US Open: Predicting where each remaining ATP player will finish

With just seven players remaining in the 2020 US Open, here are the predictions for how each of them will fare this week.

Only seven players remain after Alexander Zverev took out Borna Coric to become the first semifinalist at the 2020 US Open. Here is a prediction for where each of the seven will finish by the end of the week.

1. Dominic Thiem

2020 US Open finish: CHAMPION

Thiem is the highest remaining seed in the draw now that World #1, Novak Djokovic, is out. He struggled on the fast US Open hard courts to begin the week (and especially last week in “Cincinnati”). He picked up the pace, however, and is emerging as the top candidate to take the title. Thiem’s domination yesterday against Felix Auger-Aliassime showed just how lethal he can be if he’s on his game; he finished the match with a 75% win percentage on his first serve and 74% on his second.

His quarterfinal match will come tomorrow against Alex de Minaur. While not a huge name in comparison to some of the other remaining members in the draw, the young Australian is putting together a career Grand Slam so far. Luck of the draw has gotten him through a couple rounds but he bested 11th-seeded Karen Khachanov in a thrilling five sets. De Minaur’s top-tier footwork and speed will certainly give Thiem a fair bit of trouble closing out points.

Why I think Thiem will ultimately come away with the match, and the title for that matter, is down to the way he’s steadily improved with each win this week. A slow start to the tournament quickly gave way to what we’ve grown accustomed to with him over the last two years: pure power. His ability to outhit anyone standing across from him is a key factor to his sustained success and 3 Grand Slam finals appearances. He bullied his way through Marin Cilic and Felix Auger-Aliassime, two very strong hitters. Once Thiem is on a role, it’s tough to stop.