U.S. Open third-round action will conclude on Saturday, when the relatively loaded top half of the draw takes center stage again. Ricky Dimon of The Grandstand and Steen Kirby of Tennis Atlantic preview and predict four of the matchups.
(11) Roberto Bautista Agut vs. (24) Juan Martin Del Potro
Ricky: Which guy has a better chance to win this up-for-grabs title? Del Potro, by a mile, because he has the game with which to beat the best. But which one has a better chance in this single match? Well, the thing about Bautista is that he can’t beat anyone ranked ahead of him, but he also never loses to people he shouldn’t lose to. And right now he shouldn’t lose to Del Potro. RBA is in outstanding form and Del Potro just hasn’t risen to any occasions in 2017. Bautista Agut in 4: 6-3, 5-7, 7-6(3), 6-3.
Steen: RBA is red hot and even though Del Potro has won a slam before, his wins through two rounds were against weak opposition. Bautista Agut is actually the better player right now. Bautista Agut in 4: 7-5, 6-7, 6-4, 6-4.
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(9) David Goffin vs. (18) Gael Monfils
Ricky: All three previous meetings have gone the distance (Monfils leads it 2-1). They both went the distance on Thursday, five-setters against Donald Young (Monfils) and Guido Pella (Goffin). This one could go five, too, but I like Monfils to finish a tough one in four. Goffin has been out due to injury and is not match-tough. Monfils in 4: 6-2, 1-6, 6-3, 7-6(6).
Steen: Monfils leads the head-to-head series 2-1 and looks to be in someone decent form despite being forced into a five-set match vs. Young. Goffin had to play five sets against Pella and I have a feeling Monfils will recover better. Monfils in 4: 6-4, 7-6, 3-6 6-3.
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(30) Adrian Mannarino vs. (6) Dominic Thiem
Ricky: Contrary to what Thiem’s 5-0 record against Mannarino suggests, this is a fascinating matchup. It’s one player (Thiem) who plays as far from the baseline as possible and takes massive cuts at the ball vs. another player (Mannarino) who plays as close to the baseline as possible and barely takes a backswing. Thiem would dominate at the French Open; Mannarino would likely win at Wimbledon. At the U.S. Open, it should be competitive. Thiem in 4: 4-6, 6-3, 7-6(4), 7-6(5).
Steen: Thiem leads the head-to-head series 5-0 and even though Mannarino is playing some of the best tennis of his career, Thiem simply has more weapons. Presuming he can deal with Mannarino’s flat hitting, the Austrian should win–again. Thiem in 3: 7-5, 6-4, 6-3.
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Viktor Troicki vs. Alexandr Dolgopolov
Ricky: Who knows in this one? Troicki has been awful this season and Dolgpolov has been hurt. The Ukrainian has retired from five matches in 2017, but on Thursday he was the one benefiting from an injured opponent (Tomas Berdych). The jury is still out on each man’s form, but if they are both 100 percent Dolgopolov’s upside is way higher. Dolgopolov in 4: 6-4, 6-4, 3-6, 6-3.
Steen: Dolgopolov won their meeting earlier this year despite an overall 3-1 edge for Troicki in the head-to-head series. Troicki has broken a massive losing streak of six matches to reach the third round but he’s had an easy path. Dolgopolov has scored two big wins in two rounds and has a higher ceiling. He’s tough to predict, but I’ll go with the Ukrainian. Dolgopolov in 4: 6-4, 3-6, 7-5, 6-2.
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WWW?
Dolgopolov in four Monfils in five Thiem in four Del Po in five
Dolgo,Thiem ,Bautista Agut ,Monfils all in four
What’s up all my Grandstand peeps?! Kevy-Kev coming at you live from the Grandstand at Flushing Meadows!! I can’t believe how close I am sitting to a DelPo-RBA match right now… I’m admittedly a little star struck. 🙂 I’ll be heading over to Ashe to see Rafa after this match, and then watching Fed in the night session. Thinking of you all! If anyone happens to be here at the Open, I’d love to meet you if you’re interested!
Have a great time Kevin!! I see delpo is up a break!!
Go delpo!!
Ps you’re a fed fan aren’t you? I really hope you get to see him win…
I am indeed a Federer fan. As well as a Rafa fan. So I am so grateful to see both! 🙂
Thank you, Amy!
I see delpo took the first set Kevin.. How does he look to you??
Enjoy it fully 😉
Wow, Eugene! Wish I was there! Vamos Rafa! Vamos Delpo!
oh…It’s Kevin at the US Open! Sorry, oops….
Delpo is crushing the ball
So delpo is crushing the ball rc??!
Go delpo!!
Hi rc, I am chilling in Greece at the moment, enjoying the sun that’s so much desired in London with limited internet access. All the best 😉 will be back soon.
Oh well, even better than NYC, Eugene…I love Greece — well, what I’ve seen of it, which was Athens and a few islands.
It’s amazing. You have a good idea about Greece then. But one needs many years to discover at least half of Greece’s beauty.
Indeed, I dream of going back!
Never mind me, I’m trying to follow too many matches. I can barely keep it all straight at this point.
Anyone know what RBA was just complaining about?? I couldn’t tell from up here.
Delpo got penalized for swearing is what I heard. But I’m flipping channels, trying to watch all matches!
That’s dope Kev. Have fun!!
Thanks Benny! I’ll be thinking of you from my nosebleed seats during the Fed match. 🙂
Right now I can’t see anyone but Del Potro! Wow, the sound of his forehand must be great if you are sitting anywhere close.
Vamos Delpo!
So delpo is up a set and a break is that right??
Really want him to win..
Delpo up 2 sets!! Vamos!!
Delpo has now won the first 2 sets, amy 😀 He’s got my full attention too. I don’t want to watch what’s going on in the WTA matches with Aga and Ostapenko. hehe
If Rafa can’t win then I definitely want delpo to win!!!
Certainly want him to get to the semi’s.. How is his game stacking up right now??
He’s in a bit of a lull, by his first two set standards. RBA nearly broke him. RBA won’t let this set go without a fight, I reckon.
Yes, I’d love Delpo to get his 2nd GS.
Suddenly Delpo got serious and got the break. Vamos!
3-1 Delpo, 3rd set.
Vamos!! Is his game good enough to win the whole thing right now?!
This is the first time I’ve had a chance to watch Delpo. I wouldn’t go so far as to say he can beat Rafa. Unfortunately his backhand is not a weapon – so it would be very hard I think for him to win another GS. And RBA isn’t giving him much resistance – so…?
I meant partly if Rafa were to go out before they met!! I love delpo but I would never cheer for him over Rafa!
So could delpo in this form beat the rest of the field?!
I’m not sure based on this one performance. His serve and forehand was clicking. Delpo has Thiem next — then we’ll see. Just a great performance vs RBA.
Ok thanks rc!! Who would you pick in the thiem delpo match??
Delpo wins!!
Both Ricky and steen had rba winning so I have to think delpo played well..
Really happy for him..
Wonder if Kevin saw the whole match??
Hope you are having a great time Kevin!!
I was at the whole match. Awesome performance.
I picked him in Delpo over RBA in my bracket 😀
But picked Thiem to beat Delpo. I just don’t know how consistent Delpo can be. Delpo was close to tears after winning this match — it really means a lot to him and he does have solid fan support here.
Ok you just answered my question from above!!
Delpo’s fitness has been a big question mark.. I hope he does beat thiem although I like dom..
Man the draw socks!!they are both needed on the other side..
Sucks not socks!!!
Delpo was incredible
Watching Rublev v Dzumher. I don’t know how Rublev beat Dimitrov, lol. Rublev doesn’t not look too good today. Serve is not at it’s best (what I’ve seen of it) — making a lot of errors.
I’ll probably switch to Monfils vs Goffin. My WTA favorites: Ostapenko lost and Aga on the verge of losing, dang it!
Really Ricky?? Can he win the whole thing??
Well anyone can (except Lorenzi). So yes.
Oh, Lucky You, Ricky! That must have been fun!!
Goffin is moving well – better than I expected. Monfils has what appears like serious taping on one of his knees too. Beautiful tennis from both at times. Way better match than Rublev and Dzumher LOL…..
Goffin and Monfils look like they enjoy playing each other. High quality tennis. I picked Monfils over Goffin in my bracket.
Delpo is too good for RBA, especially with a vulnerable Fed in the 1/4s.
Delpo goes to another level in North or South America, he’s very sentimental.
Goffin flying through the 2nd set. Where did Lamonf go?
Oh, Gael not feeling well. It’s an official MTO for his knee.
Monfils calls it quits. His right knee is the problem.
Dang that’s a shame. Goffin must be pretty pleased with making the fourth round given how the last couple months have gone for him. Good for him.