US Open: Ranking the five biggest threats to pull off late upsets

5 of 5

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 05: Matteo Berrettini of Italy returns a shot during his Men’s Singles third round match against Casper Ruud of Norway on Day Six of the 2020 US Open at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 05, 2020 in the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) /

1. Matteo Berrettini

Is Berrettini even an upset pick? Who knows, but Berrettini has crushed his opponents so far. The three players he’s taken down so far (all of whom he’s beaten in straight sets) have gone a combined 0/10 on break points, which is a clear indication that Berrettini’s serve has arguably been the best out of anyone in the draw this year. He’s currently holding an 88.33% 1st serve win rate through three rounds (including a 94% rate in Round 1), which is absolutely absurd.

He’s served up 47 aces to just 5 double faults and his groundstrokes have been nearly as effective and has resulted in the 2019 semifinalist becoming a major candidate to repeat the feat in a few days. He does, however, have two strong opponents to get through if he wants to get back to where he finished last year. He’s due for a match against Andrey Rublev in Round 4, which sets up a potential clash with Daniil Medvedev in the quarterfinals.

It’s key for Berrettini to continue his impressive serving clips over the next two matches due to the strengths that both Rublev and Medvedev have on the ground. Regardless, he’s the most underrated player left in the draw and could make some major noise with another win tomorrow.

dark. Next. The case for and against each ATP star at the 2020 US Open

US Open action continues today with four 4th Round matches:

(5) Alexander Zverev vs Alejandro Davodich Fokina

(1) Novak Djokovic vs (20) Pablo Carreno Busta

(27) Borna Coric vs Jordan Thompson

(7) David Goffin vs (12) Denis Shapovalov

Home/US Open