Firestarter Nick Kyrgios begins his 2019 US Open campaign against American Steve Johnson. Former US Open champion Marin Cilic also begins his campaign in round 1. Steen Kirby and Yesh Ginsburg offer their predictions, and we also have predictions for matches featuring Rafael Nadal and John Isner.
Nick Kyrgios vs Steve Johnson
Steen: If Kyrgios cares about this match and shows up he’ll win routinely, however Johnson has a punchers chance because Kyrgios form is not consistent and he does battle hard for his own part. I’ll back Kyrgios but not with confidence. Kyrgios in 4
Yesh: This should be a good match. Johnson is a solid player, and that can frustrate Kyrgios if he can’t make quick inroads. Ultimately, though, this match is on the Australian’s racket. Kyrgios in 4
Richard Gasquet vs Matteo Berrettini
Steen: Gasquet has found some form, Berrettini is a capable player but form and experience favors the Frenchman, who is perhaps moving closer to returning to the previous level he was at before injuries. Gasquet in 4
Yesh: Berrettini has been steadily improving and impressing in his young career, but Gasquet is doing well on his comeback. I think the Frenchman might have a surprise in store for us. Gasquet in 4
Karen Khachanov vs Vasek Pospisil
Steen: Khachanov is much better and he’ll be happy to draw one of the easier round 1 opponents. Pospisil deserves credit for his fight for tennis players wages and benefits, but he’s the clear underdog in this match. Khachanov in 3
Yesh: Pospisil was once a future star, but it never quite panned out. Khachanov also looks like a future star now. No one knows what the future holds, but in the present Khachanov is better. Khachanov in 3
Marin Cilic vs Martin Klizan
Steen: Cilic loves the US Open, the site of his greatest triumph. However he’s been woeful lately and Klizan has a big enough game to trouble him. This match looks like a rollercoaster, but I’ll back Cilic to survive. Cilic in 5
Yesh: Klizan has been solid but never quite broken through. Cilic, meanwhile, is a top player who has been struggling terribly with his form recently. Maybe the location of his great career triumph will bring back some old form. Cilic in 3
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