The 2017 US Open has third round action on Saturday including former US Open champion Juan Martin Del Potro taking on Roberto Bautista Agut. Our panel of Steen Kirby and Yesh Ginsburg previews the biggest matches of the day.
Viktor Troicki vs. Alexandr Dolgopolov
Steen: Troicki has a h2h edge but he’s played journeyman through two rounds, Dolgopolov has a higher ceiling but struggles for fitness. This match could get ugly but i’ll back the human highlight reel Dolgopolov. Dolgopolov in 4
Yesh: Dolgopolov’s upset win over Berdych was impressive, even if his first round wasn’t. Troicki has also been inconsistent this tournament, so I’ll go for the more talented player coming off the bigger win. Dolgopolov in 4
Gael Monfils vs. David Goffin
Steen: Goffin was struggling for form entering the US Open and he’s had to scratch through two rounds. Monfils wasn’t in the best form either but his game has picked up in New York. Monfils should outmuscle Goffin. Monfils in 4
Yesh: This is an underrated match that really could set the tone for the whole tournament. Goffin is more consistent than Monfils, but the Frenchman has greater potential to beat the top players in the later rounds. Monfils has struggled this tournament, so I’ll trust Goffin. Goffin in 4
Andrey Rublev vs. Damir Dzumhur
Steen: Rublev has more talent but Dzumhur is red hot, form over talent in this one as the Bosnian should pull off a surprise and reach week 2. Dzumhur in 5
Yesh: Who would have ever predicted this as a Grand Slam third round? Rublev has more talent and more upside, so I’ll go with him for now. Rublev in 3
Roberto Bautista Agut vs. Juan Martin Del Potro
Steen: Bautista Agut is on fire, Del Potro has more slam experience, but the steady Spaniard should overcome Del Potro’s power and gain a big win. The winner of this match has a shot to do more damage later on. Bautista Agut in 4
Yesh: Is Bautista-Agut the most under-the-radar Top 15 players ever? He’s just kind of there, getting solid results in every tournament but never amazing ones. He’s solid and consistent, but if Del Potro is on form he’s going to blast the Spaniard off the court. Del Potro in 3
Dominic Thiem vs. Adrian Mannarino
Steen: Thiem has never lost to Mannarino, the Frenchman should keep it close given his good form, but Thiem has too big of a game as long as he can adjust his timing to fit Mannarino’s loopy game. Thiem in 4
Yesh: Thiem gave away a set in his second match, and Mannarino has been surprisingly consistent this tournament. The Frenchman is very quietly in the Top 35, but Thiem is motivated to make this his real breakout Slam. He’s not losing before the second week here. Thiem in 4
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