The men’s quarterfinals at the 2018 US Open will be settled on Monday with three former champions and a former finalist all in action. Our panelists break it down.
Novak Djokovic vs Joao Sousa
Steen Kirby: Joao Sousa has quickly become the most accomplished Portugese ATP player in history, but for all of his accomplishments he’s still a heavy underdog against Djokovic, who has improved as the tournament has gone on and now has to be considered a clear co-favorite for the title. I expect Sousa to play near his best, with Djokovic advancing in 4 sets. Djokovic in 4
David Adair: Djokovic seems to be settling into a defensive platform building groove now that the head that unsettled his first round match against Fucsovics, have relented. He looked sharp and crisp against Gasquet round 3.
It was looking like he’d be the first of the big three to go, but not anymore. A 4-0 head-to-head advantage for Djokovic and the fact that Sousa’s never taken a set off the Serb speaks volumes, really. However, Sousa is an improved player from their last hardcourt meeting (Miami 2016), he’ll get a set, but that’s about it. Djokovic in 4
Utkarsha Mitra: After the form Djokovic showed against Gasquet, it’ll take a spirited performance to take him out. And judging by his earlier performances against Djokovic, I’m a little doubtful on Sousa’s chances. Djokovic in 3
John Millman vs Roger Federer
Steen: Millman is another underdog who has had a fantastic tournament under the radar. Federer is Federer though and I don’t think Millman has enough firepower to prevail in this matchup. Federer in 3
David: Millman will push Federer harder than his countryman Kyrgios. John Millman looked authoritative against Fognini in round two. He took a set off of Federer in their only meeting in Brisbane 2015. He could take Federer the distance, but won’t have enough to pull off an upset. Federer in 5
Utkarsha: Millman came out as the victor to face Federer in the 4th round, from a section in the draw that has Chung and Fognini. Meanwhile, Federer has played some inspired tennis in his first three matches. I’d pick Federer for the win. Federer in 3
Kei Nishikori vs Philipp Kohlschreiber
Steen: Kohlschreiber is hard to figure out, he’s been in poor form overall this year, but he dismantled Alexander Zverev in the previous round, and Nishikori seems somewhat vulnerable. However the Japanese star leads the h2h and he’s the favorite for a reason. Nishikori in 5
David: Special K has a good record at Flushing Meadows. The 2014 runner-up has made the 2nd week for the third time in five weeks. He has obviously changed his preparation and ensures that the Slams are his ultimate priority given his injury issues of late. His showing at Wimbledon (definitely not his favorite Slam) means that the Japanese favorites tennis is not done here. This will be relatively comfortable for Nishikori against Alexander Zverev’s conqueror. Nishikori in 3
Utkarsha: Nishikori leads their H2H 2-0. Kohlschreiber did just pull off a huge upset against Zverev, but Nishikori is looking more comfortable with each match, at his favorite major this year. Nishikori in 4
Marin Cilic vs David Goffin
Steen: Cilic willed himself over the line against Alex De Minaur in the match of the tournament (very late) into Sunday Morning. The problem with that is, he dropped the first two sets and looked out of sorts, then had to exhaust himself to get the win. Goffin had no such trouble in his previous matches and given these players are of similar caliber, I’ll back Goffin. The Belgian should be fresher and will be able to capitalize if Cilic starts firing errors again. Goffin in 4
David: Goffin has had his health issues, but seems to be in good shape here. Just like last year before he lost to Schwartzmann, Cilic is looking like a sitting duck again. I’ll go with the upset in this one. Goffin in 4
Utkarsha: Cilic had to come through a really stern test from Alex de Minaur, coming back from 2 sets to love. Goffin has looked more comfortable, and averted any danger that could’ve come his way. I’d pick Goffin for his form. They’ve never played at a hard court Grand Slam. Goffin in 5
Main Photo:
