The US Open heats up on Day 8 with explosive tennis action! Will Novak Djokovic continue his dominant run, or can a dark horse upset the favorites? Carlos Alcaraz faces a tricky challenge, while an American hopeful shines in the women’s draw. Who are you backing to reach the quarterfinals?

Day eight at the US Open promises an enthralling spectacle of tennis, with the stakes exceptionally high as players battle for coveted spots in the quarterfinals. Spectators in New York are set for a series of high-octane fourth-round encounters, featuring a roster of the sport’s most celebrated names and several emerging talents.

Among the day’s most anticipated men’s predictions is the clash between Carlos Alcaraz and Arthur Rinderknech. Alcaraz, showcasing his mercurial best and dropping no sets so far, holds a dominant 3-0 head-to-head advantage over Rinderknech. While the Frenchman’s powerful serve and aggressive play could secure him a set, Alcaraz’s superior form and ability to navigate tricky matches are expected to see him through to the next round of this Grand Slam.

Another compelling matchup features Jiri Lehecka against Adrian Mannarino. Both players have enjoyed remarkable runs to reach the US Open’s second week for the first time, albeit through differing circumstances. Lehecka, the more explosive player, will contend with Mannarino’s unique flat-hitting game, which consistently poses problems for newer opponents. This promises a drawn-out affair, likely decided by critical moments.

Taylor Fritz, currently the last realistic American men’s hope in the tournament, faces Tomas Machac. Machac has impressed by not dropping a set, while Fritz has shown consistency despite dropping a set in his last two matches. Both players share similar counterpunching and pace-redirecting styles. Fritz, being the more consistent of the two, is widely backed to leverage his experience and form to secure a victory.

The marquee match of the day brings together the legendary Novak Djokovic against the tournament’s surprise giant-killer, Jan-Lennard Struff. Struff has had an incredible run, overcoming Holger Rune and home favorite Frances Tiafoe. His solid serving and flat backhand have dismantled formidable opponents, setting up an intriguing challenge against the world’s number one.

Despite Struff’s exceptional form, facing Novak Djokovic, arguably the greatest returner and backhand player of all time, represents a significant leap in competitive level. Djokovic’s unparalleled ability to neutralize aggression and his flawless play are expected to be too much for Struff, maintaining the Serb’s quest for his historic 25th Grand Slam title.

In the women’s draw, Amanda Anisimova continued her impressive journey, reaching the fourth round of the US Open for the first time in her career. The American, ranked No. 9, demonstrated resilience and home-court advantage to overcome a tenacious Jaqueline Cristian in a hard-fought three-set encounter.

Anisimova’s match against Cristian saw an explosive start from the American, securing an early lead before facing a spirited comeback from her Romanian opponent. Despite losing the second set, Anisimova regrouped with aggressive baseline play and reduced unforced errors in the decider, ultimately triumphing to join a strong American contingent in the Round of 16.

As the tournament progresses, each victory at the US Open intensifies the pursuit of the championship. With top seeds and dark horses alike pushing their limits, the path to the quarter-finals promises more unforgettable moments and high-stakes tennis action in Flushing Meadows.