US Open Best Bet: Daniil Medvedev vs. Novak Djokovic

Medvedev looks like he's tired of being left out of the equation, and I think he'll put the world on notice in this match-up.

I also can’t shake the fact that Medvedev is one of the best returners in the world. That title might belong to Djokovic, but the Russian’s return game has been outrageous in New York so far. He should be able to give Djokovic a lot of trouble, especially with the Serbian looking a bit shaky with the ball on his racquet throughout this event. And if he can get into Djokovic’s service games, this should go Medvedev’s way. He’s unbelievably tough to break when he’s dialed in, and his serve was great against Alcaraz.

Few can grind down an opponent like Medvedev. The Russian uses his length and speed to cover the court like nobody else, and forcing opponents to hit a lot of extra shots can really make a mark. Alcaraz was hitting a bunch of tired forehands late in the semifinals, and I believe Medvedev deserves the credit for that. Djokovic, who has oddly struggled with his fitness over the last few weeks, could suffer the same fate.

Everybody on the planet was expecting a final between Alcaraz and Djokovic, and I’m sure the Serbian was getting excited about potentially winning his 24th Grand Slam title in that very matchup. But here we are, and I think Medvedev has what it takes to lift his second trophy in New York. And I love the price you’re getting, as I expect this to be a very competitive match, at the very least.