It should be an entertaining second day of quarterfinal action at the US Open with a number of star names set to take to the court at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Centre. As always, we here at LWOT will be offering our predictions for every match on the slate, including Iga Swiatek vs Jessica Pegula in the women’s draw. But who will book their spot in the last four?
US Open Quarterfinal Predictions
Jack Draper vs Alex de Minaur
Tope: No one has ultimately been able to breach Alex de Minaur’s defences in New York and with all the firepower he can unleash from his left forehand, I don’t think Jack Draper will have enough to down the diminutive Aussie who has simply been magical from the baseline.
Prediction: de Minaur in 4
Jordan: Draper thrashed Tomas Machac in the last round, but this will be a completely different match. De Minaur will not make the unforced errors Machac did, and Draper needs to find a way to consistently be aggressive and dominate the rallies. Although the Briton has had a great tournament, I am not sure he is ready to do that in his first Grand Slam quarterfinal.
Prediction: de Minaur in 4
Ismael: What a tournament it has been for Draper. The Brit has reached his first Grand Slam quarterfinals without dropping a set. But the opposition level will see a massive jump against De Minaur, who is often overlooked but has reached the quarterfinals of the last three Slams. He bested a resilient Thompson without needing a fifth set, which was key for him fitness-wise.
This is maybe the worst possible matchup for Draper. The Aussie is exceptionally hard to hit through. Unless Jack brings his absolute best level (which is possible), De Minaur will eventually frustrate him and force him into committing more unforced errors that he can afford.
Prediction: de Minaur in 4
Ateet: Draper has been playing the hard-court tennis of his life so far, not dropping a single set in his first four matches. It’s crucial for his chances of going as deep as possible since he’s not naturally the most fit player. But de Minaur is a different animal compared to the players Draper has faced so far – he’s very difficult to ace and he puts lots of first-serve returns in play, he’s very difficult to hit winners against.
There are probably going to be lots of rallies in this match which favours the Australian. Draper’s best chance to win is to serve at a high rate and get as many free points as possible. Draper has already had his best Slam result and I think de Minaur will do that too by winning this match.
Prediction: de Minaur in 5
Yesh: Both of these men are playing really well, though neither quite has an experience as nerve-wracking as this will be. Draper is playing better so far and his serve is on point at the moment. That should be the difference.
Prediction: Draper in 4
Jannik Sinner vs Daniil Medvedev
Tope: I can confidently predict that whoever wins this encounter will ultimately triumph in New York. Having met an incredible 11 times already – all on hard courts, this is probably the new rivalry to look out for in the sport, at least on this surface. While Daniil Medvedev won their earlier meetings, Jannik Sinner has won each of the last five and I’ll lean towards him again to even their head-to-head as he continues his quest for a second Major.
Prediction: Sinner in 4
Jordan: Sinner’s match against Paul was ideal preparation for his battle against Medvedev due to the long and intense rallies in the opening two sets. The US Open is probably the Grand Slam that gives Medvedev the best chance of beating Sinner, despite his triumph against the Italian at Wimbledon. However, Sinner’s patience and mental strength against Paul was so impressive. His development of those skills are crucial to beating Medvedev, and could make the difference.
Prediction: Sinner in 4
Ismael: The match of the tournament so far. Given how the draw has turned out, this feels especially unfair as a quarterfinal match. Medvedev has eased through, but without real threats it’s hard to know what his level is. Sinner was tested by Paul for two sets, which will help him.
This one is a must-watch, with four out of their last five matches going the distance. Sinner has won the last set more frequently than Medvedev, and these conditions suit him much more than those at Wimbledon. The top seed to progress.
Prediction: Sinner in 5
Ateet: This matchup has become one of the most interesting rivalries in the last two years and it feels like they meet every other month. This will be their fourth meeting of the year and 13th overall. Sinner had completely changed the dynamic of this rivalry but Medvedev’s win at Wimbledon has reset the balance.
Both players know that they will have a slightly easier match on paper in the semifinals if they can win this match. Medvedev plays his best tennis at the US Open while Sinner is the world #1 and plays his best on hard courts. Medvedev has the advantage in physicality and endurance if there is a long match. However, Sinner has been tested more in his previous rounds and I believe he will be ready for Medvedev.
Prediction: Sinner in 4
Yesh: Medvedev is looking every part the former champion of this event, surprising given his poor form this summer. Sinner, meanwhile, has struggled twice so far against Americans. Medvedev isn’t American, but the New York crowd loves him. And his aggressive counterpunching will keep Sinner uncomfortable.
Prediction: Medvedev in 3
Main photo credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
