Predicted Winners in BOLD

This was their most competitive recent match

[2] Andy Murray (GBR) vs [6] Kei Nishikori (JPN) – First, these two players seem to drive the most traffic of anyone on either tour to my site.   My guess is that they have passionate fanbases.  The head-to-head news is not good for Nishikori.  Murray has won all 4 of their meetings since Kei’s lone victory at the close of 2014.  These 4 wins included Murray winning 9 of the 10 sets they contested.  Nishikori can perhaps hug the baseline and hurt Murray if he stands further back into the court, but Murray’s speed likely makes this tactic less fruitful than it might be versus a lesser player.  Both men return quite well, but Murray’s serve is stronger.  That leaves Murray with a comparative advantage that will make Nishikori’s task difficult.  Murray has also reached 7 consecutive tournament finals. Everything seems to point to a 3 or 4 set victory by Andy Murray.

Can Stan reverse this result?

[3] Stan Wawrinka (SUI) vs [WC] Juan Martin del Potro (ARG) – It may be insane to take Wawrinka in this match given what we have seen from JMDP this summer.  Still, I picked Wawrinka to reach the semifinal round before the event started so flipping on him now looks like I am trying to have it both ways.  Beyond that, Stan can trade power with JMDP and may have some ideas on what to do better from his Wimbledon loss to the 2009 US Open champion.  If Stan can keep Delpo from dictating play and make him move/hit rather than plant/hit, Stan can win this match.