Friday’s US Open tips: Venus to win the war of the Williams?
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We’re now into the third round at Flushing Meadows as business begins to heat up at the 2018 US Open.
Rafa Nadal, Dominic Thiem, the Williams sisters, and Sloane Stephens are the big names in action today. We bring you some of the best tips from the games.
Dominic Thiem v Taylor Fritz, Set Betting 3-1 – 5/2
Ninth-seed Thiem secured a win over Steve Johnson in a very tough five-set victory in the previous round. And it’s possible he could feel the effects a little here.
Considering the Austrian ace had failed to win in three matches before arriving in New York, it’s also fair to see he’s not in top form.
However, he did beat Fritz here in the second round last year in four sets. But Fritz, at 20-years-old, has plenty of energy and will be buzzed by the home support.
Expect him to at least take a set off Thiem.
Rafa Nadal v Karen Khachanov, Set Betting 3-0 – 8/13
This will be the third meeting of the season for Nadal and Khachanov. And it’s not a healthy head-to-head record for the Russian.
The 26th-seed has lost on all three occasions, and failed to even win a set. And the bad news keeps on coming for Khachanov. Nadal has breezed through the earlier rounds without breaking a sweat.
The world number one disposed of David Ferrer and Vasek Pospisil with ease. And the Spaniard has won seven consecutive games. This should be as straight-forward as it gets for Rafa today.
Venus Williams to beat Serena Williams – 9/4
In the midnight clash, the Williams sisters take to the Arthur Ashe court with Serena the hot favourite at 4/11.
However, Venus – even at 38-years-old – has been in good form and easily defeated the dangerous Camila Giorgi in the previous round.
Serena has made huge strides since her return from giving birth to her first child. And, when at top level, she’s still the best in the world. However, the 35-year-old arguably remains a little vulnerable and lost two of her last five matches.
Venus won the last meeting between the siblings back in March at Indian Wells. And she could cause another upset here.
Sloane Stephens to beat Victoria Azarenka – 4/6
Defending US Open champion Stephens overcame a tough test against Anhelina Kalinina in the previous round. And she saved 15 of 20 break points in the process.
The third-seed has had inconsistent results in the Slams this season. She suffered first-round defeats at both the Australian Open and Wimbledon. But made the French Open final and will be looking to go deep again at Flushing Meadows.
She faces another tough task in two-time finalist Victoria Azarenka this evening. However, the Belarusian is a mixed bag at the best of times.
The pair met in Miami earlier in the season with Stephens coming out on top in three sets. She should be able to manage a follow-up victory here.
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