With the men's and women's quarterfinals line ups decided at the US Open, our writers, James Spencer and Oliver Dickson Jefford have made their predictions for the last eight.
Men's Quarterfinals
Pablo Carreno Busta (20) vs Denis Shapovalov (12)
JS: Having previously made the semi-finals of the 2017 US Open before losing to eventual winner Rafael Nadal, Carreno Busta has more Grand Slam pedigree than his younger opponent. On paper this would make the Spaniard the favourite. However, the young Canadian possesses talent, fire and passion. This for me will see him into a maiden Grand Slam semi-final. Shapovalov in four
ODJ: The two met three years ago at this tournament with the Spaniard prevailing, but Shapovalov is in great form and I think he’ll edge this. Shapovalov in five
Borna Coric (27) vs Alexander Zverev (5)
JS: Zverev's expertise at Masters 1000 level hasn't quite been translated into the Grand Slam format with only one semi-final appearance coming at last year's French Open. Novak Djokovic's controversial exit may weight heavily on the young German, that this could represent his biggest chance yet, to finally win a slam. That may in fact prove his downfall. After stunning Stefanos Tsitsipas in the third-round, I'd back Coric to cause another upset. Coric in five
ODJ: Coric leads the head to head but Zverev is the higher ranked, and is starting to become a better Grand Slam performer. If he serves well, he should win. Zverev in four
Andrey Rublev (10) vs Daniil Medvedev (3)
JS: In an intriguing match-up against his friend and countryman, I'm backing Medvedev to win. His run to the final last year, his performance in battling back to take Nadal to an epic five-set thriller, and winning the Cincinnati Masters last year, all of these experiences have set him up nicely for another shot at winning the Open. Medvedev in straight sets
ODJ: This is an interesting battle between childhood friends. Rublev impressed in his win over Matteo Berrettini but Medvedev has strolled through to the last eight. The third seed should prevail in this all-Russian battle. Medvedev in four
Alex De Minaur (21) vs Dominic Thiem (2)
JS: De Minaur has surprised many on his way to the last eight, however his run will end here. Thiem is an experienced operator, having appeared in this year's Australian Open Final and two French Open finals to boot. The Austrian is the most experienced player left in the draw. For me, he will be too strong for the young Aussie and will set up a mouthwatering clash with Medvedev. Thiem in straight sets
ODJ: Thiem crushed Felix Auger-Aliassime in the fourth round and has been in fine form so far. De Minaur has been playing well but I don’t see him having the weapons to challenge the second seed. The Austrian should win comfortably. Thiem in straight sets.
Women's Quarterfinals
Jennifer Brady (28) vs Yulia Putintseva (23)
JS: Home hope Brady is in completely unfamiliar territory, but she will be keen to grasp the opportunity with both hands. She will relish the occasion even without fans. Putintseva possesses a steely gaze and a strong hard-court game. I back the Kazakh to edge through. Putintseva in three
ODJ: Brady has looked in scintillating form so far in New York and if she continues that type of form, it is hard to see what Putintseva can do to stop her. The American should reach the last four. Brady in straight sets
Naomi Osaka (4) vs Shelby Rogers
JS: Having won the 2018 final in controversial circumstances against home favourite Serena Williams, Osaka's form dipped the following season. Albeit winning the 2019 Australian Open, she has won very little since. The Japanese has steadily built up steam and will prove too strong for the inexperienced American. Osaka in straight sets
ODJ: World number 93 Rogers has been on a dream run but is up against a former champion who is playing very well in Osaka. The Japanese impressed in the fourth round against Anett Kontaveit and should have enough to win this one. Osaka in straight sets
Tsvetana Pironkova vs Serena Williams (3)
JS: A battle of the mothers, this promises to be a fairly open match. Pironkova seems sharp and hungry after three years away from the sport. However, Serena's fitness and game play has improved drastically the more tournaments she plays. With Margaret Court's record still firmly in her sights, I think this will drive her on for another morale boosting win. Serena in three
ODJ: Pironkova’s run has been the story of the women’s draw, though she has perhaps the biggest challenge in women’s tennis next in Williams. After three-setters against Sloane Stephens and Maria Sakkari, I expect the American to up her level further and stroll into the last four. Serena in straight sets
Victoria Azarenka vs Elise Mertens (16)
JS: Azarenka continues her stunning resurgence with a Grand Slam quarter-final against the highly rated Mertens. This will be a close match but Mertens' win against Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin, will give her added belief that she can progress to the semi-finals. Mertens in three
ODJ: Two of the in-form players face off in what for me is the tough last eight clash on the women’s draw to predict. Both Azarenka and Mertens will be brimming with confidence though the former has started playing the type of tennis that saw her win two slams, and I think she’ll squeeze past the Belgian. Azarenka in three
