In his HBO US Open preshow segment, analyst and three-time Grand Slam semifinalist Daniil Medvedev weighed in on the tennis world’s focus on the upcoming U.S. Open later this summer, and assessed two much-hyped American men’s contenders: Tennis pros Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic. He said Djokovic’s previous lack of success at Flushing Meadows may hurt his big-picture ability to capitalize on his recent resurgence this year. And about Murray, Medvedev observed that both his rustiness and lack of confidence contributed to his six-set second-round loss in Montreal this year.
Follow the lead(bar), Mr. Murray!
THE 2018 U.S. OPEN AHEAD
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Thursday night’s meeting between Alexandr Dolgopolov and Jean-Julien Rojer wasn’t the most entertaining US Open tune-up since, well, the tournament hasn’t started yet. Right?
Perhaps, but the match was somehow more intense than anything scheduled against Bernard Tomic or Grigor Dimitrov, or even Gael Monfils in his opening match. The difference in quality between the players was striking: As against Monfils, Dolgopolov took the first two sets against Rojer; Rojer also won the next two sets in an efficiency that had us wondering how soon he’d be smiling, and clapping, and celebrating some Ramos-Vinolas shanked smash.
We’re missing you, Alexey. Here’s hoping you return soon.
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With the tournament’s current schedule set for Flushing Meadows next week, prepare yourself to hear a lot about Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Stan Wawrinka, who will be trying to take the U.S. Open trophy for the first time. But we need to consider two players to whom the spotlight will most likely stay close all summer: Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray. The heavy focus on one or the other will be a major disappointment to fans and, of course, to fans of those players.
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Although the top-10 conversations have faded over the past month, these are the two most important factors:
1. Who are the two hottest and deepest men’s players this year?
2. Who are the two most vulnerable men?
3. What do these men need to do to win?
Along the way, do try to stay as updated on upcoming matches as you possibly can. For a schedule, bracket, and TV schedule, check out the 2018 Open here.