Fish vs Tsonga: US Open thriller certain but Tsonga to pinch it

Mardy Fish has been one of the form players of the hard-court summer, but his US Open run this year is set to be ended in the fourth round by Jo Wilfried Tsonga.

It has been a long time since the US had four men in the last 16 of a Grand Slam and Fish had seemed the home hope who would go the furthest at Flushing Meadows.

In his four hard-court tournaments ahead of the US Open, the American number one had won one event, reached another two finals and a semi final.

However, the draw was not the kindest to the number-eight seed, as Fish takes on another form player in Tsonga, who is looking to reach his first US Open quarter final.

Both players have made serene players through the draw to this stage without dropping a set and the pair are also similar in their preferred styles of play, hitting winners and smashing the ball around from the baseline.

Buoyed on by the home support, Fish may be seen as the better US Open tennis bet in terms of value at 1/1, but Tsonga has the better Grand Slam pedigree and is arguably the more gifted all-around player.

The Frenchman certainly has the more dominant forehand, the greater speed and perhaps the greater ability to change tact if a plan B is required.

Tsonga is 8/11 to beat Fish in their first ever career meeting and set up a probable quarter-final encounter with Roger Federer for the second Grand Slam in succession.

Set Betting

One thing that it is almost guaranteed is that the game will not be won in straight sets and the crowd on the Arthur Ashe court are potentially in for a classic.

In terms of set betting, Tsonga to win 3-2 could be a wise pick at 9/2, with Fish 5/1 to edge through in a five-set thriller.