The Elite Eight is Here!

Predicted Winners in BOLD

(3) Rafael Nadal VS Thomaz Bellucci – While we’ve been treated to any number of “Baby Fed”/”Next Federer” labels being applied to players over the years, that has not really happened with Rafa.  Bellucci is a lefty who might have been stuck with a silly moniker of that nature had his results been more steady and more high level on tour.  Instead, the athletic Brazilian lefty has long been seen as a player who didn’t quite make it.  All of that could change with a few upsets in Rio.  He would be known as a national hero if he medals in 2016.  Can he beat Rafa?  Bellucci is a long shot at best.  It should be a fun match played in front of an invested crowd.  Bellucci’s only real chance is to dictate play and try to bash Rafa off of the court a la what Fernando Verdasco did to Rafa at the Australian Open earlier this year.  Rafa will be playing for a gold medal in doubles later in the day and may be a bit distracted by that, but Nadal’s ability to concentrate has never been questioned.

.@andy_murray marches on…into the #Rio2016 1/4 finals, winning 6-1, 2-6, 6-3 #Tennis #BringOnTheGreat #olympics pic.twitter.com/yVck0m266E

— Team GB (@TeamGB) August 11, 2016

(12) Steve Johnson VS (2) Andy Murray – Sock has to face Andy Murray and has a bronze medal match in doubles on Friday as well.  Murray should dominate this match.

#FRA‘s Gael Monfils fights back to top Marin Cilic 67(6) 63 64 + secure a place in the QF at #Rio2016 pic.twitter.com/z1RCOdVM0N via @Olympics

— Stansy Sport (@stansysport) August 11, 2016

(6) Gael Monfils VS (4) Kei Nishikori – Gael’s form on hard courts this summer makes me lean toward him advancing in a very intriguing match.

Juan Martin del Potro VS (10) Roberto Bautista Agut – My head says that Bautista Agut grinds out a 3 set win over Delpo.  My gut says that JMDP is riding high at the moment and his weapons will be enough to win 2 sets and advance to the semifinal round.