Alexander Zverev vs Felix Auger-Aliassime
Alexander Zverev, the No. 3 seed, has been in excellent form, and we know he wants nothing else but to finally win a Slam. He’s had a dominant start to the US Open, winning his first two matches in straight sets. He holds a significant 6-2 head-to-head advantage over Felix Auger-Aliassime, and has won their last two meetings in straight sets. More on Zverev’s current racquet.
While Auger-Aliassime had a solid season and has played well in his first two matches, he has lacked consistency and will need to raise his level and play at his absolute best to challenge Zverev at his current form.
Prediction: Zverev in four sets.
Tommy Paul vs Alexander Bublik
Tommy Paul, a fan favorite and the No. 14 seed, will be looking to build on his strong season. However, he faces a red-hot Alexander Bublik, who is on a 10-match winning streak. Bublik has had a surprising hard-court season, and he won comfortably in the first rounds here in New York. While Paul holds a 3-0 head-to-head advantage, this is an entirely different version of Bublik.
The Kazakh’s powerful, unpredictable game and current momentum could be a major challenge for the American. Paul is usually solid against these kind of players so this match has the potential to be a classic, with a few unpredictable moments. Note also that Tommy Paul comes from a tough 4.5 h battle against Nuno Borges in the previous round.
Prediction: Bublik in five sets.
Lorenzo Musetti vs Flavio Cobolli
In this all-Italian match we’ll see the veteran Lorenzo Musetti against his compatriot Flavio Cobolli. Musetti, the No. 10 seed, had a bit of a poor run mid-season but he’s been impressive so far in the tournament on a surface which is not his favorite.
Cobolli is enjoying a strong Slam here in NY but he has faced some tough challenges. On this surface he will feel he’s not that much below Musetti and will like his chances. If Musetti can continue his current momentum and form he should see this one out and be an outsider to go deep.
Prediction: Musetti in four sets.
