U.S. Open Saturday picks, including Djokovic vs. Querrey

U.S. Open third round

(1) Novak Djokovic vs. Sam Querrey: While this may be a lopsided matchup on paper, you never really know for sure. Querrey has defeated Djokovic before, albeit once in eight career tries (2012 Paris Masters). The American also took a set off the current world No. 1 last year in Davis Cup in a match during which Djokovic sustained a sprained ankle. Based on how this event has progressed so far, Americans need a whole lot of luck–and won’t get it. Djokovic in 3.

(22) Philipp Kohlschreiber vs. (13) John Isner: Remember that scene in “Miracle” in which the coach keeps saying, “Again, again, again, again”???? That’s what this is. These two veterans will be facing each other at this stage of the Open for a third consecutive season. Kohlschreiber won the first two, but Isner looks like a man on a mission–a mission to keep American men alive in the tournament heading into the second week. Isner in 5.

(9) Jo-Wilfried Tsonga vs. Pablo Carreno Busta: If you’re a fan of the Grandstand, you have to be loving week one of the U.S. Open. Tsonga and Gael Monfils, two of the undisputed most exciting players in the sport, will have played a combined all five of their matches on the Grandstand when this one ends on Saturday. So far, neither Frenchman has disappointed. Tsonga in 3.

Andrey Kuznetsov vs. (8) Andy Murray: Murray vs. Fernando Verdasco would have been more prestigious, perhaps even snagging the night spot in Ashe. Still, don’t discount Kuznetsov. The guy beat David Ferrer at Wimbledon and his win over Verdasco on Thursday was also impressive. Murray, though, was a completely different player on Thursday than he was during a debacle of a first round. Murray in 3.

(3) Stan Wawrinka vs. Blaz Kavcic: Everything about this suggests it should be entirely straightforward. Then again, Wawrinka’s last match against Thomaz Bellucci should have been entirely straightforward, too. And we all saw how that turned out…. Actually we didn’t, because almost everyone left when Wawrinka was up two sets to love! Wawrinka in 3.

Nick Kyrgios vs. (16) Tommy Robredo: I know Kyrgios beat Rafael Nadal at Wimbledon and all, but night session on Ashe on Labor Day weekend? Seriously? Seriously? Alas, Kyrgios won’t complain. And neither will fans when they see what this kid brings to the table. This may be be a redux of Robredo vs. Ernests Gulbis at the 2007 Open. Or maybe not. Kyrgios in 4.

(10) Kei Nishikori vs. Leonardo Mayer: There’s not much to say about this one, except that Nishikori should win comfortably–IF he’s healthy. And that’s always a big IF. Nishikori in 3.

Victor Estrella Burgos vs. (5) Milos Raonic: The Dominican Republic fans have been awesome for Estrella Burgos this week. They will have to be even more awesome for this one because in terms of talent, even Estrella Burgos would admit he is out of his league against Raonic. No offense to the underdog, but Raonic vs. Borna Coric would have been better. Raonic in 3.

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8 Comments on U.S. Open Saturday picks, including Djokovic vs. Querrey

rafaisthebest August 31, 2014 at 4:44 AM

RT @juanjosetennis : “Nick, you might want to tip that old man. Tennis lessons ain’t free.”

Vamos Tommy!

augusta08 August 31, 2014 at 4:44 AM

Another hero of the Federazzi is gone!
Tommy Robredo, who demolished Fed at the US Open last year, eliminated the newest hero of the Federazzi (aka “one of the [Federazzi] biggest stories of this summer’s early stages”)!
Well done, Tommy! Vaaamooos!!!

http://www.sherv.net/cm/emoticons/hand-gestures/sarcastic-applause-smiley-emoticon.gif

- ed251137 August 31, 2014 at 7:07 PM
  
  ^^^^^Loving your animated emoticons
  
  - augusta08 August 31, 2014 at 7:29 PM
    
    ed251137 ( at 7:07 pm)
    I’m glad that they are visible to others!
    
hawkeye63 August 31, 2014 at 5:43 PM

So so so very impressed with TRob’s game last night. Such entertaining tennis match.

Kyrgios played amazing tennis especially in the first and both guys played fantastic in the second.

Tommy has gotten so much better in the last three years and is a true veteran. He waited out the storm and made the right adjustments.

Kyrgios has the potential game to win majors in the future but not unless he drops the attitude.

Fun match.

Here’s hoping TRob can build on his win and take out subStandard in the 4th round.

#RealDeal
#VamosTommyCanYouHereMe
#TeamDjokovic

- ed251137 August 31, 2014 at 7:47 PM
  
  Their head to head suggests Tommy could well do so. He lost to him at the AO but Mr. One Slam Wonder has been going backwards since.
  
nativenewyorker7 August 31, 2014 at 5:50 PM

@hawkeye,

I agree with you. Kyrgios need to lose that attitude, big time! I thought Jerzy was bad when he broke through last year. This guy is even worse! He’s like Tomic x100! Way out of control. The ESPN commies said during the match that his Davis Cup coach fined him for some bad behavior. I hope he learns because otherwise he’s going to amount to nothing, talkent or big game or not.

I can’t say enough about Tommy last night. He was the consummate professional in that match. He didn’t get rattled when Kyrgios was blasting big serves and winners, just kept it together and figured out how to beat him. Smart tactics that took Kyrgios out of his comfort zone. It’s called having a tennis brain.

- nativenewyorker7 August 31, 2014 at 5:51 PM
  
  Sorry I meant to say TALENT or big game or not, in my previous post!