US Open multi tips, free bets & quarter-final specials

ONE dream run is over, but a fairytale could yet be written at the 2017 US Open.

While Maria Sharapova bowed out of her first major appearance since returning from a doping ban, Petra Kvitova pulled off a stunning upset win over tournament favourite Garbine Muguruza.

It is less than a year since a knife attack in her home left the Czech star with severe tendon and nerve damage in her left hand.

Kvitova is still feeling the effects of those wounds, yet that has not stopped her from moving into $4.50 title favouritism at CrownBet.com.au.

This picture tells you everything. Thank you NYC ♥ #usopen pic.twitter.com/K9ZtU6gdN3

— Petra Kvitova (@Petra_Kvitova) September 4, 2017

The former US Open finalist now faces Venus Williams – one of two American hopes, along with Sloane Stephens, already through to the women’s quarter-finals.

Things have settled down in the men’s draw, where it is starting to look as though the title could be decided in the semis.

Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal are on course to meet at Flushing Meadows for the very first time, but it won’t be in final.

Already in the last eight are Kevin Anderson, Pablo Carreno Busta, Sam Querrey and Diego Schwartzman – not names one would normally associate with this stage of a grand slam.

Only a disappointing display from Jelena Ostapenko kept us from cashing in over the weekend, so let’s see if we can go one better this time.

Anastasija Sevastova (16) vs. Sloane Stephens

Sevastova – $2.32
Stephens – $1.61

It was Sevastova who ended Sharapova’s golden run. With so many of the usual suspects already out of play, this is an outstanding opportunity for a fringe talent like her to make a serious move for silverware. Stephens is in the same boat and will have the New York galleries on her side. The American looks in career-best form after returning from a long-term foot injury, so that’s where our money is.

Kevin Anderson (28) vs. Sam Querrey (17)

Anderson – $2.16
Querrey – $1.69

The early markets had these these two neck and neck, but recent updates have the American firming sharply. They have played 15 times over the course of a decade on tour, including two clashes this year: a five-set win to Querrey at Wimbledon and a 6-4, 6-1 sweep to Anderson in Canada. It could go either way, but the local lad is the slightly better of two very similar, very solid players.

Petra Kvitova (13) vs. Venus Williams (9)

Kvitova – $1.74
Williams – $2.08

Kvitova has a 5-1 winning record over the elder Williams sister, but those numbers alone do not tell the whole story. All five of their completed matches have gone to three sets, while two of those have required a tiebreaker in the third. Kvitova will have most of the world on her side, but Venus will enjoy an overwhelming majority of the courtside support. Nevertheless, we’re picking the one who just knocked out the favourite.

Pablo Carreno Busta (12) vs. Diego Schwartzman (29)

Carreno Busta – $1.50
Schwartzman – $2.58

Carreno Busta’s campaign is the very definition of a man making the most advantageous circumstances. In no other year would the Spaniard have progressed this far without facing a seeded opponent, hence why he has not dropped a set. Schwartzman is his toughest test yet, not least after the Argentine bolter saw off Marin Cilic and Lucas Pouille to get here. We say there is value in backing Diego to edge a tight one.