[1] Roger Federer (SUI) vs [4] Juan Martin del Potro (ARG)

This should be a great match.  JMDP beat Federer in 4 sets to take their US Open quarterfinal clash in September.  Federer beat JMDP in the Shanghai semifinals en route to 1000 points that keep the 2017 race for #1 alive.  Federer has sailed through all but one of his matches in his hometown.  JMDP won last week and is looking quite dangerous heading into this match.  Federer leads their head-to-head, but if Del Potro is on he clearly bothers Roger by landing big serves and blunt force forehands that mute Federer’s preferred patterns of play.

I think this match comes down to health and JMDP’s form.  If either player is less than healthty, the other becomes the obvious favorite.  If JMDP is on, he might overpower Roger Federer.  I am looking at 2 ifs for JMDP to win and 1 if for Roger Federer to win.  If Federer does win, he will move past Ivan Lendl into sole possession of second place in the all-time titles count.

My Prediction: Roger Federer d. Juan Martin del Potro 7-5, 7-6 + Ball Kids Eat Pizza