Just four men remain contention for the 2019 US Open. Both defending champion Novak Djokovic and world #3 Roger Federer have fallen by the wayside through injury and New York will see at least one first-time Grand Slam semifinalist as a result. But who will it be? Offering their picks for the two last-four clashes are Jim Smith, Steen Kirby, Yesh Ginsburg, Damian Kust and Harsh Bhoot.
US Open Semifinal Predictions
Daniil Medvedev vs Grigor Dimitrov
Jim: Bulgaria’s Grigor Dimitrov scored surely the win of his life by battling past an ailing Federer in the quarterfinals. But he will be in for a tough day against Daniil Medvedev, who has found a rich vein of form this summer. The Russian is exceedingly difficult to play against thanks to his unorthodox shot selection and superb court coverage. And though there have been concerns with fatigue, after two days of rest he should be more than fresh enough to see off Dimitrov’s challenge.
Prediction: Medvedev in 4
Yesh: Dimitrov is a changed man, finally living up to the level we saw two years ago when he won the ATP Finals in London to finish the year as world #3. Medvedev, meanwhile, is having the summer of his life. But I think Dimitrov is talented enough and savvy enough to adjust his game to handle Medvedev’s tactics.
Prediction: Dimitrov in 3
Steen: I’ve been wrong to bet against Medvedev all tournament but I’m simply going to double down here. The Russian is fast becoming an elite player (and a better known villain) but his physical condition remains at least something of a limitation to his performance. Dimitrov comes off the emotional high of beating Federer for a famous win. Coming closer than ever to reaching his potential, Dimitrov will keep the mojo flowing and edge Medvedev.
Prediction: Dimitrov in 4
Damian: The Russian has looked like a player on his last legs since the second round, but he somehow keeps winning, despite apparently having torn a muscle. Dimitrov had a great win against an ailing Federer, but it was mostly based on reactionary play and here he will have to create pace himself a lot more. The two days of rest should be of huge help to Medvedev, who if healthy will be too solid for Dimitrov.
Prediction: Medvedev in 4
Harsh: Medvedev’s run, though impressive, could have been anticipated, Dimitrov has been a surprise package. The Bulgarian is stepping it up in the big moments and it has been paying off. These two have split their previous two meetings, but that was back in 2017 and the Russian has come a long way since then. Both players have big serves, but Medvedev is more consistent from the baseline and his linear shots causing considerable damage as Stan Wawrinka found out. Barring any fitness issues, Medvedev has the game and the belief to reach his maiden Grand Slam final.
Prediction: Medvedev in 4
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Rafael Nadal vs Matteo Berrettini
Jim: It is getting increasingly hard to look past Rafael Nadal at this year’s the US Open. The Spaniard is a three-time champion in New York and he is playing like it. And if any extra motivation were needed, he now finds himself in with a real chance to steal a march on his rivals in the battle to finish top of the Grand Slam pile and the race for the year-end #1 ranking. Berrettini, meanwhile, has continued his excellent season with a career-best run at the US Open. But nerves have been a problem for him before and seem likely to be so again.
Prediction: Nadal in 3
Yesh: Nadal seemed to have some issues with his right arm towards the end of his quarterfinal clash with Argentina’s Diego Schwartzman. And Berrettini’s big serve and game can trouble the Spaniard. Still, it’s hard to imagine someone beating Nadal in their first Grand Slam semifinal.
Prediction: Nadal in 4
Steen: Berrettini has been impressive but he’ll be fighting an elite opponent and his own fatigue here after his lengthy battle with Gael Monfils in the US Open quarterfinals, which went to a fifth set tiebreak. Nadal gets a good matchup and will pounce when the Italian mentally falters.
Prediction: Nadal in 3
Damian: The Italian has the game to upset Nadal. His serve is extremely powerful and although slightly erratic, his forehand is very effective, particularly against short balls. However, the Spaniard is playing great and he’s an excellent counterpuncher. Nadal is extremely tough to beat in a best-of-five scenario and it’s almost impossible for players like Berrettini to redline their game over at least three sets.
Prediction: Nadal in 4
Harsh: Nadal looked slightly shaky in his first two sets against Diego Schwartzman, but managed to get through unscathed. He now takes on Berrettini for the first time and the Italian has everything that can cause him plenty of headaches. With a booming serve and heavy groundstrokes, Berrettini is by no means out of it. But one has to wonder how much the Italian has left in the tank. His match against Monfils was gruelling to say the least. He is also guilty of spraying too many errors at times and the Spaniard will not let that go unpunished.
Prediction: Nadal in 3
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