The US Open: Why Saturday Could Be the Most Exciting Day at This Year's Event

The US Open so far has been consistently entertaining, without reaching the heights of a real spectacle. We've had some entertaining clashes, like the thriller between Maria Sharapova and Flavia Penneta and the see-saw battle between Andy Murray and Robin Haase.

However, let's face it, after five days of action, we expected more; not only matches with excitement involved, but clashes of true quality, where winners make the difference rather than unforced errors.

To that effect, we can look towards the sixth day of the Open with anticipation; not every year do we get such a feast of a schedule this early at a Grand Slam.

Jo Wilfred Tsonga vs. Fernando Verdasco

Verdasco's high ranking wouldn't normally have permitted a match like this to happen so early, but the Spaniard has had a rather forgettable year.

He's a modest 29-19 on the season, but he's just started to come back into form with two vintage Verdasco performances in the first couple of rounds.

He'll be fully prepared for this one, and with Tsonga striking the ball as hard as he does, fans at the grandstand could be in for a real treat.

Kevin Anderson vs. Mardy Fish

Mardy Fish has been in the form of his career during the course of the American hard-court swing, winning in Atalanta and making the finals of Montreal and Los Angeles.

However, scarcely noticed by the majority of people, Kevin Anderson has never played better either. The 6'8" South African demolished Andy Murray in Montreal and is putting together a solid campaign, which has taken him to within one of his career-high rank of 33.

A comprehensive underdog tomorrow, he could play without any pressure and if he serves lights out, maybe even seal the upset.

Roger Federer vs. Marin Cilic

Not many will give Marin Cilic a chance in this one, and they could well turn out to be right.

But Federer could do a lot worse than take the Croat seriously. Although inconsistent this season, Cilic has been devastating at Flushing Meadows so far, convincingly defeating talented youngsters Ryan Harrison and Bernard Tomic.

On his best day, Cilic could give anyone a massive scare, and his second-round match against the Australian was one of his best days. What he'd give for just one more...

Victoria Azarenka vs. Serena Williams

This is a matchup worthy of gracing any final, but due to Serena Williams' injury problems, we get to see it in the first week.

Azarenka reached a Grand Slam semifinal for the first time this year at Wimbledon, which is not her best surface.

Azarenka has an unfavourable 1-5 head-to-head record against the American, but she led by a set and 4-0 the last time they played at a Slam (Australian Open 2010).

This should be one of the best matches of the tournament and whoever comes out unscathed should be a real contender for the title.

Novak Djokovic vs. Nikolay Davydenko

This blockbuster will be played at Arthur Ashe Stadium, and if the Davydenko of 2009 can show up, the atmosphere will be absolutely electric under the lights.

Davydenko and Djokovic have played thrillers in the past—four of their six clashes went all the way into a final set.

In their most recent meeting (Montreal 2011), Davydenko jumped out a double-break ahead and actually served for the first set before Djokovic took control.

Davydenko looked strong in the second round after going five sets in the first round at this year's US Open and is an opponent Djokovic will know too well to not be complacent against.