ay 8 of the US Open will see the end of the fourth round, and four men’s matches will determine the last four quarterfinalists. As always, we here at LWOT will share our thoughts on the matches. Predicting these matches are Shane Black, Steen Kirby, and Jakub Bobro. Who do you think will win?
US Open Day 8 Men’s Predictions
Carlos Alcaraz vs Marin Cilic
Shane:
Currently 16th in the Singles Race to Turn, Marin Cilic has had a revival season in 2022. That said, Alcaraz has beaten Cilic twice in straight-sets on hard courts over the past six months. The young Spaniard has the confidence and form to raise a title in Queens. His consistency should push him past the Croatian without much pause.
Prediction: Alcaraz in 4
Steen:
Alcaraz has yet to drop a set and has 47 wins this year. Former champion Cilic has put together a great three match stretch and at 28-16 this year has also been great, Cilic is capable but you would trust Alcaraz more right now–he looks like a world beater.
Prediction: Alcaraz in 4
Jakub:
Alcaraz put out a signature performance in the third round, dispatching Jenson Brooksby in straight sets and establishing himself as a title threat here in New York. 2014 champion Cilic should be another rite of passage for the young Spaniard. The 33-year-old has looked solid in his run so far, defeating Dan Evans in four sets in his last match but has lost to Alcaraz twice earlier this season in Miami and Cincinnati. I expect the 19-year-old to confirm that result on the grand slam stage.
Prediction: Alcaraz in 4
Cameron Norrie vs Andrey Rublev
Shane:
Andrey Rublev has taken the first three rounds of the US Open to work through the inconsistent form he held in the lead-up to this event. Cameron Norrie, on the other hand, is 17-4 over the past two months and has turned himself into one of the best hard court players on tour. Having not dropped a set this week, Norrie has spent three hours and 15 minutes less on-court than Rublev. I believe the Brit will wear down the #9 seed and move into the quarterfinals.
Prediction: Norrie in 5
Steen:
Rublev put together a great win against Denis Shapovalov in Round 3, and he’s 39-15 on the season. Norrie has yet to drop a set and is 44-20 on the season. This match looks competitive and rather even, but Norrie’s game is the best I have ever seen it though.
Prediction: Norrie in 5
Jakub:
Two very different runs here, Norrie yet to drop a set against weaker opposition to make the second week in New York for the first time in his career while Rublev has undergone two big five-set battles, including taking out Denis Shapovalov in a fifth-set tiebreak in the last match. This is close to a coin flip for me but I believe Norrie has the fitness and time-on-court advantage to outlast the Russian in a long, grueling match.
Prediction: Norrie in 5
Ilya Ivashka vs Jannik Sinner
Shane:
Having taken out seeded players in back-to-back rounds, Ilya Ivashka looks to make it three in a row with his first quarterfinal appearance at a Slam on the line. That said, #11 seed Jannik Sinner is coming into form at the perfect time and will be a tough out on the fast courts of Flushing. The Italian powered in 16 aces during his round three victory over Brandon Nakashima. I believe he will be too consistent and powerful for Ivashka.
Prediction: Sinner in 4
Steen:
Sinner has had a couple of tricky encounters, while Ivashka can say the same. It’s more of a surprise to see Ivashka at this stage of the tournament, he did reach a career high ranking in June though and is capable. Sinner’s bigger game should put him over the top.
Prediction: Sinner in 4
Jakub:
Ivashka has quietly had a very impressive run, sending Sam Querrey off to retirement before upsetting seeds Hubert Hurkacz and Lorenzo Musetti, all in four sets. Sinner started out struggling a bit in his five-set match with Daniel Altmaier but the Italian bounced back well in solid wins over dangerous Americans Christopher Eubanks and Brandon Nakashima. Ivashka will be an interesting challenge for the 21-year-old but I expect Sinner to come out on top.
Prediction: Sinner in 4
Rafael Nadal vs Frances Tiafoe
Shane:
Frances Tiafoe has yet to drop a set in New York, though, the level of competition drastically jumps up as he takes on 22x Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal. The Spaniard, on the hunt for his fifth US Open title, has had a few hiccups through the first three rounds. That said, what Nadal does better than anyone is compete. The crowd should provide both players with fantastic energy, but I see Nadal locking in when it matters most.
Prediction: Nadal in 5
Steen:
Tiafoe has yet to drop a set and will appear in the Top 20 for the first time in his career. Nadal had two shaky patches in his first two matches and then redlined his game against Gasquet in round 3. Tiafoe will have home support but I doubt it’s enough.
Prediction: Nadal in 3
Jakub:
After dropping opening sets to Rinky Hijikata and Fabio Fognini, there was nothing of the sort from Nadal against favorite opponent Richard Gasquet as he made it 18 wins in 18 matches against the Frenchman. Tiafoe should be his biggest challenge by far, the 24-year-old yet to drop a set in wins over Marcos Giron, Jason Kubler and Diego Schwartzman. Tiafoe could steal a set at the beginning if he starts well but ultimately Nadal should be winning this match.
Prediction: Nadal in 4
Main Photo from Getty.
