Will Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer continue their march to the semifinals? can Juan Martin Del Potro find the belief to continue his push for a second US Open title? Monday’s men’s matches at the US Open will help answer these questions. Our panel of Steen Kirby and Yesh Ginsburg offer their insights.
Rafael Nadal vs. Alexandr Dolgopolov
Steen: Nadal leads the h2h 5-2 and despite some shaky play at times through three matches, he’s been a survivor where others have already been dropped out of the tournament. Dolgopolov dismantled Troicki in the third round and has always had the talent to win big matches like this, but Rafa’s tenacity can’t be overstated. Nadal in 5
Yesh: Dolgopolov has been impressive getting here, and Nadal has been shaky at times. I think this is where we see the Spaniard fall, same round as last year. Dolgopolov in 4
David Goffin vs. Andrey Rublev
Steen: A fantastic run for Rublev, I’ll back it to continue as I’m not sold on Goffin yet. Shapovalov gets all the attention, but the real next gen star of this US Open may well be Rublev. Rublev in 4
Yesh: Rublev is in the midst of an exciting breakout tournament, and if he keeps up this level he should be able to beat Goffin. Goffin is too consistent, though, and should be able to outlast the young Russian in pressure situations. Goffin in 5
Roger Federer vs. Philipp Kohlschreiber
Steen: Federer is 11-0 against the veteran German and looked much better in round 3 than in his previous matches. Kohlschreiber has made a great run and has won 11 of his last 12 matches but it won’t be enough. Federer in 3
Yesh: Federer’s back looked fine on Saturday night. The Swiss struggled in his first two rounds, and Kohlschreiber is good enough to beat an ailing Federer–but not a healthy one. Federer in 4
Juan Martin Del Potro vs Dominic Thiem
Steen: After Del Potro dismantled RBA in round 3 I’m a believer in his ability to at least reach the semifinals. Thiem is a great player, but Del Potro’s experience and power will kick in here to give him an edge. Del Potro in 4
Yesh: This should be a tremendous match, and it will tell us just how good del Potro is this tournament. The tall Argentine can win it all if he gets through this match. Del Potro in 4
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