It’s quarterfinal day again at Flushing Meadows, I’m not sure if we can promise as much action and drama as yesterday but it’s looking like interesting matchups. Alexander Blockx vs. Karen Khachanov and Alexander Zverev vs. Botic van de Zandschulp, are todays QF’s in New York.
Alexander Blockx vs Karen Khachanov
Blockx is starting to look like a future star on tour, already becoming the first Belgian man ever to reach a US Open quarterfinal by grinding past Francisco Cerundolo 6-3, 4-6, 7-5, 7-5. He’s also riding a 10-match winning streak coming into today.
Khachanov, a 2022 semifinalist here, showed all his experience surviving a three-hour, 50-minute battle with Learner Tien, 7-5, 4-6, 6-7(6), 6-1, 6-4, and brings a completely different level of big-match experience to this one.
This is a first meeting between the two.
Predictions and best bets
Khachanov’s experience in exactly these kinds of moments is a real edge, but Blockx has shown no signs of nerves so far and has the power, especially on serve, to trouble anyone it seems.
The bookies favorite for this match is Karen Khachanov at odds around 1.56 and I think some of this has to do with the physical status of the Belgian, as he was experiencing quite a lot of pain around the ribs at the end of the last match.
Khachanov seem to be high of confidence now, especially after beating an in-form Learner Tien and I think it’s a bad matchup for Blockx game. His experience along with possibly being more fresh for this QF, might give him the edge.
My bet: Khachanov in 5 sets.
Alexander Zverev vs Botic van de Zandschulp
Zverev has been the model of consistency, becoming the only man to reach the quarterfinals at all four majors this year, most recently dispatching Luciano Darderi 6-2, 6-2, 7-6(3) without much fuss.
Van de Zandschulp’s route here has been the stuff of legend, saving a match point to complete a stunning five-set comeback over lucky loser Arthur Gea, 3-6, 6-7(0), 7-6(7), 7-6(3), 6-4, a match that set the record for most points ever played in a US Open match. That’s nearly nine and a half hours on court across his last two matches.
This is also a first meeting between the two.
Predictions
Van de Zandschulp’s story is remarkable, but the physical cost of that marathon has to be a major concern against a fresher opponent who is starting to find very high levels again. Sascha should progress here.
My bet: Zverev to win in four sets.
