Swiss Army Final?
Probably, but Does it Come w/ a Can Opener and Cork Screw?
[3] Stan Wawrinka (SUI) vs. [21] Pablo Carreno Busta (ESP)
I am more confident of Stan Wawrinka advancing than Roger Federer reaching the final. I think Wawrinka’s power baseline game and bluntly impactful serve leave Pablo Carreno Busta one path to victory: consistency with a hope for errors. Wawrinka can likely avoid enough errors to win. In either case, Wawrinka’s racquet will determine who wins and who loses.
My Prediction: Stan Wawrinka d. Pablo Carreno Busta 7-5, 6-2
[9] Roger Federer (SUI) vs. [17] Jack Sock (USA) H2H
Jack Sock’s forehand can trouble anyone. Sock has also piled up impressive wins this week. Sock won a 3rd set tiebreak to eliminate Grigor Dimitrov so Sock has survived near elimination. Can Sock continue his great results versus Roger Federer? I don’t think so, but I’d give Sock a 30% chance of winning. Federer is returning serve with aggression and hitting his backhand well. We know what Federer’s forehand and serve can do. Federer getting a day off may throw his momentum off a bit, but at 35 days off likely do more good than harm to Roger Federer’s chances.
My Prediction: Roger Federer d. Jack Sock 7-6, 6-3