Google News Marion Bartoli predicts 'shock US Open winner': I don't think it will be Rafael Nadal
by DZEVAD MESIC | VIEW 17357
2013 Wimbledon champion Marion Bartoli feels this year's US Open men's event is widely open and she believes there will be a "shock winner". Novak Djokovic is not competing at this year's US Open, while Rafael Nadal played just one match leading up to the US Open.
“It leaves a spot,” Bartoli said in the latest episode of Tennis Majors' Match Points. “We saw it in Cincinnati, when Novak’s not there and Rafa’s struggling, it’s a lot more open than it has been on the ATP Tour in probably the last 15 years”.
Bartoli thinks Nick Kyrgios could be the one who who makes a splash
Kyrgios, 27, made his first Grand Slam final at this past Wimbledon. Now, Bartoli feels Kyrgios could be the one that goes all the way and wins his first Grand Slam this fortnight.
"For me, he’s in his best position to do it,” she said. “If there’s one time he’s able to do it, it’s now." Going into the tournament, Rafael Nadal and Daniil Medvedev were considered by many as the top favorites.
But something is telling Bartoli there will be a surprise winner in the US Open men's event. “I sincerely believe we’re going to have a shock in the men’s draw,” Bartoli said. “I don’t think we’re going to have the usual, like, Daniil (Medvedev) or Rafa (Nadal).
I think we’re going to have someone who sneaks out of the draw, takes his chance and go out and wins his first Grand Slam title”. Last year, Medvedev captured his first Grand Slam title after beating Djokovic in the US Open final.
Now, the likes of Kyrgios, Carlos Alcaraz, Stefanos Tsitsipas are all searching for their first Grand Slam title. A year ago, the US Open women's event had a surprise winner after Emma Raducanu claimed the title. It remains to be seen if Bartoli's prognosis turns out to be correct in the end.
