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The final Grand Slam on the tennis calendar, the US Open, rolls on in Queens. Two stacked draws of men and women will take the court and vie for some life-changing money and ranking points, continuing with the fourth round on Saturday and taking us all the way into next Sunday.
Without further ado, let’s get into some picks.
Daniil Medvedev (-197) vs. Nick Kyrgios (+155)
This head-to-head is pretty tilted in one direction. Kyrgios has a 3-1 lead, with the one Medvedev win coming earlier this year at the Australian Open.
In that match it was Kyrgios who was able to put Medvedev under pressure on serve, and Kyrgios who fought back from two sets to love down to nearly push the match five. If not for a shanked forehand on break point — a point which he had won — we might be talking about a 4-0 head-to-head. On top of this, Kyrgios came into the match with no form to speak of and no fitness. He came off the proverbial couch to play that match, and he almost beat the odds-on favorite to win the title.
Kyrgios’ forehand is absolutely popping on these quick hardcourts in New York and his serve is as good as ever. He should be feeling good about this one given the fact that he just beat Medvedev a few weeks ago at a Masters 1000 event, utilizing the serve and volley and tormenting Medvedev, who likes to return deep in the court.
I suspect Kyrgios employs the same tactic here, given the fact that if Medvedev moves in to guard against it, the Aussie will ace him off the court. His ability to change directions with the backhand has made him nearly unplayable, and I think Medvedev — who was made to work very hard last match — will wear down.
Edge: Kyrgios To Win Two Sets (-120)
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Ons Jabeur (-130) vs. Veronika Kudermetova (+105)
This one should be a lot of fun. Jabeur has never taken a set off of Kudermetova, and the Russian has been lethal this week in New York. She’s yet to drop a set and now stands at 23-9 on hardcourts this year.
Jabeur, meanwhile, has struggled in her last two matches. She nearly lost to Shelby Rogers, was down a break to Elizabeth Mandlik and seems to simply be hanging on by a thread right now.
In the other night match, I think there’s an upset brewing. Kudermetova got her in San Jose earlier this year, conditions that should be a lot like these at night on Ashe. I think based off of form and head-to-head, Kudermetova should be the favorite.
Edge: Kudermetova +105
