The 2018 US Open rolls on with Roger Federer and Kei Nishikori in action on day 4. Our panelists offer up their previews with predictions.
Alex De Minaur vs Frances Tiafoe
Steen Kirby: Tiafoe has had a good summer and should make this ATP next-gen matchup competitive. De Minaur was strong in round 1 though and presuming he keeps up that blistering pace I’ll back De Minaur to edge this. De Minaur in 4
Utkarsha Mitra: The NextGen clash of the day! De Minaur swept past Taro Daniel on Tuesday 60 61 62. But Tiafoe has been steadily improving this year, and I won’t be surprised if he wins the contest today! Tiafoe in 5
Gael Monfils vs Kei Nishikori
Steen: Nishikori has the h2h edge and he’s the better player at this point in time. Monfils has always been talented but lately he hasn’t been able to compete against top players like Nishikori. Nishikori in 4
Utkarsha: Monfils double bageled on Tuesday. Nishikori posted a very comfortable win as well. But, the current New York weather is more likely to hamper Nishikori’s chances than Monfils’ if the match goes on for long. Monfils in 5
Novak Djokovic vs Tennys Sandgren
Steen: Djokovic was up and down in his round 1 contest while Sandgren won in round 1 in straights. That said, unless Djokovic is injured or ill he should get past a relative journeyman in Sandgren. Djokovic in 3
Utkarsha: Djokovic’s form has been impressive and he’ll be looking forward to continue the momentum. Djokovic in 3
Lucas Pouille vs Marcos Baghdatis
Steen: Baghdatis will be up against it in this one. Pouille is the fitter and more focused player as Baghdatis looks to be on his last legs as an ATP player. An upset is always possible but I don’t see Baghdatis rolling back the clock. Pouille in 3
Utkarsha: You never know with Pouille. He just can’t seem to get a grip on consistency, and I wouldn’t be surprised if Baghdatis springs up an upset, if he’s fit. That being said, the weather can take a toll on the Cypriot. Expecting a hard-fought win in favor of Pouille. Pouille in 5
Roger Federer vs Benoit Paire
Steen: Federer has never lost to Paire and Paire is a relatively one dimensional player who struggles against Federer’s all court game. Unless the heat gets to Federer this should be a rout. Federer in 3
Utkarsha: Federer was splendid against Nishioka. But the draw gets tougher for him from here on. Paire will not be a pushover, and I’m expecting him to take at least a set off Federer. Federer in 4
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