Predicted Winners in BOLD

Arthur Ashe Stadium (11 a.m. start)

[8] Dominic Thiem (AUT) vs [WC] Juan Martin del Potro (ARG) – I think this is a 4 or 5 set battle.  Thiem is playing his best hardcourt tennis of the year right now.  JMDP is riding a wave in this comeback.  Ultimately, I am picking JMDP because his serve and forehand can dominate this match.

[2] Andy Murray (GBR) vs [22] Grigor Dimitrov (BUL)  (not before  7 p.m.) – I like Andy Murray to win in 3 or 4 sets.  Still, it is good to have Grigor playing closer to his potential again.

Louis Armstrong Stadium

[3] Stan Wawrinka (SUI) vs Illya Marchenko (UKR) – Stan has saved a match point and should feel good about still being in the event.  That good feeling should allow him to find his very effective power game.

This video is making me rethink my pick

[6] Kei Nishikori (JPN) vs [21] Ivo Karlovic (CRO)  (not before 3 p.m.) – I am torn.  Ivo’s serve could neutralize Kei’s great return and perhaps the big man wins some tiebreak sets or single break sets and take the win.  If Kei can return even reasonably well while taking care of his serve, Kei should win.  Ivo has had a great post-Wimbledon summer, but I think it ends in 4 sets.