The big news from the fourth round was the exit of Novak Djokovic, who was forced to retire trailing by two sets against Stan Wawrinka with a shoulder injury. That looks to open the path toward glory in New York to Roger Federer, but there is no shortage of quality left in his half of the draw. Offering their predictions for the two quarterfinals to come are Jim Smith, Damian Kust and Harsh Bhoot.
US Open Quarterfinal Predictions
Daniil Medvedev vs Stan Wawrinka
Jim: It’s difficult to know exactly what to make of Stan Wawrinka’s win over Djokovic. The Serb was clearly far from his best and badly affected by a shoulder injury. But there were nonetheless a lot of encouraging signs for the Swiss star, who was hitting the ball really cleanly throughout and moving exceptionally. Daniil Medvedev, meanwhile, has looked to be running on fumes lately. That looks set to catch up with him against Wawrinka.
Prediction: Wawrinka in 4
Damian: Medvedev admitted to taking a ton of painkillers prior to his match against Dominik Koepfer and only once they kicked in, the Russian was able to dominate. The recently crowned Cincinnati champion has been struggling physically this fortnight, dropping sets to Hugo Dellien, Feliciano Lopez and the aforementioned Koepfer. Wawrinka is a huge step up in competition, the Swiss played very well to go up 2-0 against a hurt Djokovic and should be able to take advantage of another wounded opponent.
Prediction: Wawrinka in 4
Harsh: It’s going to be an electric atmosphere and hopefully the tennis lives up to it. Wawrinka proved once again he loves the big stages and Medvedev is relishing the challenge the New York crowd poses. They’ve met before with Medvedev edging that one. Matchup wise, Wawrinka has the stronger game but the Russian is more than capable to stand up to anyone from the baseline. It should be a very close match but his stellar form August, it’s hard not to back the Russian.
Prediction: Medvedev in 4
Embed from Getty Images
Roger Federer vs Grigor Dimitrov
Jim: It has been an impressive US Open for Grigor Dimitrov and he has the talent to cause Federer problems. But he never has in the past. Instead, he has gone into his shell against the Swiss and that has cost him repeatedly. And with Federer looking in no mood to take prisoners, if Dimitrov does not get off to a good start, this one could get ugly.
Prediction: Federer in 3
Damian: The similarities in how they create points from the baseline are striking, but don’t expect it to be close. Federer has a bigger serve, more power off the ground and a lot of ways to finish points. Dimitrov deserves credit for defeating Alex De Minaur, but he’s been outplayed seven times in this matchup and won’t come onto the court with confidence. The only thing that can hurt Federer here is his reaction to Djokovic being out of his way – similar to the 2009 French Open when he had to survive a thriller against Tommy Haas after Nadal lost that day. However, the Swiss will have a day of rest to get accustomed to the pressure of being a favorite and should be able to keep composed.
Prediction: Federer in 3
Harsh: Can Dimitrov turn around this lopsided rivalry? Highly unlikely. With Federer playing with freedom and confidence, it is tough to see how Dimitrov can gain an upper hand in this match. The Swiss has been at his attacking best and while Dimitrov has impressed, it’s a case of a bad matchup for the Bulgarian, though he may put up stiffer resistance than Goffin.
Prediction: Federer in 4
Main photo:
Embed from Getty Images
