It should be an entertaining first day of quarterfinal-action at the US Open with two intriguing matches on the slate in New York. As always, we here at LWOT will be offering our predictions for both quarterfinals, as well as all the quarterfinal action in the women’s draw. But who will book their spot in the last four?
US Open Quarterfinal Predictions
Taylor Fritz vs Alexander Zverev
Jim: This is a huge chance for Taylor Fritz. The American looks sharp, he is playing on home turf and he beat Alexander Zverev last time they met a Slam – in quite a hostile encounter. But the conditions in New York are probably more in Zverev’s favour. The German will need to maintain his confidence in his forehand and second serve, but realistically he is the best player left in this half of the draw and should be winning this match.
Prediction: Zverev in 4
Jordan: Both players have impressed so far and this is a massive opportunity for one of them to challenge for a first Grand Slam title. The first four rounds are probably the best Fritz has looked at a major. Zverev cannot afford the slow start he had against Brandon Nakashima in the previous round. I feel this could be the American’s time to reach his first Grand Slam semifinal.
Prediction: Fritz in 4
Ismael: Both Zverev and Fritz had to come back from a set down in the round of 16, and both did so fairly easily. This matchup has turned out to be quite a fascinating battle: 5-4 in favor of the German, 2-2 on outdoor hard courts, and 1-1 in 2024. Fritz knocked Zverev out at Wimbledon in five sets and will have the crowd right behind him, but I’ll say Zverev’s prowess from the baseline gets him through to the semifinals this time around.
Prediction: Zverev in 5
Ateet: These two are quite familiar with each other and have played some close matches over the years. This is the second Grand Slam meeting between Zverev and Fritz this year. Fritz won the one at Wimbledon via a comeback from two sets to zero down.
However, here at the US Open, there are likely to be some more things going for Zverev. He served brilliantly against Nakashima and played some of his best tennis recently. Fritz will be a tougher opponent as he will attack more and won’t get involved in longer rallies as Nakashima did. It’s a huge match for both, and I think whoever can serve at a better rate will win this match.
Prediction: Zverev in 5
Frances Tiafoe vs Grigor Dimitrov
Jim: Grigor Dimitrov will probably regret letting a two-set lead slip against Andrey Rublev, though he did well to keep his composure in the decider. He will need to keep his focus better against Frances Tiafoe – particularly as the American is adept at getting the crowd to bolster his momentum. But there has been a level of confidence and maturity to Dimitrov’s play this year that suggests he might just have enough to win this match – even if won’t be easy by any stretch.
Prediction: Dimitrov in 5
Jordan: This used to be the type of match and occasion where I’d question whether Dimitrov would be able to cope mentally. However, he has improved that side of his game substantially in the last 18 months. Tiafoe will need to win this rather than Dimitrov losing it, which the American is capable of doing in front of his home crowd. But I’ll give Dimitrov the narrowest of edges in what is likely to be a very tight battle.
Prediction: Dimitrov in 5
Ismael: Dimitrov is in front of his best chance to ever win a Grand Slam. Tiafoe has turned around a pretty awful year during the American hard-court swing, where he always raises his level. However, Grigor has found success in this matchup; he has more variety and is the better aggressor. Frances will make it physical, but if Dimitrov has recovered from his battle with Rublev, he should be able to mix it up with his slice and hit through Tiafoe consistently enough to advance.
Prediction: Dimitrov in 4
Ateet: Both players are coming with some wear and tear to this match. Tiafoe played for more than seven hours in his last couple of matches while Dimitrov was involved in a five-setter against Rublev. So, the first set holds a significant importance in this match. Dimitrov leads the head-to-head 3-1, with their last meeting coming at 2023 Wimbledon, where the Bulgarian won comfortably.
However, the US Open is the Slam with the most favourable conditions for Tiafoe and the home crowd is also an important advantage here, as Tiafoe performs significantly better with the home support. The backhand-to-backhand rallies will be key as Dimitrov can be vulnerable on that end. Dimitrov has more variety though, and can disrupt Tiafoe with his aggressive net approaches. Hard to call but I think Tiafoe has a slight advantage.
Prediction: Tiafoe in 5
Main photo credit: Mike Frey-USA TODAY Sports
