US Open: Predicting where each remaining ATP player will finish

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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 06: Denis Shapovalov of Canada celebrates during his Men’s Singles fourth round match against David Goffin of Belgium on Day Seven of the 2020 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 6, 2020 in the Queens borough of New York City. Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) /

4. Denis Shapovalov

2020 US Open finish: SEMIFINALIST

Denis Shapovalov has a ton of potential as a future Grand Slam champion. The 21-year-old has been serving extremely well this week (his 68 aces is second to Zverev out of the remaining seven players and 3rd for the tournament) and his backhand has shown up as a huge asset down the stretch. He hasn’t notched a straight-set win yet so far but is becoming a steadier and smarter player with each victory.

Where he struggles is his consistency. It’s been solid this week but is certainly a sign of concern for a potential Grand Slam champion. Shapovalov has a tough matchup tonight against Pablo Carreno Busta, who’s baseline consistency could lead to yet another tight match for the young Canadian. He arguably has a better shot taking down Zverev due to his respective inconsistencies rather than his quarterfinal opponent today.

While Shapovalov does have the raw ability and talent, he simply isn’t ready to compete with players like Zverev, Medvedev and Thiem as of yet. All three of them have proven their abilities as the next crop of Grand Slam champions, whereas Shapovalov hasn’t yet found his footing in a major just yet. At only 21 years old, that’s completely understandable, and the fact that he’s able to compete at this high of a level already shows a positive sign for the future. His run will soon end, however, as years of experience get the better of him.

5. Andrey Rublev

2020 US Open finish: QUARTERFINALIST

Rublev has put on a very impressive showing this week; the young Russian has only lost one set in his previous four matches. He has effortless power and is one of the best baseliners strikers in the ATP. As a one-time Grand Slam quarterfinalist (2017 US Open), many expected Rublev to pounce on the opportunity this year amidst the group of withdrawals from the tournament.

Unfortunately for him, he’s matched up against a supremely better talent on hard courts. Daniil Medvedev is one of the best players in the world, and as the defending tournament finalist in New York, he certainly has a right to that claim. While Rublev might have the raw power and the advantage of blistering groundstrokes, Medvedev only gets better as the point wears on. If Rublev has any shot to win, he’ll have to end points quickly and take control before Medvedev is able to gain the advantage tactically through long rallies.

Like Shapovalov, Rublev has the tools but just isn’t ready to compete against players with better Grand Slam success. It’s a good sign to see him back in a major quarterfinal; he’ll look to build on his stellar year as he heads for the European swing next month.

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