US Open - Panel: US Open: Who wins, what does Dominic Thiem do and how far does Serena get?
These are the big questions before the tournament starts, and they demand big answers. Until we get it, let's try it ourselves.
by tennisnet.com
last edit:
Aug 28, 2022, 02:34 pm
Who wins in the men's - and why?
Jens Huiber: Matteo Berrettini. Failed too often last year because of Djokovic, after Montreal/Cincinnati nobody expects him. And the draw for the first three rounds is ideal for importing.
Stefan Bergmann: Daniil Medvedev. The Russian was also in the final of the "Happy Slam" in Australia and will get additional motivation from last year's win.
Nikolaus Fink: Rafael Nadal. Because he will be particularly motivated after Novak Djokovic's cancellation and got a good draw.
Michael Rothschädl: Rafael Nadal. Because in these uncertain circumstances, the experience of 22 major titles will play a huge role. And because Nadal will be in Grand Slam mode in the US Open - as is so often the case.
Florian Goosmann: Carlos Alcaraz. After the gigantic spring, he has lost focus and could play well in the tournament. And if he scores... then we know what happens!
Who wins in the women - and why?
Stefan Bergmann: Iga Swiatek. Despite a moderate "form crisis", the Pole is and remains clearly the best player this season. Besides, I've already favored number one in the men's category... Just kidding.
Nikolaus Fink: Madison Keys. Because anything can happen with the women anyway and they can benefit from the experience of reaching the final five years ago.
Michael Rothschädl: Coco Gauff. The super talent has already knocked on the door in Paris, and in front of a home crowd in New York City, the 18-year-old will outperform the (often too inconsistent) competition thanks to a strong serve and solid baseline game. She has already proven several times that Gauff has the nerves of steel for this at a young age.
Florian Goosmann: Simona Halep. After moving to Patrick Mouratoglou, she really caught fire again, played a great summer and also won Toronto. The big question: will the body hold up?
Jens Huiber: Aryna Sabalenka. If she stays under eight double faults per match, then her power will finally prevail.
How far does Dominic Thiem get - and why?
Nikolaus Fink: Dominic Thiem will catch it in the first round. Because he is still too inconsistent to defeat a world-class player like Pablo Carreno Busta.
Michael Rothschädl: He will also remain unsuccessful at Grand Slam level in New York City. Against a man with the game of Pablo Carreno Busta and his current top form, the lack of consistency from the baseline in the decisive moments will be the decisive factor for the Spaniard's four-set win.
Florian Goosmann: He will go out in round 1. Yes, Dominic leads 7-0 against PCB in direct comparison. But it is much more stable at the moment. And has already reached the semi-finals twice in New York.
Jens Huiber: Great draw for Dominic! PCB, then Gaston, then de Minaur, then FAA. Loud favorite opponent. In the quarter-finals against Medvedev it could be a bit tense.
Stefan Bergmann: As a pathological optimist, I'm betting on a round of 16 for the only Austrian in the individual competition. However, Felix Auger-Aliassime will take revenge for his clear defeat in 2020 at Dominic.
Can Serena Williams tear something again – and what?
Michael Rothschädl: Serena Williams will get a dignified farewell in New York City. And probably already against Danka Kovinic. In view of the lack of competition practice, the long break and the advanced age, the women's air is simply too thin for a last big run.
Florian Goosmann: I'm afraid: no. Maybe she'll fight her way through again in round 1. Then against Kontaveit, even if she wasn't in a good mood recently? I don't believe in it.
Jens Huiber: Hopefully more than the first hurdle. But Kovinic has already tormented Swiatek in Paris. A third round against Leylah Fernandez would be nice.
Stefan Bergmann: I believe in a farewell match success, but against Kontaveit in the second round it should be over.
Nikolaus Fink: No. She simply lacks the fitness for this.
In which first-round game, apart from Dominic Thiem, is there an obligation to watch - and to what extent?
Florian Goosmann: Serena Williams against Danka Kovinic. Maybe the farewell match? Or has Serena trained properly again in the last two weeks? I am excited!
Jens Huiber: Maria Sakkari against Tatjana Maria. At Wimbledon, Maria the Greek was close to mad because Maria the German sliced the felt off the balls. Does this work in NYC too?
Stefan Bergmann: Because I'm built very close to the water, I'll shed a few tears in the match between Serena Williams and Danka Kovinic. Either because of the joy, because I treat the American to a nice match success at the end, or because of sadness because an incredibly successful career is coming to an end.
Nikolaus Fink: Raducanu against Cornet. Because it will be interesting to see how Raducanu will deal with the pressure of defending the title against an always dangerous opponent.
Michael Rothschädl: Nick Kyrgios vs. Thanasi Kokkinakis. Ironically, the duo that unexpectedly won the pair skating title side by side Down Under brought the Losfee together in New York City for the first round. The big question: will Kyrgios also act rebelliously against his good friend? And what does that mean for his game if not?
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