Super Saturday at the 2018 US Open features the conclusion of men’s third round action as the bottom half of the draw including Roger Federer are in action. Our panelists break down the key matchups.
Marin Cilic vs Alex De Minaur
Yesh: De Minaur is very quietly having what could be his breakthrough Slam. I’m not quite sure if he’s up to toppling a former US Open champion, though. Cilic in 5
Steen: De Minaur is a tough out right now but Cilic is a former champion and in his current form he could take a second US Open title. I’d consider it unlikely that Cilic’s power doesn’t get him past an undersized ADM. Cilic in 3
Diego Schwartzman vs Kei Nishikori
Yesh: This is a matchup of two of the best under-the-radar guys on tour right now. I’m not sure about Nishikori’s health, though. Schwartzman seems like the safer pick, especially since it has cooled down a big. Schwartzman in 4
Steen: Nishikori is in the better form of these two, presuming he’s fit he should win the battle of undersized ball strikers who play well from the baseline. Nishikori should execute more consistently. Nishikori in 4
Richard Gasquet vs Novak Djokovic
Yesh: Gasquet has been solid getting here, but he has shown nothing this year to indicate that he’s still able to challenge the world’s best. Djokovic in 3
Steen: Djokovic is 12-1 against Gasquet in their careers and although he’s dropped sets in both of his matches so far, Gasquet is unlikely to have the composure needed to pull the upset. The Frenchman struggles against the games elite and for that reason I’ll back Djokovic. Djokovic in 4
Philipp Kohlschreiber vs Alexander Zverev
Yesh: Kohschreiber is an enigma. He’s always had a solid career, but has somehow only reached one Slam quarterfinal. He has a real chance to make a second here. I think that Zverev’s Slam woes continue. Kohlschreiber in 5
Steen: Zverev is the better player at this point in their careers and given he’s had smooth sailing early on I don’t see the current form of Kohlschreiber being able to trip up his path to a deeper run in New York. Zverev in 3
Roger Federer vs Nick Kyrgios
Yesh: Which Kyrgios will show up? That’s the question here. Federer’s level hasn’t been that great this tournament, so if Kyrgios comes to play inspired he will win easily. Is that ever a safe assumption with Kyrgios? No, but he usually brings his best against the biggest names. Kyrgios in 4
Steen: Kyrgios has a h2h win against the Swiss Maestro (Miami 2017) but Federer still leads the matchup 2-1 and surely he’ll be more focused in this one. Kyrgios at his best could win this matchup but he’s dropped sets in both of his matches so far while Federer has had smooth sailing. This should be routine for Federer. Federer in 3
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