Day 8 Predix – Can Oudin Pull Off the Hat Trick?

Some quick thoughts on the key Day 8 matchups at the U.S. Open.

Melanie Oudin vs. Nadia Petrova
Oudin has won her last two matches over Dementieva and Sharapova by displaying tremendous heart and grit, but also due to those players helping out by not attacking the American more. Petrova is a solid player and will not let Oudin jerk her around the court. If Petrova holds her serve and keeps the crowd out of it, Petrova should win in two sets.

John Isner vs. Fernando Verdasco
Both men endured five set matches in their last round so fitness could be an issue. Verdasco is also suffering from an abdominal strain so he is spinning his serve in, so Isner should have a decent shot at returning. As long as Isner can not have a letdown after beating Roddick and can keep serving big, Isner should win in four.

Roger Federer vs. Tommy Robredo
Unless Federer displays more non-brilliant play like he did against Lleyton Hewitt for a set, Federer should win this in three easy sets.

Svetlana Kuznetsova vs. Caroline Wozniacki
Both players here have a great opportunity to make it all the way to the finals as their side of the draw is wide open. Wozniacki has been hyped for some time but never quite lived it up to it all. “Sveta” can beat anyone, anywhere but her motivation has always been questioned. I think Sveta is ready to prove she can challenge for majors anywhere and will win this is three tough sets.