By Tony Fairbairn
- Taylor Fritz [4] v Tomas Machac [21]
- Elena Rybakina [9] v Marketa Vondrousova
- Novak Djokovic [7] v Jan-Lennard Struff [Q]
US OPEN, USA – Taylor Fritz will continue his bid for a first Grand Slam title when the American takes on Tomas Machac on day eight of the US Open.
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Taylor Fritz [4] v Tomas Machac [21] H2H & Match Fundamentals
| Taylor Fritz [4] v Tomas Machac [21] | H2H: Fritz leads 2-0 |
| US Open 2025 | New York, USA |
| Hard (O) | Prize Money: $400,000 |
| Third on Louis Armstrong Stadium (Not before 20:00 BST) | Sky/Now TV <- Subscription Required |
Taylor Fritz had to battle his way into the second week with a thrilling four set win over qualifier Jerome Kym. The American displayed his quality and clutch serving as the fourth seed kept his bid for a first Grand Slam title alive. After being so close to a Grand Slam breakthrough last year, Fritz will be aiming to put himself in a good position this year in order to finally get his piece of silverware at Grand Slam level. The question is whether Fritz has another gear to go to and whether that will be good enough against the best players in the world in the latter stages of a Grand Slam.
That will be put to the test against Tomas Machac who is into the second week of the US Open for a second consecutive year. The Czech Republican has had a fairly underwhelming season but has burst into life in New York. A big serve as well as variety to mix things up when needed is certainly a deadly combination but one that is yet to make significant progress at Grand Slams. Now, Machac will aim to change that pattern as he looks to capitalise on his new-found confidence and reach a first Grand Slam quarter-final.
Fritz will aim to serve aggressively and use his backhand to punish any short balls from Machac. Meanwhile, Machac will use variety to disrupt Fritz’s big-hitting and will use the forehand to put pressure on Fritz’s baseline game. This will be a close contest with both players serving well right now. However, Fritz’s bold play in clutch moments should secure the victory for last year’s finalist.
Prediction: Fritz in four sets.
Elena Rybakina [9] v Marketa Vondrousova H2H & Match Fundamentals
| Elena Rybakina [9] v Marketa Vondrousova | H2H: Tied at 1-1 |
| US Open 2025 | New York, USA |
| Hard (O) | Prize Money: $400,000 |
| Fourth on Arthur Ashe Stadium (02:30 BST) | Sky/Now TV <- Subscription Required |
It was an unstoppable performance from Elena Rybakina as she thrashed Emma Raducanu to reach the second week at the US Open for the first time in her career. This is the Kazakh’s best performance in New York and with the way she is serving, it’s easy to see why she is thriving this year. The depth, the pace and the accuracy is frightening and she is backing it up with some forceful returning as well. This version of Rybakina is scary but the question is can she maintain that level as she bids to win her first Grand Slam title since winning the Wimbledon title a few years ago?
The next test for Rybakina is another former Wimbledon champion in the form of Marketa Vondrousova. The Czech Republican has produced some stunning tennis over the last couple of months and that has continued in New York as she knocked out seventh seed Jasmine Paolini to reach the last 16 at the US Open. Powerful serving and a deadly slice makes Vondrousova a dangerous opponent for anyone as she is the complete player. Now, Vondrousova will aim to knock out one of the tournament favourites and reach the quarter-finals at the US Open.
Rybakina will look to serve aggressively, using the backhand to pin Vondrousova behind the baseline. Meanwhile, Vondrousova will use variety to make Rybakina move around the court while finishing points off at the net. This is a match that could disrupt Rybakina’s momentum and could force a catalogue of errors. Stylistically, Vondrousova will fancy her chances in night time conditions with both players producing a high level of play so far in this tournament.
Prediction: Vondrousova in three sets.
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Novak Djokovic [7] v Jan-Lennard Struff [Q] H2H & Match Fundamentals
| Novak Djokovic [7] v Jan-Lennard Struff | H2H: Djokovic leads 7-0 |
| US Open 2025 | New York, USA |
| Hard (O) | Prize Money: $400,000 |
| Third on Arthur Ashe Stadium (Midnight BST) | Sky/Now TV <- Subscription Required |
Despite having a back injury and facing a resilient effort from Cameron Norrie, Novak Djokovic continued his fantastic record at the US Open and progressed to the fourth round. The Serb is determined to keep pushing his own limitations in a bid to win a record-shattering 25th Grand Slam title. Although the quality is there, Djokovic’s physical state may not be and that could be the thing that stops him from competing for the title in a week’s time.
Before thinking about the title, Djokovic must first turn his attention to qualifier Jan-Lennard Struff who is on a path of destruction in New York. The German is not letting age get in his way and comfortably backed up his win over Holger Rune by cruising past Frances Tiafoe in straight sets. It has been a sensational tournament for Struff and now he wants to complete it by ending his losing streak against Djokovic in order to reach a first Grand Slam singles quarter-final.
Djokovic will continue to be aggressive and proactive on serve using the angles to test Struff’s defensive skills. Meanwhile, Struff will use the backhand to dominate the rallies and will look to finish off points at the net. The German will need to have a fast start if is to have any chance of winning this match. However, Djokovic’s rally tolerance and quality in decision making should see him into the quarter-finals.
Prediction: Djokovic in four sets.
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