2012 US Open Picks: Men’s Side

The 2012 US Open features World No. 1 Roger Federer as its top-seeded player, and no Rafael Nadal, who pulled out of the tournament with a knee injury. Here’s a look at the draw, and some predictions for quarterfinals, semifinals, and the final.

Roger Federer’s Quarter:

Top-seeded Federer shares his quarter with Tomas Berdych, the next-highest seeded player. Berdych has been in an extended slump throughout the summer, although he has reached the semifinals (yet to be played) in Winston-Salem. Other challengers in this quarter include Fernando Verdasco, Mardy Fish, Gilles Simon, and Nicolas Almagro.

Predicted Quarterfinals: Federer d. Berdych.

Andy Murray’s Quarter:

Murray finds himself in a quarter with Jo-Wilfried Tsonga on the other side. Though Murray has a 6-1 head-to-head advantage over Tsonga in their previous match-ups, they haven’t met on a hard court since 2010. Tsonga’s lone win over Murray came at the 2008 Australian Open.

Milos Raonic, Marin Cilic, and Kei Nishikori are also in this quarter. Raonic beat Murray earlier this year in Barcelona.

Predicted Quarterfinals: Murray d. Tsonga.

David Ferrer’s Quarter:

Ferrer’s quarter is viewed as an opportunity for a lower-ranked player to break through the domination of the top 4 at the Majors. I still expect Ferrer to come through to the semifinal. John Isner, Janko Tipsarevic, Philipp Kohlschreiber, and Richard Gasquet could also make a run.

Predicted Quarterfinals: Ferrer d. Tipsarevic.

Novak Djokovic’s Quarter:

Djokovic probably has the most unfortunate quarter of the Top 3, because Juan Martin del Potro is the next-highest seed. Despite the fact that del Potro proved he could beat top players this summer, pushing Federer hard in an epic semifinal match, and beating Djokovic in straight sets to win the bronze medal, it’s hard to imagine him doing this at a Slam with his left wrist injury.

Realistically, Djokovic has to be the favorite. But del Potro is a dangerous wildcard.

Predicted Quarterfinals: Djokovic d. del Potro.

And now for the fun part:

Predicted Semifinals: Federer d. Murray, Djokovic d. Ferrer

Predicted Final: Federer d. Djokovic

(Full US Open draw is available here)