US Open: Men’s Draw Analysis

Published 08/27/2016, 3:25 AM EDT

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Novak Djokovic could face a tough time on court as well, just like he has been dealing with a minor issue in his wrist. The Serbian world number one has been handed a tougher draw as compared to the Scot, Andy Murray, who’s in the other half of the draw,

Novak will begin his campaign against Jerzy Janowicz- the 2013 Wimbledon semifinalist. He can be a tricky opponent to put away on his day. A meeting with the local favorite John Isner looms in the fourth round. The American has a better game than Sam Querry, the man who sent Novak packing out at AELTC this year.

On the other hand, Andy Murray will face his first unseeded player, most likely in the third round and should pretty much sail through to the next week. The Scot has been in brilliant form this year, reaching the finals of all three majors and winning his second Wimbledon.

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Novak Djokovic vs Marin Cilic

Rafael Nadal vs Milos Raonic

Stan Wawrinka vs Dominic Thiem

Andy Murray vs Kei Nishikori

 

Wawrinka will face the dangerous Fernando Verdasco in his opener while a match against Alexander Zverev looms in the third round. Things can get really tricky for The Swiss in the first week itself. Rafa on the other hand could face Italian Seppi in his second round and 24th seed L. Pouille in the fourth.

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If the Argentine Juan Martin del Potro could re-produce the performance of Rio, we might as well see him make it to the second week and get another shot at Stan Wawrinka in the semis.

With no Roger Federer in the main draw, the tournament would definitely miss out on the star power. But with some dangerous dark horses in the form of Kei Nishikori, Del Potro, Milos Raonic, one can look forward to an exciting and well balanced show at The Flushing Meadows.

Possibility of Rafa-Novak clash

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A Rafa-Novak clash is possible. But we need to wait how the first week spans out in order to get really excited about this one! An upset can not be written off, considering their recent forms.

After wrapping the head around the draw, it’s a challenging one for the top seed, something that would test his character after recent hiccups. A semifinal spot for the likes of Rafa Nadal and del Potro could do wonders to their confidence in the next season. We expect the Serb to rise to the occasion, brush off his recent defeats and make it to the Sunday’s final. Only this time he won’t be the favorite when he goes against (possibly) the 2012 champion!

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Written by:

Sameer Bharti

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Watches tennis, cricket and football. Mostly tennis.
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