Apologies for missing out on panelists predictions yesterday, but for the best of Thursday matches we have Tadeas Gavenda and Elliot Cornish of Men’s Tennis Forums, and Stefano Berlincioni of LWOS to preview and predict, including what could be Lleyton Hewitt’s final US Open match.
Bernard Tomic vs. Lleyton Hewitt
Stefano:
The present, the past and the future of Aussie tennis in this match. Battles between Davis Cup teammates are always special matches where mental qualities are very important so I think Tomic has to win this quite quickly because if this will become a war, Lleyton has much more experience even if both players have great 5th set record. Hewitt is far from being a finished player with just a few more months in his career left, but Tomic’s level of tennis is superior now.
Prediction: Tomic in 4 sets
Elliot:
Hewitt has had an awful year and Tomic has somewhat faded but this all-Aussie match-up is about more than form. With Hewitt playing his last US Open he will undoubtedly leave everything out there, and I think he will squeeze into round three.
Prediction: Hewitt in 4 sets
Tadeas:
It is the first meeting between these two Australians. One of them is about to finish his career, the another is a rising star. Hewitt defeated Nedovyesov in the first round and recorded only his fourth win of this season. Tomic recently claimed the Bogota title, he defeated Cilic in Canada and he is about to enter the top 20. Despite the unconvincing victory over Dzumhur in the first round, he is the clear favorite. He would have to put up a poor performance to give a chance to Hewitt, but under normal circumstances I am going Tomic.
Prediction: Tomic in 3 sets
Thomaz Bellucci vs Yoshihito Nishioka
Stefano:
I honestly don’t like Bellucci, while I like the fighting spirit of the Japanese. Nishioka will surely break into the top 100 but at the moment he is still far from being a stable ATP tournament player. Bellucci is in decent form and should be able to prevail but you can be sure if they meet in the future it will be considerably closer and the talent gap will close.
Prediction: Bellucci in 4 sets
Elliot:
The draw presents both with a solid opportunity to set up a likely third-round match with Andy Murray. Nishioka surprised with a five-set victory over Paul Henri-Mathieu first time out, while Bellucci eased past Ward. The Brazilian’s added experience could be the deciding factor in this one.
Prediction: Bellucci in 4 sets
Tadeas:
Nishioka, who is ranked #128, surprised tennis world, when he defeated P.H. Mathieu in the first round. It was just his 3rd victory of this season and a huge success for a player, who is still playing mainly Challengers. On the other hand, Thomaz Bellucci won a title in Geneva back in May and he reached seeded rankings for US Open. Therefore, I expect Bellucci’s victory and not the close one.
Prediction: Bellucci in 3 sets
Dominic Thiem vs. Denis Istomin
Stefano:
Thiem ended his long winning streak on claycourt with almost no more fuel in the tank so was quite expected from him to have poor results on hardcourt before Us Open. I think the difference in class between the two players is quite big and despite the greater experience in slam matches for Istomin we should not see an upset here.
Prediction: Thiem in 4 sets
Elliot:
A year ago, I would probably fancy Istomin to get the job done here after a scrap but Thiem is improving all the time. He will have to work for it, but he has shown he can win these matches now and the 20-year-old should come through with some to spare.
Prediction: Thiem in 3 sets
Tadeas:
This is the first meeting between these two. Istomin advanced to the second round through Benjamic Becker. He showed some flashes of perfect form, when he won his first title in Nottingham, but since then his results are only average. Thiem’s season is a bit similar. He won three titles, but all of them on clay. Since then, his performance on hard courts is not satisfying however, which makes this match really difficult to predict. Assuming Thiem will be forced to show something of his talent, I expect his victory.
Prediction: Thiem in 5 sets
Ivo Karlovic vs. Jiri Vesely
Stefano:
Big Ivo is like the good wine, having a very good year and showing a good form lately. After the promising title in Auckland, back in January, Vesely has had a very average year and also in recent weeks hasn’t demonstrated good results or ability.
Prediction: Karlovic in 4 sets
Elliot:
Karlovic is serving better than ever late in his career, which makes him an even tougher prospect than usual. Vesely has a strong serve as well, but the young Czech will likely become frustrated here and come up short when it matters.
Prediction: Karlovic in 4 sets
Tadeas:
After the promising start of the season, Jiri Vesely seems to be struggling, as he hasn’t reached the later stage of any tournament since April. Although he advanced to the second round easily, his first round opponent Paolo Lorenzi can’t be considered as some real threat on the hard court. On the other hand, Ivo Karlovic seems to be in solid form despite his age. As for now, he is ranked #21, but most likely he will be a few places higher after US Open. He showed some decent performance recently, as he defeated Raonic in Canada, Simon in Cincinnati and was really close to victory against Wawrinka. Their H2H is even, but their recent results give the clear hint to Dr. Ivo.
Prediction: Karlovic in 3 sets
Philipp Kohlschreiber vs. Lukas Rosol
Stefano:
Kohli didn’t prepare the Us Open that well, having played only in Cincinnati after Indian Wells on hardcourt, while Rosol played three tournaments with usual up and downs. I think this could be a close and long match but the German should prevail in the end.
Prediction: Kohlschreiber in 5 sets
Elliot:
Kohlschreiber was somewhat fortunate to sneak past countryman Alex Zverev in his opening round while Rosol was more comfortable against Jared Donaldson. However, if the German can find a consistent level he should best his opponent.
Prediction: Kohlschreiber in 4 sets
Tadeas:
Lukas Rosol, #87 in the rankings, is having the abysmal season, he won only two matches in the last five tournaments. His victory over Jared Donaldson in the first round was a confidence booster however, and the fact it came in straight-sets shouldn’t be overrated. His rival, 29th seeded Phillipp Kohlschreiber defeated the promising youngster, fellow German Alexander Zverev, after long five-setter. He is not in the perfect form either, but this tournament seems to suit him well, as he reached fourth round in the last 3 years. In addition, he leads their H2H. Therefore I am going with Kohlschreiber.
Prediction: Kohlschreiber in 4 sets
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