Ricky’s U.S. Open Day 5 Picks, Including Nadal vs. Khachanov and Anderson vs. Shapovalov

Written by: Staff on 30th August 2018

US Open 2018 Grand Slam tennis tournament in New York

Ricky's U.S. Open Day 5 Picks, Including Nadal vs. Khachanov and Anderson vs. Shapovalov

epa06982739 Rafael Nadal of Spain hits a return to Vasek Pospisil of Canada during the third day of the US Open Tennis Championships at the Arthur Ashe Stadium in the USTA National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows, Queens, New York, USA, 29 August 2018. The US Open runs from 27 August through 09 September. EPA-EFE/COREY SIPKIN |

Rafael Nadal of Spain hits a return to Vasek Pospisil of Canada during the third day of the US Open Tennis Championships at the Arthur Ashe Stadium in the USTA National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows, Queens, New York, USA, 29 August 2018. The US Open runs from 27 August through 09 September. EPA-EFE/COREY SIPKIN

By Ricky Dimon

The U.S. Open has already stormed into its third round, which begins on Friday. Rafael Nadal is back on the court to face Karen Khachanov, while an awesome lineup also includes the likes of Kevin Anderson, Denis Shapovalov, Juan Martin Del Potro, and Stan Wawrinka.

Ricky previews four of Friday’s best matchups and makes his predictions.

(10) Rafael Nadal vs. (27) Karen Khachanov

Khachanov has to be tired of seeing Nadal on the other side of the net. They have faced each other four times, all in the last 14 months. This will be No. 5. Not only is Nadal a perfect 4-0, but he is also 9-0 in total sets.

Nothing suggests anything will be different this time around–not even Khachanov’s impressive current form. Unfortunately for the Russian, Nadal is playing even better. The world No. 1 won Toronto and then smartly skipped Cincinnati so he is well-rested and romping in Flushing Meadows. Nadal was outstanding against Vasek Pospisil on Wednesday night.

Pick: Nadal in 3

(28) Denis Shapovalov vs. (5) Kevin Anderson

As usual, Shapovalov is making headlines at the USO. The 19-year-old Canadian had a blockbuster first-rounder on his hands against countryman Felix Auger-Aliassime (it ended in retirement at one set apiece) and he came back from two sets to one down to outlast Andreas Seppi in five on Wednesday night. Anderson, also as usual, is quietly going about his business. The world No. 5 needed five to get past Ryan Harrison, but never really seemed in danger of losing. He then destroyed Jeremy Chardy in round two. Shapovalov can make this competitive, but he plays too many loose service games to win this kind of match against an opponent whom you have to hold serve against basically every time.

Pick: Anderson in 5

(25) Milos Raonic vs. Stan Wawrinka

The jury is still out on Wawrinka’s comeback, or at least it should be. The three-time major champion is definitely looking like a top 30 player again, but expecting him to already be contending for slam titles would be a bit premature. Two victories over Grigor Dimitrov (Wimbledon and the U.S. Open) are overrated given Dimitrov’s current form.

Raonic is healthy at the moment and a lack of health is the really thing that has held him back in recent years (well, that and dreadful groundstrokes). While most people will likely pick Wawrinka (perhaps with heart if not head), this is the Canadian’s match to win as long as he serves well.

Pick: Raonic in 4

(3) Juan Martin Del Potro vs. (31) Fernando Verdasco

Del Potro vs. Andy Murray probably would have been more fun–depending on Murray’s physical state. After all, Delpo is dominating the head-to-head series with Verdasco 5-1 overall (4-1 at the ATP level) and has been by far the better player throughout this season.

Alas, ‘Dasco took down Murray in four sets on Wednesday. Del Potro has not played a ton of hard-court tennis this summer and he looks well-rested in NYC, having cruised through his first two matches. Although Verdasco is no pushover, he is probably too inconsistent these days to turn in a second consecutive stellar performance.

Pick: Del Potro in 3