It promises to be an entertaining seventh day of tennis at the US Open, with a number of star names in action in New York. A place in the quarterfinals is on offer, but who will secure their spot in the last eight at the US Open?
US Open Day 7 Predictions
Casper Ruud vs Taylor Fritz
Jordan: Taylor Fritz has impressed so far, although Casper Ruud will undoubtedly be a step up in quality. However, the Norwegian must play better than his previous round to defeat the American. Fritz has let himself down so many times at Grand Slams that anything is possible, but his level from the previous rounds makes me convinced he can overcome Ruud.
Prediction: Fritz in 4
Ilemona: Ruud looked on his way out after shockingly dropping the first two sets against the young Chinese prospect Shang Juncheng. He slowly turned things around in the third set and close the match with a loss of four games in total. A similar start against the American Fritz will not bode well for his chances of progressing further. Fritz has looked every bit like a contender and I expect his streak of straight sets victories to continue.
Prediction: Fritz in 3
Ateet: To reach the fourth round, Casper Ruud made a great comeback from two sets down against Juncheng Shang. He was finding it hard early on to find his pattern but improved significantly from the third set. On the other hand, Fritz has not lost a set so far and has looked the more solid player. Fritz will look to take revenge for the French Open loss this year. The court speed also favours the American player.
Prediction: Fritz in 4
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Brandon Nakashima vs Alexander Zverev
Jordan: Brandon Nakashima does not have much to lose here. His return to form by reaching this stage after a dismal 2023 already represents success. There are a lot of similarities between his game and Alexander Zverev’s. Unfortunately for the home favourite, the German just does everything on the court slightly better than him.
Prediction: Zverev in 3
Ilemona: Nakashima has been unplayable at times these past few weeks and has demonstrated that once more by dominating the in-form Lorenzo Musetti in four sets. Zverev’s stock should go up as one of the contenders with the shocking exits of both Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic in the third round. Zverev needs to significantly up his game to match that rise and Nakashima should present the first test in his path.
Prediction: Zverev in 5
Ateet: Zverev was in trouble for a set and a half against Tomas Martin Etcheverry in the third round and was off his best level. However, he started coming to the net a lot and that changed the match in his favour. It was one of his best volleying performances and he was a completely different player in the end. Nakashima will be his most difficult test thus far, as the American is playing the best tennis of his life. Both players have a big serve. Nakashima plays more aggressively and Zverev is more solid from the baseline. Nakashima has the game to win this but I will stick with the world #4.
Prediction: Zverev in 5
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Andrey Rublev vs Grigor Dimitrov
Jordan: These two often have epic battles. Andrey Rublev’s performance from the baseline against Jiri Lehecka in the last round was excellent, making Grigor Dimitrov’s first serve extremely important in this matchup. Despite a difficult couple of months leading into the US Open, Rublev looks secure in New York, and I think he will progress to the quarterfinals.
Prediction: Rublev in 4
Ilemona: Dimitrov has had a surprisingly good run to the fourth round especially given concerns about where his level might be after returning from injury he sustained at Wimbledon and losing back to back matches in the lead up to the US Open. Rublev for his part has looked a like a player reborn, exhibiting an uncharacteristic display of focus especially in the early stages in his matches. Dimitrov ‘s level might hold Rublev off for a couple of sets but only just.
Prediction: Rublev in 4
Ateet: Andrey Rublev looked much better in the third round and won the match in straight sets to set up this blockbuster encounter. These two are well aware of each other’s game, having met seven times over the years. Dimitrov has yet to lose a set and has played some excellent tennis at times. Both players will fancy their chances in this match and play first-strike tennis. I am leaning towards the Bulgarian.
Prediction: Dimitrov in 5
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Frances Tiafoe vs Alexei Popyrin
Jordan: Can Alexei Popyrin produce more magic after upsetting Novak Djokovic? It cannot be ruled out after his run to the title at the National Bank Open a few weeks ago. Returning is also the weakest part of Frances Tiafoe’s game, which makes Popyrin a tough matchup, despite Tiafoe finding other ways to beat Ben Shelton and his big serve. I think it could be another epic like Tiafoe’s last match, but he might come out the wrong side of it this time.
Prediction: Popyrin in 5
Ilemona: Tiafoe held out firmly against fellow American Ben Shelton in the third round to seal a memorable victory. Popyrin got revenge over Djokovic for his two slam defeats at the hands of the great Serb. His win against the defending champion comes at the back of his best season so far by a long margin. Whether Tiafoe can withstand another slugfest will ultimately determine the outcome of this match. I favour Popyrin’s run to continue.
Prediction: Popyrin in 4
Ateet: Both players are coming to this match after a monumental win. Tiafoe took revenge for last year’s loss to Ben Shelton in a fantastic five-setter while Popyrin played the match of his life to upset the defending champion Djokovic. The Australian is growing in confidence and has elevated every aspect of his game in the last month. Tiafoe has also found the form at the right time and is playing his best tennis of the season. Popyrin has never been to a Slam quarterfinal and I think he will reach there.
Prediction: Popyrin in 5
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Main photo credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
