Welcome to our newest edition of the Panelist Predictions. Today, Niall Clarke, Steen Kirby, and myself will be giving you our thoughts on all four of the men’s quarterfinal matches at the US Open. The top seeds are heavy favorites, but there are always surprises waiting, and one of these matchups actually often produces an upset. Did you know that Stan Wawrinka has lost four straight to Kevin Anderson? Can the South African make this match number five?
Panelist Predictions US Open Men’s Quarterfinals
Feliciano Lopez vs Novak Djokovic
Steen: It’s been a fine run for Feli in a down year for him but Novak is 5-0 in the h2h and though he comes of his “worst” match of the tournament against Bautista-Agut, he’s still in fine form and should cruise.
Prediction: Djokovic in 3
Yesh: Lopez’s run here just makes us wonder what Mardy Fish’s storybook ending could have been had he managed to serve out that second-round match. Lopez has been solid, but he has nothing here that will trouble the Serbian.
Prediction: Djokovic in 3
Niall: Djokovic lost a set to Bautista Agut in his last match but Lopez provides a different proposition. The Spaniard serves big likes to come to the net and possesses a nifty slice backhand. On these courts Lopez could cause Djokovic some problems, but in the end I feel the World #1 will be too much.
Prediction: Djokovic in 3
Jo-Wilfried Tsonga vs Marin Cilic
Niall: The Frenchman has been unbreakable so far, not losing serve and in turn not losing a set. He is seeking his first semifinal here but will have to get through defending champion Cilic to make it to the last four. The Croatian has not hit the heights of last year but it was not until the quarterfinals where he turned it up to win the US Open. However I feel Tsonga’s level, especially on serve, has been very good and I think the Frenchman will find a way through this one.
Prediction: Tsonga in 4
Steen: Both players are in good form and Tsonga, like Lopez, has put together a strong run of form though he’s had a down year overall. Cilic, however, truly enjoys the US Open and his power should push him through this competitive matchup.
Prediction: Cilic in 5
Yesh: This will be a battle of power hitters who came into this tournament out of form but have upped their level as it’s gone on. Tsonga looks to be nearing his nearly-unbreakable self from a few years ago, which should scare the entire field.
Prediction: Tsonga in 4
Stan Wawrinka vs Kevin Anderson
Niall: Wawrinka has cruised through the first four rounds without ever coming out of first gear. However Anderson has beaten him the past four times they have met so Stan will have to step up his game. Anderson’s victory against Murray was epic but he will likely be tired after playing for over four hours. Therefore I am going with Wawrinka.
Prediction: Wawrinka in 4
Yesh: Wawrinka is also someone approaching his peak level as this tournament goes on and Anderson must be exhausted after taking over four hours to upset Andy Murray.
Prediction: Wawrinka in 3
Steen: Anderson is on the best win streak of his career and playing the tennis of his life this season, his dangerous serve and forehand battered past Murray’s every effort, and he’s won the last few meetings against Wawrinka. Stan the Man, however, has far more experience in best of 5 Grand Slams, and I see him eking this one out barely. When he gets this far he tends to come up clutch.
Prediction: Wawrinka in 5
Roger Federer vs Richard Gasquet
Yesh: John Isner seemed to bring Federer down to earth a little and Gasquet looks to be in the best form of his career. I don’t think it will be enough, but an upset here would not shock me in the slightest.
Prediction: Federer in 5
Steen: Federer has never lost to Gasquet on a hard court and he’s been a vintage highlight reel all tournament. After dispatching Isner, the Maestro appears on course for the final and Gasquet should be overmatched.
Prediction: Federer in 3
Niall: Arguably the best player so far, Federer has cruised through without dropping a set. Gasquet’s path has been more complicated but he has weaved his way through a tough draw and played well against Tomas Berdych. However the 14-2 head to head screams bad match-up so I expect Federer to continue his straight sets streak.
Prediction: Federer in 3
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