We are set for two blockbuster men’s quarterfinal matches on Tuesday at the US Open. Last year’s runner-up, Taylor Fritz, will face 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic. Meanwhile, Carlos Alcaraz will face Jiri Lehecka, who will be making his Top 20 debut next week. As always, our writers share their thoughts on both matches. Predicting these matches are Nurein Ahmed, Tope Oke, Ateet Shrivastava, Zain Mustafa, and Ilemona Onekutu.
US Open Day 10 Predictions
Carlos Alcaraz vs Jiri Lehecka
Nurein:
Alcaraz has cruised through the draw without facing a serious test. He did survive a first-set tie-break against Arthur Rinderknech in the Round of 16, and other than that, he’s been efficient. This section of the draw became wide open once Ben Shelton retired, and Lehecka is the biggest beneficiary. The Czech has seized that opportunity to reach his first quarterfinals at the US Open. While he will be competitive and push Alcaraz, a win over the former champion will likely be out of reach.
Prediction: Alcaraz in 4
Tope:
On one hand, you could argue that Lehecka knows how to defeat Alcaraz, as he has done so earlier this year in their only meeting on hard courts. However, the Spaniard is virtually unplayable at the moment, making it to a Major quarterfinal without losing a single set for the first time in his professional career.
I think Alcaraz will drop his first set of the championships in this one to the aggressive Czech youngster, but he will still have too much for him.
Prediction: Alcaraz in 4
Ateet:
Carlos Alcaraz is into his fourth US Open quarterfinal, his first time without dropping a set. He is looking extremely comfortable and playing within himself so far. Jiri Lehecka has a dangerous game and has troubled Alcaraz before, but if the Spaniard brings his best level, I see him advancing. The courts have played slowly this year, which will play to Alcaraz’s advantage in this matchup.
Prediction: Alcaraz in 4
Zain:
This will be the third meeting of the year between these heavy hitters, though the stakes are quite different for each. For Carlos Alcaraz, it’s about being back where he belongs, deep into the US Open, while putting the disappointment of last year behind him. For Jiri Lehecka, this is an incredible opportunity to grow as a player, regardless of the result.
The forehand battle will be crucial. Can Alcaraz use his heavy topspin and sharp angles to push Lehecka off the court, or will the Czech’s flat, aggressive hitting pin the favorite back?
So far in this tournament, Alcaraz has operated at an all-time great level. To beat a player performing at that standard, you either need to produce an all-time great performance yourself or be of similar caliber. Lehecka isn’t yet the latter, and the former might prove to be a bridge too far.
Prediction: Alcaraz in 4
Ilemona:
Carlos Alcaraz has cruised through the draw, showing off the athletic shot-making that makes him so dangerous on hard courts. Jiri Lehecka has had a strong summer and carries belief from recent Top 10 wins, but he’s yet to solve Alcaraz in their meetings. The Czech’s baseline power can trouble anyone, though sustaining it over five sets against Alcaraz’s relentlessness is another matter.
Prediction: Alcaraz in 3
Novak Djokovic vs Taylor Fritz
Nurein:
Djokovic still believes he can win another Grand Slam, but will his body hold up? He’s done well to retain his energy levels for much sterner tests in the tournament. That begins in the quarterfinals against Taylor Fritz. The Serbian has a perfect record in the head-to-head and at this point, age is unlikely to be a significant barrier. He’s got a psychological edge over the American.
Prediction: Djokovic in 4
Tope:
Novak Djokovic has endured a long two-year wait for his next Major title, and he is looking like he can end the wait in New York after winning all four of his matches in convincing style.
Taylor Fritz may have a challenging history against Djokovic, but his playing style is ideally suited for hard courts. The 27-year-old has shown strong form in the tournament in New York and demonstrated remarkable resilience, advancing to the round of 16 late last week.
Djokovic’s commanding head-to-head record is an interesting point to consider this week. While the American can win with the home crowd behind him, the steely Serb will have the mental edge to make it to yet another semifinal.
Prediction: Djokovic in 5
Ateet:
Novak Djokovic played his best match of the tournament to dismiss Jan-Lennard Struff in straight sets. He has caught a good serving rhythm in his last two matches and will need to bring that against Taylor Fritz, who is desperately seeking his first win against the Serbian star. Fritz will look to maintain a high first serve percentage and be extra aggressive on Djokovic’s serve. I expect a close match, but Djokovic has the mental edge.
Prediction: Djokovic in 4
Zain:
The head-to-head record might be as one-sided as it gets, but there is no doubt this is the marquee clash of the men’s quarterfinals, as the No. 1 American takes on the all-time leader in Major titles.
Both players delivered their best matches of the tournament in the fourth round, so confidence should be high on both sides heading into this battle. For Novak Djokovic, this is a matchup he usually feasts on, as he holds the athleticism advantage and has the tools to neutralize Taylor Fritz’s big weapons. For Fritz, this is essentially a free roll of the dice. The head-to-head is already beyond repair, so why not approach the match with the mindset of playing with house money, rather than carrying the pressure of having never beaten this opponent in ten attempts?
Djokovic has dealt with some physical issues during this tournament. If those problems resurface in this match, things could get tricky even for the legend. Despite that, when one player is the superior athlete, the stronger returner, and the better counterpuncher, it creates a mountain almost impossible for the underdog to climb, one that mere aging cannot bring down.
Prediction: Djokovic in 4
Ilemona:
Form-wise, this looks straightforward, but it rarely is against Novak Djokovic in the second week of a Slam. The Serb has required treatment in every match, yet he remains in full control. Taylor Fritz is playing confidently, but he faces a daunting 0-10 head-to-head record against the legend. Their matches have featured tension over Djokovic’s medical timeouts, adding a psychological layer to the challenge. While Fritz has the power to make it competitive, overcoming Djokovic’s clutch play is a different task entirely. It’s tough to envision anything but another Djokovic victory.
Prediction: Djokovic in 4
Main Photo Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images
