US Open Picks 09/04: Rafa Rampages On
The 2019 US Open has moved into its final stages. Everyone who has made it this far harbours dreams of going all the way and with that pressure comes a number of compelling match-ups. Rafael Nadal will be in action, with Bianca Andreescu looking to continue her sensational run. Here are four tips for Wednesday at Flushing Meadows.
Bianca Andreescu v Elise Mertens
US Open women’s singles quarter final, Wednesday September 3
It always felt likely that a youngster would emerge from the pack to make a real mark at this year’s US Open and over the past week or so it has become apparent that Bianca Andreescu is that player. The Canadian dropped her first set of the tournament in the last round against Taylor Townsend, but has looked the part in her first ever appearance at Flushing Meadows.
Elise Mertens is looking to reach the semi finals of a Grand Slam for just the second time in her career and has made it this far without dropping a single set. The 23-year-old would appear to be the experienced head in this match-up, but Andreescu has real momentum behind her having also won in Montreal before arriving in New York.
1u - Back Bianca Andreescu To Win @ -187
Diego Schwartzman v Rafael Nadal
US Open men’s singles quarter final, Wednesday September 3
The exit of Novak Djokovic has cleared the path for Rafael Nadal to add a 19th Grand Slam title to his collection, with the world number two now the clear favourite to go all the way at Flushing Meadows. Indeed, Nadal has been in exceptional form at this year’s US Open, swatting aside Marin Cilic in the round of 16 with minimum fuss.
Diego Schwartzman showed trademark intensity to get past Sascha Zverev in the last round, but the Argentine has never beaten Nadal in seven previous meetings and in three Grand Slam meetings. However, the 27-year-old did manage to take a set off the Spaniard at both the Australian Open and Roland Garros. There may be some hope for him.
0.75u - Back Rafael Nadal 3-1 @ +300
US Open women’s singles quarter final, Wednesday September 3
This could prove to be the most compelling quarter final match-up on the women’s side of the draw. Belinda Bencic has been in excellent form at this year’s US Open, seeing off world number one and defending champion Naomi Osaka in straight sets in the last round. However, Donna Vekic beat Bencic at Roland Garros earlier this year.
Indeed, the Croatian has enjoyed a good hard court season, reaching the final of the St Petersburg Open and the semi finals of both Brisbane and Acapulco before arriving at Flushing Meadows. This is a difficult match to call. It could go either way and so it’s reasonable to expect that this could go the distance.
1u - Back Three Sets @ +145
Matteo Berrettini v Gael Monfils
US Open men’s singles quarter final, Wednesday September 3
Gael Monfils has been men’s tennis’ great entertainer for a long time, but the Frenchman has matched this with results at Flushing Meadows this year. Monfils made short work of Pablo Andujar in the round of 16 and a showdown with Nadal awaits in the US Open semi finals if he can get past Matteo Berrettini.
Berrettini is a surprise name in the final eight of the final Grand Slam of the year. The Italian saw off Andrey Rublev in straight sets in the round of 16 and has risen to the fore over the course of the tournament. Monfils has experience on his side, but the Frenchman can be somewhat unpredictable at times. Berrettini might actually be more consistent.
1u - Back Gael Monfils To Win First Set And Win @ +103