US Open 2020: Predicting the Next Champion Post-Djokovic Disqualification

The widespread disbelief after Novak Djokovic's disqualification has shifted the narrative of the US Open 2020. The field is now wide open, with every remaining player seeing a unique opportunity to capture a Grand Slam title.

Dominic Thiem emerges as a strong contender for the title. After missing the previous three finals, he finally clinched his maiden GS title at the US Open. Thiem has navigated his matches smoothly, and his recent performance indicates a strong contender for the trophy. However, there is room for improvement, particularly in his second-serve return game, where he needs to become more consistent.

A Rock-Paper-Scissors Match-Up

For the Men's Final at this year's US Open, it seems every player has a strategic advantage over another in a rare 'rock-paper-scissors' scenario. If Alex Zverev beats Carlos Rubin Carreno Busta in the semi-finals, the matchups will stand as follows:

1. Dominic Thiem – Andrey Medvedev 2. Alex Zverev – Dominic Thiem

Typically, Thiem would be considered the favorite due to his top ranking and impressive Slam results so far. However, the semi-final against Medvedev could be a daunting challenge. Medvedev dominated Thiem on hard courts at last year's Canadian Open and reached the US Open final. Medvedev's powerful serve and solid defensive play make this match the toughest for Thiem so far in the tournament.

Dominic Thiem and Andrey Medvedev

The upcoming semi-final between Thiem and Medvedev is too close to call. In the past, Medvedev has proven to be a formidable opponent, especially on hard courts, where he beat Thiem in 2022. This adds a layer of uncertainty, as a win against Medvedev would be crucial for Thiem to reach the final.

Assuming Thiem advances past Medvedev, there is a strong likelihood he will defeat Zverev in the final. Historically, Thiem holds a 7-2 record against Zverev, with the German last surpassing Thiem on hard courts in 2016. Thiem has shown the capacity to outmaneuver and outplay Zverev, especially on key surfaces like hard courts.

The Future of Top-10 Players

While Thiem shows promise, Zverev, despite his tendency to be unpredictable ("a head case"), remains a strong contender. Zverev's talent is undeniable, and his performance at 23 suggests he could reach ten Major titles in his career. The 2020 US Open might just be the start of an extended trophy run for him.

Meanwhile, Medvedev has the potential to challenge Thiem in the final, especially if Thiem faces any lapses in his game. Medvedev's recent performances and efficient forehand have given him a distinct edge in key matches this year.

In conclusion, while there are many factors to consider, it seems the competition remains tight between Thiem and Zverev. Both players showcase dominance with monstrous serves and significant power from the baseline, making the 2020 US Open an exciting contest for both fans and players alike.

So, who will ultimately come out as the US Open 2020 champion?