The year’s final major gets started on Monday. With the night time matches and the New York crowd, the atmosphere at Flushing Meadows is unlike any other. Everything combines to usually make it one of the more fun tournaments on the year. The entertainment level will be top notch, no doubt. But who will prevail this time around?
At the top, it’s the Big 3 as expected. Novak Djokovic returns as the #1 seed, seeking his second consecutive – and fourth overall – US Open title. Second seeded Rafael Nadal is also in pursuit of his fourth title, while third seed Roger Federer seeks his sixth. He hasn’t won in New York since 2008, when he finished a run of five straight championships. Beyond them, it’s the same cast of characters who haven’t yet been able to break through. Could this be the time when one of the younger “Next Up” guys finally has their moment to shine on the big stage? Only time will tell.
Seeds
- Novak Djokovic
- Rafael Nadal
- Roger Federer
- Dominic Thiem
- Daniil Medvedev
- Alexander Zverev
- Kei Nishikori
- Stefanos Tsitsipas
- Karen Khachanov
- Roberto Bautista Agut
- Fabio Fognini
- Borna Coric
- Gael Monfils
- John Isner
- David Goffin
- Kevin Anderson
- Nikoloz Basilashvili
- Felix Auger-Aliassime
- Guido Pella
- Diego Schwartzman
- Milos Raonic
- Marin Cilic
- Stanislas Wawrinka
- Matteo Berrettini
- Lucas Pouille
- Taylor Fritz
- Dusan Lajovic
- Nick Kyrgios
- Benoit Paire
- Kyle Edmund
- Cristian Garin
- Fernando Verdasco
Djokovic’s Quarter
Djokovic could face Sam Querrey in the second round. Querrey is only 2-9 in his career against Djokovic, but has shown the ability to beat the top players on a good day. The hard hitting American certainly stands a chance at an early upset, though I wouldn’t count on it. Also in this quarter are Stan Wawrinka and Kevin Anderson. They’re not to be forgotten, but the real threat here is Daniil Medvedev. He has been red-hot leading up to the US Open, and I don’t think it would be surprise anyone to see him be the last man standing.
Prediction: Novak Djokovic
Don’t forget about: Daniil Medvedev, Sam Querrey, Kevin Anderson, Stan Wawrinka
Nadal’s Quarter
I don’t foresee too many problems for Nadal here. There are threats of course, but the likes of Cilic, Isner, and Tiafoe shouldn’t exactly instill fear in the Spaniard. The two to watch for would be Alexander Zverev and Karen Khachanov. Zverev still hasn’t managed to make a grand slam semi yet, but it’s still only a matter of when, rather than if. But I’m not betting on it until I see it happen. Khachanov only entered the world top 10 for the first time earlier this year. I like him to win a couple grand slams at some point, but he’s still largely unproven on the game’s biggest stages.
Prediction: Rafael Nadal
Don’t forget about: Alexander Zverev, Karen, Khachanov, John Isner, Marin Cilic
Federer’s Quarter
On paper it seems as though Federer should make it through to the semis. There isn’t any single player who jumps out as a huge threat. But there are a number of players who are plenty good enough to take down the Swiss Maestro if they catch him on the right day. Borna Coric, Kei Nishikori, Alex de Minaur, David Goffin, Milos Raonic, Jack Sock, Grigor Dimitrov, Guido Pella, and Lucas Pouille all have the ability to pull off the upset. Though I’m not betting against the 20-time Grand Slam winner, he could face a few challenges along the way.
Prediction: Roger Federer
Don’t forget about: Borna Coric, Kei Nishikori
Thiem’s Quarter
This will be the draw to watch. Not only is the only non-Big 3 quarter, there is tons of fun, young talent featured here. Stefanos Tsitsipas, Andrey Rublev, Nick Kyrgios, Matteo Berrettini, Felix Auger-Aliassime, Denis Shapovalov should all provide some fun fireworks. Kyrgios especially is one to watch. While there has never been any question about his talent, he has yet to make even one grand slam quarterfinal. But he just won the Citi Open, beating Tsitsipas and Medvedev along the way. If he can get out of his own way and put together a full two weeks of controlled tennis, he’s definitely a candidate to break through.
Prediction: Stefanos Tsitsipas
Don’t forget about: Dominic Thiem, Nick Kyrgios, Roberto Bautista-Agut
Semi-Finals
Djokovic def. Federer
Nadal def. Tsitsipas
Championship
Djokovic def. Nadal
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