti+4500
Frances Tiafoe+5000
Learner Tien+6000
Sinner’s projected price reflects his dominant 2026 season and the absence of the player who defeated him in last year’s Cincinnati final. Zverev remains the most likely alternative because of his serve, backhand and previous success in Mason, but his early Canadian Open loss raises concerns about his current form. Medvedev and Fritz also suffered early exits in Montreal, while Auger-Aliassime withdrew because of a back injury.
Predicted Champion: Jannik Sinner
Sinner has the best combination of current form, hard-court ability, returning skill and baseline consistency in the field. His price will probably be short, but it is difficult to recommend another player unless the official draw places several dangerous opponents in his section.
Zverev possesses the game needed to reach the final, while Djokovic’s experience makes him dangerous despite questions about his ability to withstand several demanding matches over an extended Masters 1000 tournament.
Shelton is the most appealing American contender. His left-handed serve can produce short points in Cincinnati’s summer conditions, and the enthusiastic local crowd should give him additional energy during close matches.
Projected Final: Jannik Sinner over Alexander Zverev Best Longshot: Ben Shelton Top American Prediction: Ben Shelton
Projected Odds: -140
Sinner is not going to offer a large payout, but he remains the most trustworthy championship selection. He owns a massive rankings advantage over nearly every player in the field and has already demonstrated that he can win in Cincinnati, capturing the title in 2024 before finishing runner-up in 2025.
Alcaraz’s withdrawal removes Sinner’s most dangerous rival. Zverev, Medvedev and Fritz are all attempting to recover from disappointing performances in Montreal, while Djokovic skipped that tournament and will enter Cincinnati without recent competitive hard-court matches.
Sinner should be considered playable at -150 or better. Bettors receiving a substantially shorter number may find greater value in waiting for quarter, semifinal or individual-match markets.
Projected Odds: +200
Shelton enters Cincinnati as one of the highest-ranked Americans in the field and possesses the most dangerous serve among the leading United States contenders. The fast, aggressive nature of his game gives him the ability to move through early rounds without spending excessive time on court.
Taylor Fritz remains Shelton’s biggest competition in this market, but his early Canadian Open loss creates questions about his momentum. Frances Tiafoe, Learner Tien, Tommy Paul, Brandon Nakashima and Alex Michelsen are all capable of winning multiple matches, although Shelton offers the best combination of ranking, power and championship upside. The official tournament identified Shelton and Fritz as two of the leading American contenders in the field.
This prop becomes especially attractive if Shelton lands in the opposite half of the draw from Sinner. Look for +200 or better before placing the wager.
Projected Odds: +175
Djokovic has won the Cincinnati Open three times and understands how to manage his energy during a Masters 1000 tournament. His return game, defensive anticipation and ability to solve unfamiliar opponents make him particularly reliable during the early rounds.
There are reasonable concerns. Djokovic skipped the Canadian Open, meaning Cincinnati will be his first competitive tournament since Wimbledon. He will also need to navigate an expanded 96-player field during an important preparation period for the US Open.
However, the top seeds receive first-round byes, and Djokovic’s ranking should prevent him from facing another leading contender immediately. His championship experience makes a semifinal appearance more realistic than asking him to defeat Sinner and win the entire event.
This wager is worth considering at +175 or better, although the official draw should be reviewed before making the final decision.
Projected Odds: +250
Zverev is the most logical selection to emerge from the opposite half of the draw from Sinner. The 2021 Cincinnati champion has the serving power needed to protect his service games and one of the best two-handed backhands in professional tennis.
His recent defeat to Tallon Griekspoor in Montreal prevents this from being a risk-free selection. Zverev struggled to close that match after reaching the Wimbledon final, suggesting fatigue or a temporary decline in confidence may be factors.
The wager should only be placed if Zverev avoids Djokovic, Shelton and several dangerous unseeded servers in his portion of the bracket. At +250 or better, however, his experience and favorable hard-court profile provide reasonable value.
Projected Odds: +2800
Medvedev is the high-risk longshot selection. The 2019 Cincinnati champion remains one of the most accomplished hard-court players in the field, and his unusual return position can frustrate powerful servers who depend on quick points.
His current form is a major concern. Medvedev lost in straight sets to Botic van de Zandschulp during his opening match in Montreal, continuing an inconsistent period for the former US Open champion.
That inconsistency is also why his projected price could become attractive. A former Cincinnati champion with Medvedev’s hard-court résumé should not be ignored if sportsbooks post him at +2500 or longer. He is not the safest selection, but he offers more championship experience than many players listed within the same odds range.
The safest wager is Sinner to win the championship, especially at -150 or better. Shelton offers the best American prop, while Djokovic reaching the semifinals provides a way to back the three-time champion without requiring him to win the entire tournament.
Zverev is the preferred finalist from outside Sinner’s section, and Medvedev provides the most interesting longshot price. Every selection should be reevaluated after the singles draw is released because projected quarterfinal and semifinal matchups will significantly affect the value.
Best Bet: Jannik Sinner to win the tournament
Best Prop Bet: Ben Shelton to finish as the top American
Best Plus-Money Bet: Novak Djokovic to reach the semifinals
Best Longshot: Daniil Medvedev to win the tournament
Predicted Final: Jannik Sinner defeats Alexander Zverev

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