US Open quarter-finals: Daniil Medvedev and Elina Svitolina among familiar faces in the last eight

Daniil Medvedev and Elina Svitolina are among the players in the men’s and women’s draw who always carry big expectations. But there are also a few unheralded youngsters in the draw that have raised an eyebrow. Let’s run the rule over a couple of quarter-final ties.

Daniil Medvedev ends British hopes with convincing win over Dan Evans

Dan Evans has improved vastly over the past 18 months. At the US Open, he showed true grit and determination last Friday, as he came from two sets down against Alexi Popyrin before prevailing in five. However, against Medvedev, it was a step too far for Evans. Medvedev is constantly likened to a brick wall, as everything you hit at him comes back.

Medvedev dominated in every facet of his game against Evans. He hit more aces (13) and converted five of his eight break opportunities. Furthermore, he was more confident at the net, winning 75% of his points there. There are times when Medvedev seems to go through the motions, but you feel he is edging ever closer to Grand Slam glory.

• Daniil Medvedev to beat Botic van de Zandschlup @1.2 with Casumo
• Total Sets Over 3.5 @2.3 with Casumo

Daniil Medvedev into the groove as he awaits Botic van de Zandschlup test

Little was perhaps known about Van de Zandschlup before the US Open, but he could have his work cut out against Medvedev. What we do know of the Russian is that he has an iron will, and last month, he claimed his fourth Masters 1000 title. However, Medvedev is earmarking his fourth major semi-final, and he has been here before, which bodes well for him.

Van de Zandschlup should relish Daniil Medvedev encounter

Although Medvedev has yet to drop a set en route to the US Open quarter-finals, Van de Zandschlup’s route has been less straightforward. He took out the diminutive 11th seed, Argentine Diego Schwartzman, in the fourth round with an impressive 5 set epic performance. While he is currently ranked 117th in the world, you imagine he will soon break into the top 100.

Spanish teenage sensation Carlos Alcaraz sets up riveting last-eight tie with Felix Auger-Aliassime

There have been some incredible stories over the past couple of weeks, none more so than Spanish teenage sensation Carlos Alcaraz. The 18-year-old came from two-sets-to-one down to beat German Peter Gojowczyk. Whar’s more he has now become the youngest male player to reach the last eight in New York since Michael Chang in 1990.

Alcaraz’s ‘dream comes true’ in the bright lights of New York

Alcaraz has announced himself on one of tennis’ grandest stages. Before reaching the quarter-finals, he served notice of his talents when he sent Greek third seed Stefanos Tsitsipas packing. He has sent records tumbling, and has become a trailblazer in the men’s game, describing reaching the last eight as a “dream come true”.

The victory over Tsitsipas certainly sent shock waves through tennis. But Auger-Aliassime will represent a stiff test, especially with the Canadian’s crunching forehands from the baseline. Auger-Aliassime even had to tweak his serve against Frances Tiafoe to prevent the ball from dropping out of his pocket. But he will, of course, be eagerly anticipating competing in his maiden US Open quarter-final too.

• Felix Auger-Aliassime to beat Carlos Alcaraz @1.49 with Casumo
• Total Sets Under 3.5 @2.4 with Casumo

Whoever gets through that match will await the winner of Medvedev and Van de Zandschlup’s contest. The top half of the draw contains the likes of Alexander Zverev and Novak Djokovic. Auger-Aliassime and Alcaraz will therefore avoid the US Open’s usual suspects until the final – if they get that far.

Elina Svitolina frustrates Simona Halep as she seals US Open quarter-final spot

Perhaps one of the most underrated players on the WTA Tour, Elina Svitolina, is trying to recapture the heights of yesteryear. It has been a whirlwind past few months for her, which has included clinching an Olympic bronze medal. Against Simona Halep, Svitolina kept her cool, while the Romanian hurled her racquet around the court.

In the end, Svitolina came through in straight sets — 6-3, 6-3. Next up for Svitolina, is teenager Leylah Fernandez, who has been given huge support by the US Open crowd. Fernandez is one of three teenagers to have broken through in New York. She backed up her win over Naomi Osaka by upsetting Angelique Kerber in the fourth round.

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