I am listing matches as they appear on the US Open schedule of play for 9-5-2011.

Roger Federer vs. Juan Monaco

I think Juan Monaco is a strong and solid player.  Federer has been erratic by his standards for most of this season.   However, in a 3 of 5 set match expect Federer to advance even if he drops a set.  This would be 30 consecutuive quarterfinal appearances at majors.  I know Roger plays for more than reaching the final 8, but that would continue an insane streak.

Janko Tipsarevic vs.  Juan Carlos-Ferrero

This could be the match of the day.  The former world #1 has rebounded nicely from a long injury layoff.  Tipsarevic has Dostoevsky ink on his body.  Both guys can play tennis at a high level, but neither should be able to overwhelm the other.  I am picking Ferrero in 5 sets.

Novak Djokovic vs. Alexandr Dolgopolov

I loved watching Dolgopolov play in Australia this year.  He has a lot of heart and a slingshot stroke that produces more power than one would think he could.  Still, this is all about Nole advancing.  Dolgopolov might make a set or two interesting, but I see Nole in 3 sets.

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga vs. Mardy Fish

This is another match of the day candidate.  I am going to pick Fish to get through in 4 or 5 tough sets.  Tsonga played great on grass this year.  He looked great in Montreal before retiring in the semifinals.  This is pretty evenly matched, but the home crowd along with Tsonga’s sometimes shaky health give Fish a slight edge.

We’ll see how these picks hold up to the light of the actual matches.