Gael Monfils recovered from a mini-meltdown at the end of the second set to record another straight sets win, this time over Grigor Dimitrov, 7-5 7-6(6) 7-5.  Dimitrov had set points in the second set tiebreak, but faltered on several key points.  He then double faulted on match point.  It was a disappointing performance from Dimitrov, who hasn’t got going since losing to Novak Djokovic in the semi-finals of Wimbledon.  He’ll bounce back.  Monfils continues to look dangerous in this draw…

Poll Results: 49% correctly predicted that Murray would beat Tsonga, 35% correctly predicted that Nishikori would beat Raonic and 44% correctly predicted that Monfils would beat Dimitrov.

1. Novak Djokovic v Andy Murray (ATP US Open, QF)

Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray meet for the 21st time on Wednesday, but for the first ever time in a Grand Slam quarter-final.  I’ve previewed so many of these matches that i’m going to keep this reasonably brief.  Djokovic hasn’t dropped a set this fortnight although he did have to fend off a set point in his third round victory over Philipp Kohlschreiber.  Murray had been very unconvincing up till the fourth round, but that kind of changed as he saw off Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in straight sets, coming from a break down in the last two sets to gain revenge for the loss in Toronto a few years back.  I watched some of the Murray match on Sky Sports… I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised, but some of the biased commentary was just too much for me.

Murray’s victory over Tsonga was his first top ten win of the year.  His intensity was much improved from that demonstrated in his quarter-final match with Grigor Dimitrov at Wimbledon, but i’m still wary to go as far to say it was a turning point.  Djokovic will go into this match as the favourite.  He won their last match in Miami, 7-5 6-3.  Djokovic v Murray matches normally bore me to tears.  The 2013 Wimbledon final was incredible for the drama and occasion it provided, but the tennis was not good.  Their match in Miami was actually reasonable, but I can’t say i’m massively excited by the prospect of this match (and anyway, it’s the night match so I won’t be watching!).  If they both come out with intent, then this should be exciting.  Murray’s faltered in some big matches lately, so perhaps this will be his chance to turn that around.  I’m going for Djokovic.  And that wasn’t brief.  Sorry.

Prediction: Djokovic d. Murray in 4 sets

2. Stan Wawrinka v Kei Nishikori (ATP US Open, QF)

Kei Nishikori produced a pretty remarkable performance to come from two sets to one down to defeat Milos Raonic, 4-6 7-6(4) 6-7(6) 7-5 6-4 in four hours and 19 minutes.  It finished extraordinarily late, so much so, that I watched the conclusion of the match whilst eating my breakfast.  I’m delighted to be able to showcase a picture of Kei for the first time on Moo’s Tennis Blog.  This year, I went on a desperate hunt to get a picture of Kei at Wimbledon and ended up waiting by court 3 to try and get the all important snap.  In the drama of the situation, I completely fluffed it up; however i’m delighted to say I can rely on my brother to save the day who managed to get one.  Back from my adorable story (I thought it was adorable) and Kei’s done brilliantly to make the quarters after he came out with some quotes at the start of the tournament that implied he may not be fit enough to make it through his first match.  Nishikori was killing his backhand in the deciding set and bless Milos, he looked like he should be tucked up in bed.

Nishikori will play Stan Wawrinka in the quarter-finals, who I thought had been knocked out based on his lack of presence on the schedule.  He didn’t play a match between Thursday and Sunday due to scheduling and opponent withdrawals, but he showed no ill effects of this as he fought past Tommy Robredo in four sets on Monday.  In a best of three set match, i’d go for Nishikori.  In a best of five set match with a healthy Nishikori, i’d go for Nishikori.  In *these* circumstances with more question marks looming about Nishikori’s fitness, i’m going for Stan the man…. but i’d love Kei to be a legend and win this.  In fact, both Stan and Kei are legends so I don’t mind who wins.  Djokovic v Murray is the big match of the day, but for me, Nishikori v Wawrinka is the more attractive match-up.  I’m just hoping it’s a good match and it doesn’t end with us all thinking, if only Kei was healthy…

Prediction: Wawrinka d. Nishikori in 4 sets