Wimbledon‘s 2018 men’s quarterfinals look to be thrillers as some of the biggest names in men’s tennis are still in contention for the title. Our panelists offer up their previews and predictions.
Roger Federer vs Kevin Anderson
Steen Kirby: Federer has never lost to Anderson and he hasn’t dropped a set this Wimbledon in 4 matches. Anything could happen but realistically Anderson is not going to challenge Federer under the circumstances. Federer in 3
Manuel Traquete: Federer has thoroughly dominated this matchup and there’s no reason to expect anything different this time around. Unreturnable 1st serves will be Anderson’s only consistent source of points. Federer in 3
Brett Margolies: It’s hard to see Anderson giving Federer much of a problem. Federer has rolled through to the quarterfinals effortlessly. Anderson’s serve on grass can do damage, so maybe he can take a set, but I can’t see him doing much more than that. Federer in 4
Lukas Weese: Roger Federer is looking to make yet another semifinal at Wimbledon as he takes on South African Kevin Anderson. Federer has lost a combined 28 games in his last three matches and has not dropped a set. Anderson relies heavily on his serve; last match he converted 80 percent of his first serve points and racked up 20 aces. But you need more than a serve to beat the Swiss Maestro. Federer’s complete arsenal of weapons, from serve to ground strokes will prevail as he heads to another semifinal. Federer in 3
Yesh Ginsburg: Federer has not been troubled at all this tournament, but Anderson is the biggest hitter he’s had to face so far. Federer hasn’t been amazing on return and in rallies this tournament, so he might be a bit vulnerable. He’ll probably lose a tiebreak here. Federer in 4
Milos Raonic vs John Isner
Steen: Isner has a h2h edge but Raonic is better on grass. Isner has cruised the past couple of rounds and he’s a great tiebreak player (which looks likely in this contest). That said, given the surface I’ll back Raonic to advance through into the semifinals. Raonic in 4
Manuel: A clash of the serving titans. It’d be not be a surprise if there are no breaks in this match and it all comes down to who is more clutch in the tiebreaks. If it goes to a 5th set, we might be in it for the long run. Isner in 5
Brett: If this match goes to a fifth set, I don’t know if it will ever end. Expect a lot of tiebreakers and short points. Isner is playing a little better right now so I’d give him the advantage, but this match will be decided by a few key points in what won’t be the prettiest to watch. Isner in 4
Lukas: Arguably the two best servers on tour are going toe to toe for a spot in the semifinals. Raonic has only dropped one set this tournament which is an impressive feat for a player who is coming back from injury. He is facing a quality player in Isner, who can rack up aces like no one on tour. It will be competitive but I like Raonic to pull through and advance to the semifinals. Raonic in 4
Yesh: Isner has been slightly better than Raonic from the baseline this tournament, but that won’t matter. Neither of these two guys will be able to break serve. The winner will be the one who blinks less in the four tiebreaks. Isner in 4
Novak Djokovic vs Kei Nishikori
Steen: Djokovic has a massive h2h advantage and he’s in blistering form. Nishikori has had a great tournament and could threaten for trophies during the hard court season, but Djokovic when playing at this caliber is hard to topple, especially with Nishikori’s countering game. Djokovic in 3
Manuel: This matchup has been a nightmare for Nishikori ever since his 2014 US Open victory. 13 consecutive wins for Djokovic, including 2 this year in the clay Masters. Nishikori will probably break the duck at some point, but it’s unlikely to happen on grass at a Slam. Djokovic in 4
Brett: Djokovic had no trouble in his round of 16 win over Karen Khachanov. He’ll be the fresher of the two as Nishikori had injury issues in his win over Ernests Gulbis. I don’t know if a fully fit Nishikori would beat Djokovic right now, but certainly not a hobbled Nishikori. Djokovic in 3
Lukas: Novak Djokovic is starting to get back to that superstar form that saw him win 12 majors. He is facing Kei Nishikori, who he has met 15 times and won 13 of those matches. Nishikori is coming off a four set victory over Ernests Gulbis, where he hit 47 winners. Djokovic is coming off a straight set victory and has now won 21 of his last 24 sets played. Nishikori will make this match close and entertaining but Djokovic is playing at a high level once again, where he isn’t committing a lot of unforced errors. The Serbian takes this match and advances to the semifinals. Djokovic in 4
Yesh: Djokovic has been in blistering form, and Nishikori doesn’t seem 100% healthy. This should be an easy one. Djokovic in 3
Juan Martin Del Potro vs Rafael Nadal
Steen: Del Potro is probably the favorite, he’s playing exceptionally well, but things aren’t that gloomy for Nadal when you look at it. He’s never lost to JMDP on grass, and he hasn’t dropped a set this tournament. Del Potro had to play an extra day against Simon R16 and may not be as fresh. Nadal’s toughest opponent of the tournament will be Del Potro (to this point), Del Potro has the power to make him uncomfortable and defuse his groundstrokes. Nadal has also struggled at Wimbledon lately. That said, I have a feeling Rafa will rise to the occasion here and remain in contention for another Wimbledon title. Nadal in 5
Manuel: Nadal has thwarted del Potro’s Slam hopes in 2 of the last 3 Slams, but this time the match will be played on grass, which gives the Argentine a much better chance to pull off the upset win. Nadal is still the world #1, but he has struggled in this surface, with this being his first quarterfinal appearance since 2011. Del Potro in 4
Brett: This has to be the best match of the quarterfinals by far. Nadal has arguably looked the best he ever has during the first week of Wimbledon due to the favorable conditions. Del Potro has the style of play on grass that hurts Nadal so it can go either way. Nadal is probably playing just a little bit better right now so I think he’ll get through, but will definitely be close. Nadal in 5
Lukas: This is by far the most entertaining quarterfinal on the Gentlemen’s draw. These two have faced off 15 times, with Nadal winning 10 of these meetings. Nadal is coming off a straight set victory and has been punishing opponents with his dominant left-handed groundstrokes. Del Potro just came off a victory over Gilles Simon and will rely on his powerful forehand in trying to defeat Nadal. This match has the makings of a classic, with both hungry to get back to the semifinals. I think Nadal pulls through. Nadal in 5
Yesh: Nadal hasn’t impressed me at all this tournament, but he has yet to face someone who can take advantage. Del Potro is someone who can take out Nadal, but he has not been playing nearly cleanly enough to do it. Add the fact that fatigue will probably be a factor, and Nadal should move through. Nadal in 4
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