Carlos Alcaraz and Daniil Medvedev look to continue their winning ways in the round of 16 at the US Open. Our panelists Steen Kirby, Damian Kust, and Jim Smith, and offer their predictions for all the round of 16 matches.
Botic van de Zandschulp vs Diego Schwartzman
Steen: van de Zandschulp dropped a set but otherwise dominated his third round match, Schwartzman had a routine time as well. The Dutch player is playing the best tennis of his career and will challenge the higher ranked Schwartzman, the Argentine is great at absorbing pressure though and should be able to survive this contest two reach a third career US Open quarterfinal. Schwartzman in 4
Jim: As he often does, Schwartzman has found some form at a Major. The Argentine has a very good record at the US Open and he has made assured progress through the first three rounds this week. Botic van de Zandschulp has also been very impressive, particularly in his four-set win over eighth seed Casper Ruud. But Schwartzman so often finds a way. Expect him to do so once again. Schwartzman in 4
Damian: Schwartzman is yet to drop a set in this event, but it feels we don’t really know much about his actual level. Van de Zandschulp has won six matches in a row from a set down and is absolutely refusing to lose. Can he allow himself another slow start? Schwartzman is one of the most physical matchups in men’s tennis, and the longer it goes, the Argentinian will probably be favored. The Dutchman’s powerful game can be very dangerous when it clicks, but I don’t think he can maintain the required level for long enough here. Schwartzman in 4
Dan Evans vs Daniil Medvedev
Steen: The two sets down comeback for Evans in round 3 was impressive, but Medvedev is on a different level the Brit is unlikely to reach right now. Medvedev hasn’t dropped a set and wants this title badly, Evans is in for one of the toughest matches of his career. Medvedev in 3
Jim: Evans will present the biggest test Medvedev has faced so far at the US Open. But it still a test Medvedev should be able to pass without encountering too many problems. Evans’ net-rushing game is typically effective, but Medvedev covers the court better than most and has the quality to hit good passing shots when he reaches the ball. Medvedev in 3
Damian: Evans was in a bit of a slump post-Wimbledon, but he’s playing great tennis again. The question though is if he’s got enough to hurt Medvedev. His ability to utilize all-court tactics will help a lot, especially as the Russian’s strokes aren’t that compact and he might struggle with passing a bit. But Medvedev’s speed around the court and the ability to set up a wall behind the baseline should help him find a comfortable win here anyway. Executing what Evans needs to play here over a best-of-five here is just extremely tough. Medvedev in 3
Peter Gojowczyk vs Carlos Alcaraz
Steen: Gojowczyk is thrilled to reach the second week as a qualifier, this is his best ever Grand Slam performance. With that said, his path to this stage has not been super difficult opposition wise. Alcaraz comes off the massive upset of Stefanos Tsitsipas, at times he looked out of the match but roared back, showing his promise as one of the biggest young stars in tennis right now. Alcaraz will have to deal with coming off the emotional high of his third round upset win to play this match and back up his performance. He’s the better player and looks solid, but the potential for a slip up is always there. Alcaraz in 4
Jim: It has been some tournament for Alcaraz. The Spaniard stunned Stefanos Tsitsipas in the third round in a fifth-set tiebreak. So far, he is living up to the hype. Gojowczyk is an experience campaigner and his flat groundstrokes are very effective on quick hard courts. But Alcaraz is the better player. He should have enough to reach the quarterfinals. Alcaraz in 4
Damian: Alcaraz needs to avoid a bit of a slump after a big win, which happens to many players and wouldn’t be that surprising. Gojowczyk might be the easiest opponent he’s had to face so far in New York though, not necessarily from a matchup perspective. The German plays fast-paced tennis, not unlike Alcaraz, but he will likely be outmatched in consistency and the ability to break up the rhythm of the rally. Alcaraz in 4
Frances Tiafoe vs Felix Auger-Aliassime
Steen: The first meeting between these young talents, Tiafoe scored an impressive five set win over Andrey Rublev and is into the second week of a Grand Slam for the the second time in his career. The Canadian Auger-Aliassime is making his second consecutive US Open 4th round appearance. Auger-Aliassime crumbled a bit with a two set lead against Roberto Bautista Agut but came back to get the job done. Auger-Aliassime is the more accomplished player with a slightly higher ceiling right now but Tiafoe has been more consistent and will have home support. I’ll back the American to keep winning. Tiafoe in 4
Jim: Tiafoe pulled off a superb upset to beat Andrey Rublev in five sets. Auger-Aliassime also had to go the distance to get past Roberto Bautista Agut. But it is the Canadian who is the higher-ranked player and there is a reason for that – chiefly, his game is more solid than Tiafoe’s. That should just about give him the edge here. Auger-Aliassime in 5
Damian: Auger-Aliassime had a slow start to his US Open campaign with the hard-fought win against Donskoy, but the Canadian is finding his gear now and also seems to have learned the ability to win while not at his best. Tiafoe has also been in great shape recently and will be coming off a massive win against Rublev. The quality of tennis they produce can really vary from day to day, which makes this one really tough to predict. Auger-Aliassime’s base level (and ceiling) just seems to be a bit better. Auger-Aliassime in 4
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