Daniil Medvedev and Felix Auger-Aliassime meet for the first time in the US Open semifinal. Our panelists offer their predictions for the first of the two men’s semifinals, with Medvedev seeking a second career US Open final appearance, and Auger-Aliassime playing his first ever Grand Slam semifinal at 21. If Medvedev wins, he will have reached the final of both hard court Grand Slams this season. We also have predictions for the Novak Djokovic vs Alexander Zverev semifinal.
Daniil Medvedev vs Felix Auger-Aliassime
Yesh: Medvedev has looked absolutely monstrous all tournament. Auger-Aliassime is impressive, and this is a real breakout Major for him (he has reached eight finals of lesser tournaments), but Medvedev is another beast here right now. No one, save perhaps Djokovic, is beating Medvedev in New York. Medvedev in 3
Damian: What does Auger-Aliassime need to do to produce the upset? Probably serve lights out for at least three sets and somehow make his forehand hit through the Russian’s defense. Another idea would be to try to mix it up enough, but I don’t think the Canadian has the required skillset. Medvedev has lost just one set so far and remains one of the three main favorites to take the title. This is going to be his first real test but if the quality of his returning and baseline game keeps up, he should be able to come through. Being tested could actually help him in regards to the final. Medvedev in 4
Anish: Riding on his stupendous form, Medvedev has dropped just one set in the tournament till now. He is serving exceptionally well, averaging more than eleven aces per match. On the other side of the net, Felix Auger-Aliassime also is very dangerous on the serve wing. He is averaging almost 20 aces per match and playing a highly aggressive game that suits him. But he is also high on the error count, which doesn’t work against the top guys. The key behind Medvedev’s highly efficient wins has been keeping the unforced errors to a minimum and wall-like defence. Also, he has mastered his return of serve, and it has given him the desired results. He hasn’t met an exceptional server till now, which he will get in Auger Aliassime. If Medvedev can manage to contain his opponent’s aggression, he will be surely making his second grand slam final of the year. Medvedev in 4
Jim: This should be the biggest test Medvedev has faced so far at the US Open, but it is the Russian should be able to pass. Auger-Aliassime has had an excellent tournament and his performance in the quarterfinals against Carlos Alcaraz was nothing short of superb while it lasted. But this is uncharted territory for the young gun. Medvedev may not be one of the most experienced players on tour, but he has been here before and there is a reason for that. Expect him to have too much for Auger-Aliassime. Medvedev in 4
Main Photo from Getty Images
