2019 US Open Day 4 features Alexander Zverev vs Frances Tiafoe. Damian Kust and Steen Kirby have predictions for that match and matches featuring Nick Kyrgios and Rafael Nadal.
Alexander Zverev vs Frances Tiafoe
Damian: The German had brief spells of brilliance against Radu Albot but his game is still nowhere to be found. Tiafoe has more arguments than the Moldovan and he might be able to throw the racket of out Zverev’s hand. The sixth-seed will probably need to resort to pushing from behind the baseline and it’s on the American whether he can take advantage. Toss-up. Tiafoe in 5
Steen: Zverev is in terrible form and he should be on upset alert here. The young American Tiafoe will have home support and he’s good enough to win this match. Look for Zverev to go down in what is no longer a shock result. Tiafoe in 4
Tennys Sandgren vs Vasek Pospisil
Damian: Big wins for both guys, Sandgren came back from the brink of defeat to overcome Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Pospisil managed to surprise the ninth seed Karen Khachanov. The question is who is more likely to repeat it and my gut says the American who reached Wimbledon fourth round recently and will fancy his chances for another run out of nowhere. Sandgren in 4
Steen: Pospisil’s upset win should inspire him, while Sandgren will also be happy to be in the 2nd round of his home slam. Both players are talented but inconsistent, that sets up a great five setter with Sandgren the home favorite. Sandgren in 5
Benoit Paire vs Aljaz Bedene
Damian: Bedene searched for form at the Challenger Tour recently and it seems to have worked out well as he defeated Josef Kovalik in his opening match. Paire was in a final at Winston-Salem last week but he seems to have recovered better than his conqueror Hubert Hurkacz. It’s a good draw for the 29th seed and as long as he’s more or less concentrated he should be able to run away with the win. Paire in 3
Steen: Benoit Paire is playing well and looks set for a dark horse run at the US Open. Bedene is one of the easier second round opponents and Paire is coming off an ATP final. Paire in 3
Jordan Thompson vs Matteo Berrettini
Damian: The Italian played just one match post Wimbledon because of an injury he got in practice yet came out firing in New York and defeated in-form Richard Gasquet in the first round. Thompson is a very good all-round player but Berrettini has a much higher ceiling and if he can get his serve and forehand combination going, the Australian will get blown off the court. Berrettini in 4
Steen: Thompson will keep this competitive but Berrettini has more weapons and after an upset win in round 1 he will ride that momentum to a win here. Berrettini in 3
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