We complete the fourth round on Day 8 of the US Open, and four more men will book quarterfinal spots by the end of the day Monday. Jannik Sinner and Daniil Medvedev are on course for a semifinal showdown with Carlos Alcaraz out of the tournament. But this tournament has had so many upsets; are more in store for us? Our writers share their thoughts on all four of Monday’s matches. Predicting these matches are Jordan Reynolds, Ilemona Onekutu, and Ateet Shrivastava. Who do you think will advance?
US Open Day 8 Men’s Predictions
Daniil Medvedev vs Nuno Borges
Jordan:
Borges is enjoying a career best season. But it is true that Medvedev will be very happy with this draw. There is nothing in Borges’ game to hurt the 2021 champion. He has looked even more locked in since Alcaraz and Djokovic went out, and I expect him to progress comfortably.
Prediction: Medvedev in 3
Ilemona:
Medvedev has been having trouble with his serve all year and much of the same problems have plagued him here as well. He has however found other ways to dominate his opponents thanks to how potent the rest of his game still remains. Borges should force one or two tiebreaks and possibly nick a set, but Medvedev should have enough advantage to prevail.
Prediction: Medvedev in 4
Ateet:
Medvedev is the only former champion left at this year’s US Open and has played quite well in his three matches. He has dropped just one set and improved with every match. Nuno Borges gave him a tremendous fight when these two squared off at this year’s Australian Open. The Portuguese player is coming off a long five-setter against Jakub Mensik, where he saved three match points. However, I can’t see him outlasting Medvedev.
Prediction: Medvedev in 4
Jack Draper vs Tomas Machac
Jordan:
This should be a very fun match. Machac may struggle to dominate with his backhand as often as he usually does. That might make the difference, but this could really go either way and has a great chance of going the distance.
Prediction: Draper in 5
Ilemona:
Jack Draper slayed giant killer Botic Van De Zandschulp in the third round to book his place here. Machac for his part has breezed through the draw as well winning all three of his matches so far in stray sets. Draper is the more talented of the two but his lack of consistency has always been a major concern. The head to head equally shows Machac has his number as he has never lost to Draper in all three of their previous matches. Both players will have their chances here but I’m leaning slightly in favor of Machac.
Prediction: Draper in 5
Ateet:
This is a brilliant opportunity for both players to reach their first Grand Slam quarterfinals. Machac has already made his best Slam run while Draper is in the fourth round for the second year in a row at the US Open. Neither player has dropped a set in three matches here but that might not be the case on Monday. I expect a close match and Draper to take it in the end.
Prediction: Draper in 5
Alex de Minaur vs Jordan Thompson
Jordan:
De Minaur’s playing style is capable of disrupting Thompson. He is ridiculously solid, and his compatriot, despite his impressive season, will find it so hard to hit through him. Thompson needs to serve superbly to have a realistic chance.
Prediction: de Minaur in 3
Ilemona:
Alex de Minaur arrived at the US Open with fitness concerns as he hadn’t been involved in a match since withdrawing from his quarterfinal clash against Djokovic at Wimbledon. His movement still isn’t at a 100% but he has found a way through all the hurdles so far. Fellow Australian Thomson is a play de Minaur knows well, with four wins in their previous clash. If there’s ever an opportunity for Thomson to claw back some room in their head to head, here would be as good a chance as any. Alex de Minaur will be made to work harder than he has had to do so far and that demand might prove to great for him at the moment.
Prediction: Thompson in 5
Ateet:
Alex de Minaur has a great chance to reach his first Slam semifinals. He certainly is the highest remaining seed in this section, which helps his chances to reach the last four. He will play against his compatriot, Jordan Thompson, who will fight to reach his first-ever quarterfinal at a Slam. Not many people would have expected Thompson to make the second week without dropping a set. He looks in great form but de Minaur has had the upper hand in this rivalry with a 4-1 head-to-head advantage. It’s a tough one to call but I’ll go with the higher-ranked Aussie.
Prediction: de Minaur in 5
Jannik Sinner vs Tommy Paul
Jordan:
Paul is a tricky opponent for the players at the very top to face, as Carlos Alcaraz knows. But he is unlikely to beat the world No. 1. Sinner likes an opponent who gives him good time on his shots, which is likely to happen against Paul.
Prediction: Sinner in 3
Ilemona:
The world No. 1 has two less significant threats to worry about–namely the eliminations of Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic. Tommy Paul will face an inspired Sinner who will grind through everything the American throws at him.
Prediction: Sinner in 4
Ateet:
Sinner has played some good players so far, but this will be his biggest challenge. Paul has shown that on his day he can stick with the top players but winning three sets against the World No.1 will require unwavering concentration and high level. I just can’t see that happening as Sinner can outplay the American from both wings and is much more consistent.
Prediction: Sinner in 4
Main Photo Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
