Andy Murray (3) vs. Stanislas Wawrinka (9)
They closed the roof in a 5 set thriller
This match could be quite good. Murray may be glad he did not have to face Berdych who thrashed the Scotsman in Cincinnati, but Wawrinka has had a history of troubling Murray in majors. In 2009, Murray defeated Wawrinka at Wimbledon 2-6, 6-3, 6-3, 5-7, 6-3. Wawrinka gained revenge even after squandering a 1st set lead by defeating Murray 6-7, 7-6, 6-3, 6-3 at the 2010 US Open. This match was one in which Wawrinka played like a man sending a message to Murray that his complaining and languid play would not be enough to shake him. Murray responded by folding in one of the worst efforts of his career.
I don’t expect this result, but I do expect a good match
I do not think that sort of lapse is likely in the Lendl coached Murray. I do think this match will go at least 4 sets. Murray has not looked sharp since Wimbledon (understandable). Murray has had slow starts in each of his last two matches (less understandable). Wawrinka had looked like anything but a top 10 player after winning a grass court tune-up as he piled up early losses including a 1st round loss at Wimbledon. Stanislas has faced a tough draw that should have his confidence soaring. Beating Stepanek, Karlovic, Baghdatis and Berdych in succession is no easy task. All of these factors tell me this will be a fun match for fans, but I think the defending champion advances.
Prediction: Andy Murray d. Stanislas Wawinka 3-6, 6-4, 7-6, 6-4
Tennis Abides: Dan Martin on Tennis and Life 
That is quite a varied an tricky set of opponents Stan’s had. And his statistics at the USO site are really good. But I agree with you Dan and give Andy the edge. He just doesn’t lose the matches he might have a couple years ago. He’s more confident and plays through rough patches with more patience now. I would say probably 4 sets seems reasonable.
*and trick
gah! dan you need an edit button here. 🙂
i tried to correct one typo and made another ha ha.
Given Murray’s play leading into this match, and especially given Wawrinka’s play, I’d honestly be surprised if this didn’t go 5. Murray has been playing some ugly stuff against pretty weak opposition. Wawrinka has been playing great against solid, if not downright great, competition. He’s had the toughest draw by far compared to anyone else. He’s also not afraid of the big stage and especially not afraid of Murray. Murray might be ready to play his best at just the right time but, yeah, 5 either way, leaning slightly towards Murray.
wow ben you called it. i didn’t see that coming. at all.
I thought it would be a tight match. I even figured Nole would roll Murray if/when they met in the semis. But Switzerland has a new star (if winning a gold medal in 2008 did not do it for him already).
jane,
You were quite right: it is a very decent and nice site. I would just propose the author perhaps to write less about actualities, but longer posts and analyses, since I have the impression that most of his knowledge, evident from the choice of topics (a good example is this article
https://tennisabides.com/2013/08/25/jimmy-connors-coaching-prospects/ ,
or this one
https://tennisabides.com/2012/07/13/review-of-signature-series-rod-laver-by-the-tennis-channel/
remains a bit like a hidden treasure.
BTW, I have just started another flame war on tennis-x, on purpose. I don’t like to be stampeded from a site the way most of us were, and I can be an übertroll.
Once again, congrats to Dan Martin for this beautiful blog. I’ll try to post something meaningful to remind, from time to time, that I read it whenever I have time enough.
Thanks and I agree – I need to do more analysis. I am a teacher so the school year starts right when the US Open starts and I feel like I could and should say a few things, but time is an issue.
Thanks again
Dan, I work in education too, so I understand your problems very well. Time is always an issue.
hi mat4. you trouble-maker you. 😉 but nice to “see” you here. i like this site and agree that dan’s tennis acumen is to be savoured. we can always bounce around to various sites for different things. i like discussing predictions here and reading analyses and the changeover.
Thanks to both of you