US Open Picks 09/01: Goffin To Start Hot
On the brink of the second week, the 2019 US Open is moving into the business end of the tournament. This is where you can expect to see some blockbuster ties and big names start to fall by the wayside. Roger Federer and Serena Williams will both be in action on Sunday, but there are compelling matches across the board. Here are four picks for Day Seven at Flushing Meadows.
US Open men’s singles round of 16, Sunday September 1
It has taken a while for Roger Federer to come to the boil at this year’s US Open after two slightly shaky wins in the first two rounds, but his third round demolition of Dan Evans suggests that the Swiss is starting to find his groove. Indeed, Federer looks to have settled into the tournament, although he has lost four times in the fourth round of a Slam since 2013.
David Goffin has 15 career wins over top 10 players with four of those wins coming since 2018. However, the Belgian has never made the quarter finals at the US Open before so this could represent new territory for him. Goffin has registered 25 aces in his last six sets. He will need that kind of serving against Federer.
0.5u - Back David Goffin First Set Winner @ +245
Elina Svitolina v Madison Keys
US Open women’s singles round of 16, Sunday September 1
Elina Svitolina will be relatively fresh coming into this round of 16 match at the US Open having dismantled Dayana Yastremska in the last round of the tournament. Indeed, Svitolina only ran 3,419 feet in the win over her compatriot, which is less than half the distance she ran to beat Venus Williams in the second round. That could be a factor.
Madison Keys looked to be in a spot of bother in her third round match against Sofia Kenin with the American receiving treatment from the doctors midway through the second set. However, Keys - nicknamed ‘Major Keys’ due to her tendency to show up for the majors - dug out the win and looks to be a real contender at this year’s US Open. Many consider her among the frontrunners.
1u - Back Elina Svitolina To Win @ +118
Grigor Dimitrov v Alex de Minaur
US Open men’s singles round of 16, Sunday September 1
It’s been a tough season for Grigor Dimitrov, but the Bulgarian has found some outstanding form at this year’s US Open. He enters this round of 16 match having already disposed of Andreas Seppi, Borna Coric (retirement) and Kamil Majchrzak, but this will be his toughest test so far. Some strong serving allowed Dimitrov to win 94% of his service games in the last round and he’ll need that kind of serving again.
Alex de Minaur pulled off an impressive win in the third round, beating Kei Nishikori in four sets. It was in his defensive play that the Australian was strongest, winning 48% of his receiving points. That could be a key factor against Dimitrov who has been serving very well throughout the tournament this far.
0.5u - Back Alex de Minaur 3-1 @ +325
Johanna Konta v Karolina Pliskova
US Open women’s singles round of 16, Sunday September 1
Of all the third round performances on the women’s side, Johanna Konta’s against Zhang Shuai was among the most impressive. Indeed, the British number one swatted aside Shaui in straight sets, 6-2, 6-3, and looks to be extremely comfortable at this year’s US Open.
However, Konta has only ever beaten Karolina Pliskova once previously in her career, with that win coming in Beijing in 2016. That victory was on a hard court, though, so there is a precedent for the Brit to follow. Pliskova has only dropped one set so far at the tournament, but this will be a much tougher test for her and Konta appears to have momentum behind her.
1u - Back Johanna Konta To Win @ +135