The US Open is heating up, and so are the predictions! Are you ready for some shocking upsets and nail-biting finishes? We break down the top matches, including a deep dive into Novak Djokovic’s unexpected injury scare. Will he overcome the odds, or is this the tournament of surprises?

The intensity of the US Open 2025 is reaching a fever pitch as top players battle for supremacy on the hard courts of New York. As the tournament progresses, fans and bettors alike are keenly observing every serve, volley, and strategic move, with several captivating matchups and significant player narratives emerging from the early rounds.

One of the most anticipated clashes features Daniel Altmaier against Alex de Minaur. Altmaier has demonstrated resilience, having won three of his last five matches, including two grueling five-set victories against Medjedovic and a stunning upset over Tsitsipas. However, Alex de Minaur arrives in stellar form, cruising through his initial matches in straight sets against O’Connell and Mochizuki, showcasing exceptional serving and a perfect head-to-head record against Altmaier, making him a strong favorite in this encounter.

Another high-stakes encounter sees Alexander Zverev, a consistent quarterfinalist in past editions, take on Felix Auger-Aliassime. Zverev has been dominant, securing straight-set wins against Tabilo and Fearnley, underlining his powerful game. Conversely, Auger-Aliassime, despite early exits in previous years, displayed his best tennis in the second round against Safiullin, recovering from a deficit and saving set points against Harris in the opener. His formidable serve could keep this match remarkably tight, contrary to bookmakers’ initial assessments.

Beyond these pivotal matchups, other players are also making their mark. Alexander Bublik, fresh off back-to-back clay court titles in Gstaad and Kitzbühel, has carried his exceptional form into the US Open. After a well-deserved rest, the Kazakh powerhouse dispatched Cilic and Schoolkate in straight sets, saving critical breakpoints, and extending his impressive winning streak to ten matches.

American hope Tommy Paul has also navigated a challenging path, with three wins in his last five matches. He showcased his aggressive style by demolishing Moller in straight sets without offering any breakpoints. However, his recent five-set marathon against Borges, lasting nearly five hours, raises questions about his endurance as he prepares for the deeper stages of the tournament.

Perhaps the most significant development, however, revolves around Novak Djokovic, who is chasing a record-equaling fifth US Open title and his 25th Grand Slam. The veteran Serb recently overcame a worrying back injury during his third-round encounter against Cameron Norrie, prevailing in four sets after a medical timeout and on-court treatment, displaying his characteristic mental fortitude.

Following his hard-fought victory, Djokovic openly expressed concerns about his physical condition. Acknowledging the undeniable impact of age, the 38-year-old discussed making critical adjustments to his training regimen, prioritizing recovery over intense practice sessions between matches to preserve his body for the demanding challenges of Grand Slam tennis. This strategic approach is vital given his rigorous schedule, having reached the semifinals of the year’s first three Grand Slams.

Djokovic’s third-round win also marked significant milestones, as he surpassed Roger Federer’s record for hard court Grand Slam match wins and became the oldest man to reach the US Open fourth round since Jimmy Connors in 1991. He now faces Jan-Lennard Struff, against whom he holds a perfect 7-0 head-to-head record, in what is expected to be another test of his resolve and physical state.

This year’s US Open round of 16 is notable for featuring three players over the age of 35—Djokovic, Struff, and Adrian Mannarino—a rare occurrence last seen in 1982. Struff, a qualifier, has enjoyed a remarkable run, defeating higher-ranked opponents like Holger Rune and Frances Tiafoe, setting up a compelling clash where the winner will advance to face either Tomas Machac or last year’s runner-up, Taylor Fritz, in the quarterfinals.