US Open 2023: Predictions for all men’s matches on Day 7
By Lee Vowell
We have made it into the fourth round of the 2023 US Open. While the top three seeds on the men’s side are still alive, Novak Djokovic has been the shakiest, oddly enough. Somehow a final between Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz seems less likely.
I only say that because I don’t want to jinx that a Djokovic-Alcaraz final doesn’t happen. The final is the best thing in tennis right now and most people want to see more of that. We still have a few rounds to go before that would happen though.
Sunday is filled with American hopefuls. The top two Americans are in play, plus one of the best young Americans is too. So who is going to win on Sunday? Here are some guesses.
US Open: Predictions for the men’s matches on the first day of the fourth round
Second-seed Novak Djokovic versus Borna Gojo
Gojo is the 105th-ranked player on the ATP tour and had to qualify to make it into the US Open. But he’s lost only one set in 16 combined. Weird. Still, Djokovic got a wake-up call in the third round and won’t want to repeat that.
Prediction: Djokovic in three sets
Tenth-seed Frances Tiafoe against Rinky Hijikata
What a great name Rinky Hijikata is. Hijikata moves well but doesn’t have a big serve. Tiafoe moves well and does have a big serve.
Prediction: Tiafoe in four sets
14th-seed Tommy Paul versus Ben Shelton
An all-American matchup features the veteran Paul against 20-year-old Shelton. Shelton could be the future American number 1 and could challenge for Grand Slams one day. But we aren’t there yet. Paul is more ready to take the next step than Shelton right now.
Prediction: Paul in four sets
Ninth-seed Taylor Fritz versus Dominic Stricker
Stricker plays as if he isn’t aware of what he is accomplishing in the tournament so far. Exactly what a coach would want from a 21-year-old. Fritz is a very good player who probably is playing as well as he can. I think Stricker gets the upset by serving well and playing with someone who is playing with house money.
Prediction: Stricker in four sets
Next. Ranking the five best players under 25 years old on the ATP tour. dark