On Day 8 of the US Open, we will learn the last of the men’s quarterfinalists. Which four men will book their places in the fifth round? Our writers share their thoughts on the matches. Predicting these matches are Jordan Reynolds, Damian Kust, and Andreas Pelekis. Who do you think will advance?
US Open Day 8 Men’s Predictions
Alexander Zverev vs Jannik Sinner
Jordan:
A very exciting matchup, but I expect Sinner to show his progress here. The Italian has been prone to lapses during big matches in the past, but Sinner seems more mature and consistent now. Zverev has improved immeasurably since his injury. But it is the German currently who is still more likely to go through periods of dropping his level during matches, which he can not afford against Sinner.
Prediction: Sinner in 4
Damian:
This is a very exciting matchup with Sinner just coming off his first big title and Zverev seemingly back into his (almost) peak form. Whoever wins will likely be a huge test for Alcaraz as well. The Italian has been a little more impressive, but this could be a bit like his Medvedev matchup where the lack of variety really hurts him.
Prediction: Zverev in 5
Andreas:
Definitely the biggest match of the fourth round, with both players well aware of one another’s game. Zverev flipped the switch flawlessly in his third-round win over Dimitrov, and Sinner had to go through a pro-Wawrinka crowd to win his match. Sinner is arguably the better player on a good day in 2023, but Zverev has the head-to-head edge and knows how to bring out the worst in the Italian. The two players also met in the 2021 US Open, where Zverev cruised through in an entertaining but straightforward battle. In the end, I think Sinner will struggle at first, but he’ll gradually feel more comfortable and win this.
Prediction: Sinner in 5
Jack Draper vs Andrey Rublev
Jordan:
Making a ninth Grand Slam quarterfinal will be made tough for Rublev. Draper has played superb tennis so far, and his huge left-handed forehand can cause problems to the weaker Rublev backhand. However, the Briton may just run out of steam after a big effort so soon after returning from injury. Rublev in a tight match.
Prediction: Rublev in 5
Damian:
A healthy Draper is a massive threat and he’s already shown it this week, despite getting a bit lucky with Hurkacz’s viral illness. Rublev’s draw opened up a lot since what was initially projected for him and he might just be there to pick up the pieces. The Brit has the talent to win a match like this, but I’m not convinced he’ll have the stamina in a close battle.
Prediction: Rublev in 5
Andreas:
Draper has made an unexpected yet wholesome star comeback to the ATP Tour after injuries. His groundstrokes have been tough to handle, and he’s physically seemed strong on court. Rublev is obviously experienced on the tour, but he tends to get more vulnerable as the tournament goes on. It could get interesting if Draper gets some momentum early on, but otherwise, Rublev should take advantage. This is Draper’s first appearance in a Grand Slam fourth round.
Prediction: Rublev in 3
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Daniil Medvedev vs Alex de Minaur
Jordan:
De Minaur has won his last two matches against Medvedev, including a couple of weeks ago in Toronto. Both men have looked impressive in their first three rounds. Surprisingly each has a fairly poor record in matches that go to a fifth set, which is certainly possible here. I am going with my gut instinct and backing De minaur to get a landmark victory in a long and grueling match.
Prediction: de Minaur in 5
Damian:
This is a tricky matchup for Medvedev, although he did hold a 4-0 lead in the head-to-head once. Now he’s lost the last two meetings, including in Toronto just a few weeks ago. De Minaur makes it a real baseline slog and makes it hard for the Russian to produce aggressive combinations. I still expect him to figure it out in the best-of-five format.
Prediction: Medvedev in 4
Andreas:
Medvedev has been the late-night king of the US Open, grinding through some fatigue and lack of energy. De Minaur interestingly beat Medvedev en route to his Toronto final appearance, but this is a whole new event for the Aussie. Of course, Medvedev is full of confidence given his 2021 US Open title run here. Look for plenty of long rallies.
Prediction: Medvedev in 4
Carlos Alcaraz vs Matteo Arnaldi
Jordan:
I was very surprised by how easily Arnaldi defeated Cameron Norrie in the third round. His run to the fourth round has possibly been the biggest surprise of the tournament so far. He has nothing to lose against Alcaraz, and will go down swinging. But in a losing effort.
Prediction: Alcaraz in 4
Damian:
Arnaldi’s progress has been incredible to follow with him emerging from the second tier of Italian talent to become an absolutely major prospect. Is there any chance he beats Alcaraz here? He’d probably need something like the match of life with superb counter-punching and line-painting on the offense. It’s unlikely, but this should be good to watch.
Prediction: Alcaraz in 4
Andreas:
Alcaraz’s third-round win was definitely a bigger test than many expected. After a poor start for Evans, the Brit make the match competitive, and forced Alcaraz to raise his level. Arnaldi delivered one of the more surprising upsets of the tournament to take out Norrie. One of the ATP rising stars, he shouldn’t be afraid of the big stage, and could make this competitive for a little while. Alcaraz should have enough in the tank towards the end.
Prediction: Alcaraz in 4
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
