The 2018 US Open quarterfinals begin with American #1 John Isner taking on Juan Martin Del Potro, while Austria’s Dominic Thiem is an underdog against a red hot Rafael Nadal. Our panelists offer up their predictions.
Dominic Thiem vs Rafael Nadal
Yesh Ginsburg: Dominic Thiem has not looked amazing this tournament, but neither has Nadal. The defending champion has looked vulnerable in most of his matches, but he wasn’t playing against anyone who can take advantage. Thiem can, and this will be his first huge Slam performance. Thiem in 4
Utkarsha Mitra: First ever Nadal-Thiem matchup outside clay. Thiem and Nadal both have looked very much an adept problem solver this week. Thiem’s first ever Grand Slam quarterfinal outside clay could turn great for him, but Nadal might have the answers. Nadal in 5
Brett Margolies: It’ll be strange not seeing these two playing each other on clay. All 10 of their previous meeting (7-3 Nadal) have taken place on clay. Thiem is in good form after defeating Kevin Anderson in straight sets, but will still have to up his level against Nadal. I think Nadal will play significantly better than he did against Basilashvili and win easily. Nadal in 3
Steen Kirby: Thiem has had a great tournament and he should challenge Nadal. Nadal is better on this surface though and given his battle tested experience he should rise to the occasion when tested and survive. Nadal in 5
John Isner vs Juan Martin Del Potro
Yesh: Isner looks so good this tournament. He is aggressive on return and his serve is spot-on as always. There will be tiebreaks in this match–and that can go either way–but Isner has looked more comfortable than Del Potro so far. Isner in 5
Utkarsha: Crowd favorite versus home favorite. This one might turn out to be the match of the day! DelPo’s form will be put under stern test against Isner’s self-belief. Del Potro in 5
Brett: John Isner survived a tough test defeating Milos Raonic in five sets to advance to the round of 16. Between that match, and his previous match against Lajovic, Isner’s played a lot of tennis as of late. Del Potro, on the other hand, should be fresh after defeating Borna Coric in straight sets. Del Potro defeated Isner in straight sets at Roland Garros; it won’t be that bad, but he should still win. Del Potro in 4
Steen: If Isner serves his best he’ll win this match, that said, Del Potro is in great form himself and I’m not convinced Isner can serve lights out against a top player like Del Potro. This will be a battle but I’ll back Del Potro’s return game to secure a break or 2 and win. Del Potro in 4
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