Karolina Pliskova versus Coco Vandeweghe

Coco Vandeweghe has overcome some past demons while Karolina Pliskova has survived a match point to ensure that they are among the elite eight still in the hunt for the 2017 US Open title.  Together, they have set up one of the more intriguing of the women's quarterfinals, but sadly for one woman, her journey will end on Wednesday.  As to which woman will experience joy while the other endures heartache is anyone's guess.  Both are two of the most powerful ball-strikers on tour and on serve, however, Pliskova has little more firepower off the ground and is the ace leader this season for a reason.  Vandeweghe is the better mover, but it is Pliskova who has exhibited superior anticipation skills. 

And while the American is arguably more comfortable at net, the top seed is sufficiently competent enough up there herself to make that differential negligible.  Even when it comes to the psychological aspects of this contest, there is no decisive edge.  Vandeweghe has clearly matured mentally over the course of the last twelve months.  She has won two of her last three meetings against the Czech, and she seems to thrive rather than wilt under the pressure of having the home fans hang on every swing of her racket.  That said, Pliskova did win their most recent meeting, which came earlier this spring in Stuttgart.  Furthermore, she is more even keel over the course of the match, which if things get tight, could be crucial.  With her innate abilities, Pliskova gets the slight nod, but a victory by Vandeweghe would not come as a surprise.  If it lives up to its potential, either outcome should be satisfactory.

Roger Federer versus Juan Martin del Potro

It is the blockbuster quarterfinal many were hoping for, as Roger Federer is set to face Juan Martin del Potro for the right to move through to the semifinals.  Theirs has always been an interesting rivalry because of what each brings to the table.  Each can produce some breath-taking tennis in his own way.  Federer does it by taking the ball on early, exhibiting excellent spot serving, deft touch at the net, and his underrated defense.  Del Potro brings his own brand of incredible defense for a man his size, but it is his penetrating and legendary forehand that he is best known for.  If that shot is on, he can use it to hit just about anybody – Federer included – off the court.  Historically, however, that has not normally been the case for the Argentine against Federer, as he has only ever won five of their previous twenty-one meetings. 

Further complicating matters for the twenty-fourth seed is that he was clearly physically suffering in his last match and had to expend a lot of energy to come back from two sets down against Dominic Thiem.  There are apt to be questions about if he has fully recovered in time for this quarterfinal.  Of course, there are sure to be question marks surrounding Federer, too.  He has had to uncharacteristically overcome some early tests, and after popping out to see the trainer in his last match to have a brief rub-down of his troublesome back, there are some lingering doubts about his own fitness.  He will also remember well that although he enjoys a commanding lead in his rivalry with del Potro, the Argentine has clipped him on some grand occasions, including twice in the ATP World Tour Finals and once in the final of this event eight years ago.  Odds do not favor del Potro pulling off a similar feat on Wednesday.  He will certainly have his look at doing so, but barring the Swiss being significantly hampered physically, he will likely pad his lead in his rivalry with del Potro.

Rafael Nadal versus Andrey Rublev

With so many high-profile withdrawals prior to the start of the tournament, the men knew that this US Open was apt to provide more opportunities than in year's past.  Still, Rafael Nadal probably feels he has received an extra bout of good luck in that he plays young upstart Andrey Rublev for a spot in the final four.  That is not to say that Nadal will underestimate Rublev.  He will be aware that many believe the Russian has the talent to become a top player, as he has enjoyed ample success at the Challenger level and has started to more frequently qualify for the main tour events.  Aged only nineteen, he already cracked the Top 50 in the rankings earlier this summer, and after earning wins over Grigor Dimitrov and David Goffin to reach this stage, he is clearly playing some impressive ball. 

Unfortunately for him, taking on Nadal will be a huge step up from anything that he has faced.  Nadal is one of the most decorated players in the history of tennis, and experience playing matches of this magnitude alone will be a huge advantage in his favor.  He does not give anything away for free as well, which is sure to test the patience and resolve of the young Russian.  Lastly, as any fellow competitor will attest, Nadal is a bear to take out in a best-of-five format, particularly in the latter stages of a major.  For Rublev, who has precious little experience playing best-of-five matches, trying to upend the Spaniard is a huge ask.  Suffice it to say, while anything can happen in sports, it will be an absolute stunner if this match fails to end in a victory for Nadal.