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Atmane Faces Top Seed Zverev in Cincinnati Return

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Tennis fans are watching a big match at the Cincinnati tournament. Terence Atmane, who reached the semi-finals last year, will play top seed Alexander Zverev in round three.

Zverev is the top seed, which means he is ranked as the best player in the tournament. Reaching round three shows that both players have already won earlier matches.

The big question is whether Atmane can cause an upset. An upset happens when a lower-ranked player beats a stronger opponent. Because Zverev is the top seed, a win for Atmane would surprise many fans.

Sports writers have given their previews and predictions for the match. A preview looks at the players' recent form and history before the game starts.

Another interesting match on the same day is between Jodar and Tabilo. Both matches are part of the round three schedule at Cincinnati.

Betting fans are also looking for the best picks of the day. A pick is a choice about which player or team a person thinks will win.

These predictions come from experts who study the players' styles, past results, and current form. This helps fans decide who might win.

The Cincinnati tournament is an important event on the tennis calendar. Many top players compete there before the US Open.

Fans will be watching closely to see if Atmane can repeat his strong performance from last year, or if Zverev, as the top seed, will move on to the next round.

Vocabulary7 words

semi-finals
the stage with only four players left
top seed
the player ranked number one in a tournament
upset
when a weaker player beats a stronger one
previews
short reports made before an event happens
schedule
the planned list of matches and times
picks
choices people make about who will win
predictions
guesses based on facts about what may happen

Quiz

1. What did Atmane achieve last year in Cincinnati?
2. Why would an Atmane win be called an upset?
3. True or False: Jodar vs. Tabilo is another match happening the same day.

Fill-in-the-blank listening

Play the audio again and fill in the missing words as you listen.

Tennis fans are watching a big match at the Cincinnati tournament. Terence Atmane, who reached the _____ last year, will play top seed Alexander Zverev in round three.

Zverev is the _____, which means he is ranked as the best player in the tournament.

The big question is whether Atmane can cause an _____. This happens when a lower-ranked player beats a stronger opponent.

Sports writers have given their _____ and predictions for the match, looking at the players' recent form and history.

Another interesting match on the same day is between Jodar and Tabilo, part of the round three _____ at Cincinnati.

Betting fans are also looking for the best _____ of the day, choosing who they think will win.

These _____ come from experts who study the players' styles, past results, and current form.

Discussion questions

  1. Do you think it is exciting when a lower-ranked player beats a top seed? Why or why not?
  2. Have you ever watched a tennis match with a surprising result?
  3. Why do you think experts make predictions before sports events?
  4. What other sports do you know where 'upsets' often happen?

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