We have made it. The fourth and final men’s singles Grand Slam final will take place on Sunday afternoon inside Arthur Ashe Stadium. The 2023 US Open has provided its patrons with terrific tennis over the past few weeks. On Sunday, a champion will be crowned as No. 2 seed Novak Djokovic squares off against No. 3 seed Daniil Medvedev in a rematch of their 2021 battle. Djokovic is on the hunt for his 23rd Grand Slam title. Medvedev is looking to capture his second. We at LWOT have worked together to produce a roundtable of predictions for the men’s US Open final. Read on to see the analysis and predictions from Jack Edward, Jordan Reynolds, and Shane Black.
US Open Men’s Final Predictions
Novak Djokovic vs Daniil Medvedev
Jack:
Medvedev silenced the doubters with his win over Alcaraz in emphatic fashion. As he said, he played 11/10 tennis. Djokovic’s level has been great as always but I’m actually left feeling more impressed by Medvedev. He is oozing confidence at his favourite Grand Slam and is one of the only players on tour that can really squeeze the very best out of Djokovic. Take a look at what’s going his way… Djokovic has come into every match this tournament seemingly with a point to prove at 36 and has two of the three Slams under his belt this season—similarly to the pressure he felt in 2021, that’s advantage Medvedev. The courts are a little slower this year than usual—that’s advantage Medvedev. Djokovic has historically struggled with the conditions in the six finals he’s lost here—that’s advantage Medvedev. Experience? Head-to-head? Of course, there are advantages for Djokovic, but it feels as though the Russian will be capable of asking the very best of the soon-to-be world #1.
Prediction: Medvedev in 5
Jordan:
Medvedev reminded the tennis world never to doubt him on a hard court. Most (including me) felt Carlos Alcaraz’s game was such a bad matchup that his favourite surface was not enough to save him. But Medvedev played one of the best matches of his already illustrious career to topple the 20-year-old star. Djokovic starts as favourite against anyone, and has looked impressive, as expected, throughout the tournament. I do not think a Medvedev win is out of the question. If he finds the level he did against Alcaraz, even the 23-time Grand Slam could struggle. My instinct is this will go to 5 sets. I will back Djokovic based on his far superior record in Grand Slam matches that go the distance.
Prediction: Djokovic in 5
Shane:
The fact that everyone penciled in Alcaraz and Djokovic into the final was incredibly disrespectful to Daniil Medvedev. The 2021 US Open champion is 27-3 in New York over the past five US Opens. Medvedev noted that he played “12/10” tennis in his semifinal win over Alcaraz and would need that same level on Sunday. Though that may seem like a tall ask, Medvedev has proven he raises his level in the biggest moments. I believe his patience will frustrate Djokovic into some uncharacteristic unforced errors. His serve will also be a significant difference maker.
Prediction: Medvedev in 5
Main Photo Credit: Danielle Parhizkaran – USA TODAY Sports
