Predicted Winners in BOLD
Roger Federer (SUI) [3] v Marin Cilic (CRO) [9] – If Cilic plays like he did in their 2014 US Open semifinal match, Federer will have to serve bigger and keep his slice low to have a chance. If Cilic plays well but not great, Federer will need to serve well enough to prevent big man tennis from bullying him. If Cilic plays at an average or poor level, Federer should win. I don’t want to say that the match is on Cilic’s racquet, but Roger Federer needs to take care of his serve enough to make nuance an impact on this match. I think Roger will do enough to win in 4 sets. Confidence in my pick – moderately low
Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (FRA) [12] v Andy Murray (GBR) [2] – Tsonga would never wish an injury on Richard Gasquet (especially given that Tsonga had to retire mid-match at Roland Garros in June), but Tsonga needed a light day on Monday and Tuesday off after his Sunday marathon with John Isner. I don’t think Tsonga can win 3 sets versus Andy Murray in this match, but I do expect this match to go 4 sets. Confidence in my pick – high
Sam Querrey (USA) [28] v Milos Raonic (CAN) [6] – Sam Querrey has a good head-to-head record versus Raonic. He also showed no sign of a letdown after pulling off a huge upset. Milos Raonic just recorded his first ever comeback from trailing 2 sets. The powerful Canadian seems to be playing with a bit more free swinging on his second serve. Both men can and will serve a lot of aces. Querrey moves a little bit more naturally than Raonic, but Raonic hits a heavier ball on his ground strokes. I think Milos Raonic will win this match by winning at least 2 tiebreak sets. Confidence in my pick – moderately high
Tomas Berdych (CZE) [10] v Lucas Pouille (FRA) [32] – Berdych is the only quarterfinalist who will play without a full day of rest. Still, his workman like 5th set demonstrates that he has been in tough spots in the past. I think Berdych will be less nervous and play better tennis than his promising opponent. I think Berdych wins in 3 or 4 sets. Confidence in my pick – moderately high
Tennis Abides: Dan Martin on Tennis and Life 