Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner are on a collision course for the quarterfinals of the U.S. Open. They are one round away from making that matchup happen, but Matteo Arnaldi and Alexander Zverev have other ideas.
(12) Alexander Zverev vs. (6) Jannik Sinner
Sinner and Zverev will be squaring off for the fifth time in their careers and for the second time at the U.S. Open when they meet during fourth-round action on Monday. Zverev has won three of their four previous encounters, including three in a row since losing to Sinner at the 2020 French Open. The 12th-ranked German prevailed 6-4, 6-4, 7-6(7) at Flushing Meadows in 2021 before surviving a 5-7, 6-3, 7-6(5) thriller at the 2022 Monte-Carlo Masters.
Zverev was always the favorite in those contests, but now the tide has turned. Sinner has soared to sixth in the rankings, while Zverev’s 2023 campaign marks his comeback from an ankle injury sustained at Roland Garros last spring. The 26-year-old is playing great tennis again, but he may not be all the way back to his best level that carried him to the final of this tournament in 2020. Both Zverev and Sinner are in stellar form this fortnight and coming off respective four-set victories over Grigor Dimitrov and Stan Wawrinka. This should be a fun slugfest, but at most there are only three players who would have an edge against Sinner in New York and that trio does not involve Zverev.
Pick: Sinner in 4
(1) Carlos Alcaraz vs. Matteo Arnaldi
Somewhat understandably, Alcaraz has not been at his best since the biggest win of his career in the final of Wimbledon against Novak Djokovic. The world No. 1 failed to win either Toronto or Cincinnati (although he came within one point of lifting the trophy at the latter) and he dropped a set against Dan Evans during a 6-2, 6-3, 4-6, 6-3 victory on Saturday.
Up next for Alcaraz on Monday is Arnaldi, a 22-year-old Italian who is starting to make a name for himself in 2023. Prior to this season Arnaldi had never won a match on the main tour, but now he suddenly owns 13 such victories–including in New York at the expense of Jason Kubler, Arthur Fils, and Cameron Norrie. Unfortunately for the world No. 61, he doesn’t wield the offensive firepower necessary to give Alcaraz serious problems. With Sinner or Zverev up next in the quarterfinals, it’s time for the 20-year-old Spaniard to get into gear. Look for him to raise his level and take care of business in straight sets.
Pick: Alcaraz in 3
what Ricky says
Coco killed my $20 parlay to win 7g by not winning in straights yesterday. Of course she cruises in 3rd set. She needs her back against wall to play with a purpose. I hedged 2nd set and made a nice profit but COCO you killing me girl!
what Ricky says.
Aye, what Ricky says about Arnaldi. But Alcaraz in three, including at least one TB. I wasn’t too aware of Arnaldi, but he’ll not be overlooked again.
Yeah, it might be 5 with Zverev winning. It’s not what I want and not good for my poor ATP bracket, but Zverev was on form vs. Dimitrov. Sascha’s tennis is exciting when he plays like the old Sasha before injury and personal issues.
Sascha’s scruffy hair adds to his present menacing effect.
That said, Go, Jannick!
I’m surprised you had Sinner winning this. I have Zverev in 4 or 5.
Mines worst. Rybakina was the only loser in a 14 teamer that would’ve paid 22k on a $470 bet.
Out went Sinner, am surprised.
Apparently it was extremely humid and he had cramps for the last 2 sets. He is pretty prone to injury and illness unfortunately.
Cheers
Just been watching highlights of Zverev v Sinner. Z looked very good, coming to the net much more than I remember him doing, but, rather more alarmingly, he now looks just like Tsitsipas!