Casper Ruud vs Taylor Fritz Prediction: Taylor Fritz is in hot form

The analysis, tactical approach and prediction for the upcoming match between Casper Ruud and Taylor Fritz.

Ruud has been strong, particularly with his endurance in being able to win tight matches, with one against Shang going to five sets. His resilience to adapt and grind through tough matches is testimony to his mental steel and physical being. The five-set fight against Shang does say something about possible fatigue taking its place.

Solid defense, good footwork, and the ability to turn defense into offense is the base for Ruud's game. He can also be very consistent from the baseline, capable of outlasting opponents in long rallies. His forehand is a real weapon all over the court, especially on clay, but he has adapted rather well to the hard courts with it, being able to take control over his opponents and push them back. He's tough in tight matches, too, like that recent five-set win, and that only proves it psychologically. More experience in Grand Slam play simply sets him apart from others in critical moments.

Sometimes, Ruud struggles against big hitters who can overpower him, especially on the faster surfaces of hard courts. Fritz's aggressive baseline play might somehow trouble him, too, as well as his powerful serve. His second serve can be vulnerable under pressure, and Fritz could exploit it, especially with regard to his aggressive return game.

Fritz came into this match in great form, winning all his US Open matches in straight sets, a fact that he not only is in great physical shape but also mentally focused, efficiently dispatching opponents without expelling energy unnecessarily. This nine-set winning streak brings out how dominant he has been on court of late.

He possesses one of the most feared serves on tour, consistently banking aces to force opponents to fall behind early. Fritz's game is centered around big hitting from the baseline. His forehand used to be the weapon that dictated play; his flattened depth of groundstroke often puts Ruud in grave doubt. The fact that Fritz won in straight sets showed his ability to remain focused and close out matches without allowing his opponents back into the match. This is the mental fortitude that will serve him well in this high-stakes match.

While he has made some improvements to his movement, it is still a relative weakness, and on paper an area where an opponent like Ruud-who can extend rallies and make Fritz hit extra shots-would target. Often, Fritz struggles when players have fine defensive skills which neutralize his serve and extend him into longer rallies. Ruud's consistent baseline game could again try the patience of Fritz and his shot selection.

His match will be a close encounter, with both players coming up with a number of current strong forms. Fritz's recent dominance and straight-sets victories insinuate that he peaks at the right time, his powerful serve and aggressive playing well-suited to US Open hard courts. On the other hand, Ruud's resilience and experience in tough encounters would also not go unnoticed.

With Fritz in such great form of late, and the fact that he does have the home advantage in the USA, having beaten Ruud once already, the slight winner will be Fritz. This could easily go to three sets if Ruud can extend the rallies as he often looks to take players out of their rhythm.

• Taylor Fritz Win and Over 3.5 Sets at 2.26 Odds
• Over 38.5 Games at 1.86 Odds
• Total Sets 4 at 2.60 Odds