US Open 2020: Daniil Medvedev vs J.J. Wolf preview, head-to-head & prediction
Match details
Fixture: Daniil Medvedev vs J.J. Wolf
Date: 5 September 2020
Tournament: US Open 2020
Round: Third round (Round of 32)
Venue: Flushing Meadows, New York, USA
Category: Grand Slam
Surface: Outdoor hardcourt
Prize money: $39,024,000
Match timing: 12 pm EDT, 9.30 pm IST
Live telecast: USA - Tennis Channel / ESPN | India - Star Sports / Disney+ Hotstar VIP
Daniil Medvedev vs J.J. Wolf preview
Third seed Daniil Medvedev will continue his push for a maiden Grand Slam title when he faces unseeded American J.J. Wolf in the third round of the US Open on Saturday.
Medvedev endured a shaky start to the season before the COVID-19 pandemic brought tennis to a halt in March.
After a fourth-round defeat to Stan Wawrinka at the Australian Open, the Russian bowed out early in Rotterdam as well as Marseille. Since then, however, Medvedev has shown signs of returning to form.
The 24-year-old marched through the draw at the Cincinnati Masters before losing a tight three-set match to Roberto Bautista Agut in the semi-final. At the US Open so far, he has been in excellent form, reaching the third round without dropping a set or conceding a single break of serve.
Medvedev's third-round opponent, J.J. Wolf, has yet to make his mark on the ATP tour, although he has shone on the Challenger circuit this year.
The 21-year-old American enters this clash with solid wins against Guido Pella and Roberto Carballes Baena under his belt.
Daniil Medvedev vs J.J. Wolf head-to-head
Daniil Medvedev and J.J. Wolf have never faced each other before, so their head-to-head stands at 0-0.
Daniil Medvedev vs J.J. Wolf prediction
Daniil Medvedev is the overwhelming favorite heading into this match. The Russian's serve has been firing on all cylinders and he has also looked comfortable from the back of the court.
His backhand is rock-solid, but his tendency to extend rallies and inability to finish points early remains a concern.
Wolf, on the other hand, uses his powerful first serve and forehand to dictate rallies. If he is to cause Medvedev any problems, he will need to stay aggressive and take control of the points early on.
Prediction: Daniil Medvedev to win in four sets.