We’re already approaching the enterprise finish of the U.S. Open, as spots within the quarterfinals will begin being handed out on Sunday. Amongst these seeking to safe spots within the final eight are Carlos Alcaraz, Ben Shelton, Daniil Medvedev, Frances Tiafoe, Aryna Sabalenka and Jessica Pegula.
Listed here are my picks for 2 of Sunday’s greatest matchups.
(20) Tommy Paul vs. (2) Carlos Alcaraz
The primary three rounds in Alcaraz’s comeback to tennis couldn’t have gone any higher. In defeats of Roman Safiullin, Jaime Faria, and Yibing Wu, the two-time U.S. Open champion misplaced just one set (to Faria on Wednesday night time). After being sidelined for greater than 4 months by a wrist subject, Alcaraz is wanting bodily excellent and just about each a part of his sport is clicking.
Up subsequent for the the 23-year-old Spaniard on Sunday afternoon is a ninth assembly with Paul. Alcaraz leads their head-to-head sequence 6-2 and has received 5 in a row, most just lately 7-6(6), 6-4, 7-5 at this yr’s Aussie Open. Paul will get one other shot at him following victories over Coleman Wong, Dino Prizmic, and Alexander Zverev — the latter in 5 units. The American typically performs Alcaraz powerful, and he ought to do the identical in entrance of the house crowd. Nonetheless, Alcaraz higher than anybody might have anticipated up to now on the Billie Jean King Nationwide Tennis Middle.
Decide: Alcaraz in 4
(8) Ben Shelton vs. Stefanos TsitsipasShelton and Tsitsipas can be going through one another for the second time. They beforehand squared off on the 2023 Cincinnati Masters, the place Tsitsipas prevailed 7-6(3), 7-6(2). Since then they’ve largely gone in numerous instructions. Shelton is as much as No. 9 on the earth; Tsitsipas is down at No. 53.
And that’s not the one cause why Shelton is a transparent favourite. The ninth-ranked American has home-court benefit in a event at which he made a semifinal run three years in the past. He captured a second straight Canada Masters title this summer season and has superior up to now this fortnight by ousting Tallon Griekspoor, Hubert Hurkacz, and Denis Shapovalov. Tsitsipas’ wins over Arthur Fils, Lloyd Harrison, and Jiri Lehecka have come extra out of nowhere. In spite of everything, the 28-year-old Greek has traditionally been woeful in New York all through his profession. Confidence is lastly constructing, however this can be a very powerful matchup for Tsitsipas. It stays to be seen if his 1H1B can stand as much as Shelton’s massive lefty serve and forehand.
Decide: Shelton in 4
Ricky contributes to 10sballs.com and likewise maintains his personal tennis web site, The Grandstand. You’ll be able to observe him on Twitter at @Dimonator.
