The 2018 US Open features Novak Djokovic and Marin Cilic, former champions, in action on day 2. Our panelists offer up their previews with predictions.
Yannick Hanfmann vs Philipp Kohlschreiber
Steen Kirby: Kohlschreiber is in awful form and I’ll back an upset here. Hanfmann isn’t a great player by any measure but something seems off with Kohli and the fringe ATP player should pounce at his chance here. Hanfmann in 4
Yesh Ginsburg: Kohlschreiber has really fallen off the grid recently, but he still has a strong serve and power game to back it up on the US Open hard courts. He should have enough to get by perennial journeyman Hanfmann. Kohlschreiber in 4
Utkarsha Mitra: Kohslchreiber is on an uncharacteristic 4-match losing streak dating back to Wimbledon. Though, Hanfmann, who’s played mostly Challengers leading up to the US Open, is unlikely to beat him. His own form hasn’t been great either. Kohlschreiber in 3
Alex De Minaur vs Taro Daniel
Steen: Daniel played well in Winston-Salem so this could be a battle. De Minaur at his best is a potential ATP star but he’s not yet consistent and his small frame often puts him at a disadvantage in matches. I’ll back the Aussie in a battle. De Minaur in 5
Yesh: De Minaur is a rising star. Daniel is a solid player who is slowly improving. He should be able to take at least a set, maybe even two. De Minaur in 5
Utkarsha: The breakout teen of the season, Aussie Alex de Minaur has put up great performances, with reaching Wimbledon 3rd round being his best Grand Slam performance. Expect him to fight out a grinding win against Daniel who’s also enjoying his career-best season. De Minaur in 5
Marin Cilic vs Marius Copil
Steen: Copil has shown signs he could mount a challenge and surge up the rankings soon, as he pushed Andy Murray and Marin Cilic on hard courts this summer. That said the former champion Cilic is in good form and I’d be surprised if he suffered defeat in this one. Cilic in 3
Yesh: This pair met less than two weeks ago in Cincinnati, with Copil actually taking a set. Maybe he could win another in a tiebreak here, but Cilic is the better and more consistent player. Cilic in 3
Utkarsha: One of the contenders for deep run this year, Cilic will look to replicate his 2014 title-winning run in the next fortnight. You may remember Marius Copil for his close losses this year against Murray in Washington and Cilic in Cincinati, but it’s unlikely he’ll do one better than his previous Cilic matchup. Cilic in 4
Novak Djokovic vs Marton Fucsovics
Steen: Djokovic is the tournament favorite and while he should be on alert against a tough opening round opponent, the odds of Fucsovics mounting a winning effort are slim. Djokovic’s form should ensure he eases into the next round. Djokovic in 3
Yesh: Fucsovics is quietly becoming a dangerous player. Dangerous won’t be enough to challenge Djokovic here, but don’t be surprised if the Serbian loses a set if he starts out slow. Djokovic in 4
Utkarsha: Fuscovics reached 4th round at Australian Open this season, and suffered two close losses in Toronto and Cincinnati this month. But, Djokovic looks very much back and ready to win the majors. It should be a routine win for him. Djokovic in 3
Frances Tiafoe vs Adrian Mannarino
Steen: The American should have an edge in an otherwise even contest. Mannarino is a tricky opponent but his form isn’t great and with Tiafoe competitive this Summer he should rise to the occasion in this one. Tiafoe in 4
Yesh: This should be a great match. Two steadily improving players with strong all around games will make for fun tennis. Mannarino is better right now, but Tiafoe will have the crowd backing him. Tiafoe in 5
Utkarsha: Tennis’ self-proclaimed artist, Mannarino has enjoyed a career-best season in 2018 and will look to best his previous 3rd round exits from US Open. But, Tiafoe himself has been having a consistent season, currently 4th youngest inside top 50. They faced each other once in 2016 when Mannarino won, but things may be different this time around. Tiafoe in 5
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