The 2018 US Open starts Monday as top players like Rafael Nadal and Kevin Anderson will be in action. Our panelists offer up their previews and predictions for some of the best men’s matches on day 1.
Rafael Nadal vs David Ferrer
Tracey Essex: These two Spaniards have faced off 30 times and Nadal clearly leads with 80% of the wins. Certainly, Ferrer will make Nadal work for it, but with Nadal in top form we’re not looking at an upset. While they’re always fun to watch, don’t expect to see more than three sets as Nadal will surely move on to the second round. Nadal in 3
Utkarsha Mitra: I think Nadal. It’s been a lacklustre season for Ferrer, and I’m afraid his final Grand Slam isn’t going to change it, even if he leads Rafa 2-0 in hard court Grand Slams. Nadal is too good at the moment to lose in first round. Nadal in 3
Brett Margolies: You don’t often get a grand slam final rematch in the first round of a tournament. Ferrer just hasn’t been able to get anything going as his career winds down. This is a nightmare first round match for him, maybe Nadal will be feeling generous to his good friend, but this should be straight sets. Nadal in 3
Karen Khachanov vs Albert Ramos-Vinolas
Tracey: Karen Khachanov has the game, the skill and the desire to make a deep run at the US Open. His first round opponent, Ramos-Vinolas should allow him an easy move to the second round. Khachanov in 3
Utkarsha: Ramos Vinolas’ recent form hasn’t been great, including his loss to Khachanov their Cincinnati matchup a couple of weeks back. Khachanov, on the other hand, has played an attacking game lately with a strong mindset. Khachanov in 4
Brett: Ramos-Vinolas was able to challenge a tired Khachanov the other week in Cincinnati but wasn’t able to pull off the upset. Look for Khachanov’s good summer to continue; I don’t think Ramos-Vinolas will be much of a threat. Khachanov in 3
Kevin Anderson vs Ryan Harrison
Tracey: When big serving South African takes on the erstwhile American, it’s definitely a match worth watching. But, Kevin Anderson has been playing the best tennis of his career, and you never know who’s going to show up when Ryan Harrison steps on the court. Harrison’s speed and serve will allow him to make it a match, but it will most likely end with Anderson coming through. Anderson in 4
Utkarsha: It’s been an exciting season for Anderson, much better than the last. Can’t say the same for Harrison. Anderson’s overall game and confidence is too high at the moment. Anderson in 3
Brett: I don’t think Kevin Anderson will be too happy with having to face Ryan Harrison in the first round. Harrison will find a way to play to the home crowd and will manage to keep it close against a player in Anderson who’s playing the best tennis of his career at the moment. A couple points here, and there will decide the match, I think Harrison pulls off what will likely be the biggest upset of the first round. Harrison in 4
Denis Shapovalov vs Felix Auger Aliassime
Tracey: Countrymen Denis Shapovalov and Felix Auger Aliassime are the rising stars in Canadian tennis. Yet, the first round sees them on opposite ends of the court. You can expect a close match. Shapovalov lacks consistency but often finds his way through tough matches thanks to his powerful forehand. Auger-Aliassime is still looking to break through and doesn’t have the tour experience of Shapovalov. Shapovalov in 4
Utkarsha: The hottest 1st Round men’s match at the US Open this year. Felix is probably the brightest ‘kid’ right now, and running high at the back of his fine qualifying performance last week. Shapovalov’s season has been topsy-turvy; hasn’t been his best on hard courts. Auger Aliassime in 5
Brett: This is a matchup we’ll see a lot of in the future. Everyone’s heard the stories on how close these two are so it’ll be interesting to see how they handle playing against each other. I would give a slight advantage to Felix based on his form in qualifying. He looks to be due for his first grand slam win. Auger Aliassime in 4
Stan Wawrinka vs Grigor Dimitrov
Tracey: Hard to believe this is a first-round match. These top players usually meet up in a quarter or semi match. But, Stan’s wildcard entry puts him on a tough path from the start. Dimitrov’s 2018 hasn’t gone as well as he’d hoped and his confidence falters in the biggest moments. Wielding one of the best backhands in men’s tennis, Wawrinka has the tools to take out Dimitrov in straight sets. These two will fight it out but we’ll see Wawrinka come through. Wawrinka in 5
Utkarsha: Again, recent form is key. Wawrinka has looked good, Dimitrov not so much. And, Stan will probably be more confident about this matchup because of their Wimbledon meeting and his US Open exploits in the past. Wawrinka in 4
Brett: Stan Wawrinka was able to get past Grigor Dimitrov at Wimbledon when Wawrinka was far from playing his best tennis. He’s found some form on the US hardcourts this summer which doesn’t bode well for Dimitrov. Wawrinka plays his best when it matters the most, so I think he pulls off the “upset.” Wawrinka in 4
Main Photo:
