Saturday’s action at the U.S. Open will showcase lots of intriguing matchups. Here’s some quick thoughts on all of them.
Federer vs. Hewitt
Hewitt will put up a fight as always, but unless Federer drifts off mentally, this will go quickly for Fed.
Oudin vs. Sharapova
Riding high on her recent win over Dementieva, Oudin will now face more pressure and expectation as she takes on Sharapova who will look for the quick winner and not trade baseline rallies. Unless Sharapova’s serve goes awry, I like her in three.
Roddick vs. Isner
On paper Roddick looks the heavy favorite. But Isner has been on the big stage before and is hungry for a breakthrough. If Roddick returns well, this will go fast. If it’s a serving battle ended in tiebreaks, look for Roddick to finally prevail in five.
Haas vs. Verdasco
They haven’t played each other in a year so this could either be a five-set war or a lopsided three setter. I think Haas is hungry for another deep run at a major so I’ll make him a slight favorite.
Robin Soderling vs. Sam Querrey
Querrey is also looking for a breakthrough in a major and with help of the New York crowd, I think Querrey will win in four.
James Blake vs. Tommy Robredo
Although Blake is 4-2 against Robredo, this could go five sets, but again the New York night crowd will help Blake win.
Dinara Safina vs. Petra Kvitova
Too bad they didn’t make this the second match of the night to save everyone the two and half hours it will take Safina to win in three.
Svetlana Kuznetsova vs. Shahar Peer
“Sveta” has poked along into the third round. She’ll probably find a way to poke Peer enough for the win.
Novak Djokovic vs. Jesse Witten
The feel good story of the tourney for the American qualifier will come to a quick end at the hands of Djokovic.
Adjusting the Net 