Elina Svitolina versus Madison Keys

The business-end of the US Open is well underway, and both Elina Svitolina and Madison Keys have successfully cleared some hurdles in the first week to set up one of the most intriguing Round of 16 matches.  Naturally, most of the home fans present will be hoping that it is Keys who prevails in this battle of the next-generation stars, and for sure she is going to have her opportunities.  The American strikes a bigger ball off the ground and on serve, giving her a better look at controlling the outcome of this clash.  She also should get a mental boost from having won their only prior meeting, and the crowd will be decidedly in her corner. 

All that considered, however, there is a reason Svitolina is the higher seed who entered this year's US Open with a look at leaving New York with the Number 1 ranking.  Her confidence is flying high after securing an impressive five titles already this season, including Rome and Toronto.  She has found so much success by striking a lethal blend of offensive tennis coupled with exceptional defense, and it is the latter skill that is sure to test the patience and consistency of Keys.  Like Keys, she has also been beyond this stage of a major before, so it is less likely the occasion will get to her.  All told, yes, Keys may be the one better-equipped to light up the stats sheet, but between her current form, style of play, and overall confidence, Svitolina should be the one favored to live up to her Number 4 seeding and advance.

Rafael Nadal versus Alexandr Dolgopolov

Everyone loves a good battle between great offense and great defense, and that could potentially be on offer in this fourth-round match that pits Rafael Nadal against Alexandr Dolgopolov.  There is no question about what to expect from Nadal.  He is the ultimate competitor.  His legendary topspin forehand has been allowing him to bully opponents around the court for well over a decade.  His backhand has increasingly become a more effective weapon, and his net play is criminally underrated.  But it is his defense that makes him so daunting to face.  Most times it is seemingly impossible to hit through him, and he refuses to take a break on any point.  It is a complete package that has made him such a nightmare for anyone on tour, and given the confidence he has accrued over what has thus far been a stellar 2017, all those attributes seem even sharper. 

None of that is to say that the top seed will be taking his upcoming match with Dolgopolov for granted though.  On the contrary, he knows what a dangerous foe the Ukrainian can be, as he has defeated Nadal twice in the past.  Furthermore, he may presently be ranked outside of the Top 60, but he was once knocking on the door of the Top 10 and still has the talent to produce that level of tennis again on any given day.  He loves a big stage, is quick about the court, and he regularly goes after his shots from anywhere on the court.  If he continues to maintain his high level of performance, he has the type of game that could garner him the upset against Nadal, particularly as Nadal has looked a little shaky to this point.  Just do not bet on it.  Nadal's consistency is sure to see him through, especially in a best-of-five format.  It could certainly be entertaining, but it should not be shocking as Nadal is a clear favorite to move on to the quarterfinals.

Coco Vandeweghe versus Lucie Safarova

It was not an easy first week for either woman, but Coco Vandeweghe and Lucie Safarova have fought their way into the second week where they will square off for a place in the elite eight of the US Open.  At first glance, it is easy to assume that Vandeweghe is the obvious favorite.  She is having a breakout 2017 and is the seeded player.  Her run to the final four in Melbourne has many believing she can improve upon that performance here in New York, and she is apt to be feeling confident following a pivotal win against Agnieszka Radwanska in the previous round.  She can be secure in the knowledge that her powerful ground strokes and imposing serve will allow her the chance to dictate more than her fair share of the rallies, and she can get the job done from both the baseline and the net with relatively equal ease.  But regular tennis fans know that Lucie Safarova is a better player than her current ranking and definitely has the potential to cause the upset. 

Just two years ago she was ranked Number 5 in the world, and it was a continual battle with a bacterial infection that first struck at the end of 2015 that has been primarily responsible for her dip in the rankings.  She is a solid and powerful baseliner, who knows how to utilize her lefty forehand and lefty serve to open the court and create space.  She is also currently the top-ranked doubles player and is someone who can take the net away from the American and possibly force Vandeweghe to press more than her previous opponents.  And lastly, Safarova is a wily veteran, who has been to the final of Roland Garros, so she is unlikely to be overawed by the situation.  For those reasons, while Vandeweghe boasts the bigger game and has enjoyed the better season, Safarova's own skill set, experience, and a 3-1 lead in their rivalry make this more of a 50-50 prospect with either woman a deserving candidate to find herself in the quarterfinals.