The 2019 US Open quarterfinals continue with Rafael Nadal vs Diego Schwartzman, and Gael Monfils seeking a second career US Open semifinal against Matteo Berrettini. Damian Kust and Steen Kirby offer their predictions.
Matteo Berrettini vs Gael Monfils
Steen: Monfils is chasing a third career slam semifinal, his last was at the 2016 US Open, Berrettini is seeking to extend what is already his best ever slam result. The Italian has a really bright future and has all the talent needed to win this match, but the experienced Monfils is more used to this moment and is full of talent too. Focus and fitness is always a challenge with Monfils, but he has all the shots and should put on a great display here to return to the semifinals. Monfils in 4
Damian: This is such a great opportunity for both. Berrettini came into the tournament playing just one match after Wimbledon and was not the favorite in his first match against Richard Gasquet. A week later, he finds himself in his first Grand Slam quarterfinal after an amazing performance to dismantle Andrey Rublev. Monfils has been stellar this fortnight as well, dropping just two sets to Denis Shapovalov in one of the best matches of the tournament. The Frenchman is among the most successful counterpunchers in the game and even with Berrettini’s serve and forehand, it might be tough to hit through his defence. He had a couple of great results in New York over the years and knows it might be his last chance to fight for a Grand Slam. This is an opportunity, he will not want to let slip away. Monfils in 4
Rafael Nadal vs Diego Schwartzman
Steen: Schwartzman continues to impress but Rafa is not a great matchup for him. Rafa’s defensively sound play will trouble the undersized DSS. Nadal is playing well and he is always known to rise up and play his best on the main stage. This is Rafa’s match to lose, though Schwartzman will provide a stiff challenge. Nadal in 4
Damian: The Argentinian was the only one to take a set from Nadal at the 2018 French Open and led by a set and a break before a rain delay stole his momentum. However, don’t expect too much from Schwartzman, as with his height and not too big of a serve, keeping up a hyper-aggressive playstyle over the course of at least three sets is a big of an ask. Diego knows that when Nadal is playing as well as he is right now, you just can’t let him have the initiative and unless his attacking game is absolutely beasting, he’s got little to play with in this matchup. Nadal in 3
Main Photo:
