2016 US Open Men’s Semifinal Expert Pick

Posted by Eric Williams on Friday,September 9, 2016 12:52, EDT in

Stan Wawrinka is a two-time grand slam champion that is currently ranked third in the world, but he’s been installed as an underdog in his U.S. Open semifinal matchup against World No. 7 Kei Nishikori. Should Wawrinka be an underdog pick and will he pull off the ‘upset’ over the red-hot Nishikori on Friday night? Let’s find out now on the tennis odds.

Here’s the 2016 US Open Men’s Semifinal Expert Pick

Stan Wawrinka +2
Kei Nishikori -2

Moneyline

Stan Wawrinka +115
Kei Nishikori -135

The Breakdown

Stan Wawrinka is 46-14 this year with one title, He holds a 3-2 career edge over Nishikori, but lost to the Japan’s World No. 1 7-6 (6), 6-1 at the Rogers Cup in Canada two months ago. After winning their first two head-to- head matches, Wawrinka is 1-2 over the last three meetings. While Wawrinka beat Nishikori at the 2015 Australian Open, he also lost to Nishikori at the 2014 U.S. Open in a thrilling five-setter.

Kei Nishikori has gone 32-12 this year but has won three titles. Nishikori has also won 14 career titles to Wawrinka’s 11 career titles, though he has yet to bag a grand slam title. Analysis: For me, I do believe that Stan Wawrinka should be an underdog in this match.

Why?

Because he’s not winning, that’s why. I’ve long been a big believer in Kei Nishikori and genuinely believe he’s going to win a grand slam title at some point in his career…so why not now? After seeing Nishikori beat World No.2 Andy Murray in five sets in the semifinal round two days ago, I believe the time for Nishikori to strike is now!

Total Games: 40.5

Analysis: I believe this semifinal showdown is destined to be a thriller that lasts at least four sets. Two of the last three meetings between Wawrinka and Nishikori have gone the distance and I just don’t see one dominating the other in three straight sets this time around either. I’m going with a pick for Kei Nishikori to get in done in four sets that play just over the 40.5-game O/U total.

My Pick: Kei Nishikori in Four Sets