On day six at the US Open in New York, the remaining 16 men in the bottom half of the draw will battle for a place in the second week. Here at LWOT we are offering predictions for all eight matches, including Rafael Nadal’s clash with Hyeon Chung and Marin Cilic’s battle with John Isner. Offering their picks for this slate of matches are Jim Smith, Harsh Bhoot and Damian Kust.
US Open Day Six Predictions
Nick Kyrgios vs Andrey Rublev
Jim: This match won’t be short on fireworks. Both men are certainly characters, although Andrey Rublev, unlike Nick Kyrgios, is generally a model professional. He is also enjoying an excellent summer after a difficult spell due to injuries. His hard-hitting game stands to cause Kyrgios real problems. The Australian, meanwhile, has played well, but not looked entirely focused. Expect Rublev to punish that.
Prediction: Rublev in 5
Harsh: If Kyrgios wants to play, this match may be one for the ages. Rublev has hit great form heading into the US Open and beating Stefanos Tsitsipas proved just how confident he was. But anyone who has seen Kyrgios play at this year’s US Open will have definitely spotted how focussed the Aussie is. There aren’t many who can beat Kyrgios when he brings his best and while Rublev is a man in form, the Russian will find it tough to break Kyrgios’ serve and take control of the match.
Prediction: Kyrgios in 4
Damian: Kyrgios remains untested at this year’s US Open and no one knows how his mentality will fare if he’s pressured. Rublev defeated Roger Federer at Cincinnati and Tsitsipas here in the first round and is once again playing his best tennis at the US Open, where he had his first big Grand Slam run. Dark clouds are looming over the horizon for Kyrgios with a possible suspension and the Russian playing so well, he might be on the verge of breaking down.
Prediction: Rublev in 4
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Gael Monfils vs Denis Shapovalov
Jim: Gael Monfils against Denis Shapovalov is almost a perfect matchup for the viewing public. The Canadian has been back to his explosive best so far in New York, swatting aside Felix Auger-Aliassime and Henri Laaksonen. But Monfils has the defensive skills necessary to draw errors from the Canadian. In fact, as good as this match will be to watch, it is far from ideal for Shapovalov to play.
Prediction: Monfils in 4
Harsh: Both players have looked so strong in their opening two rounds. Shapovalov is yet to drop his serve in this tournament and is playing assuredly from the baseline. Monfils too has posted great numbers on serve. Baseline rallies will be the key in this match and if the Canadian sticks to his attacking mode, he should come out on top.
Prediction: Shapovalov in 5
Damian: Two players that would really love a big run here. Shapovalov has been shining so far under the tutelage of Mikhail Youzhny, but it’s too early yet to determine the long-term effects of the partnership. Monfils is not an easy rival for the Canadian, who doesn’t like having to get a few good shots in to win a point. However, I’m tempted to pick Shapovalov anyway as he seems to be really enjoying his game right now.
Prediction: Shapovalov in 5
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Diego Schwartzman vs Tennys Sandgren
Jim: Tennys Sandgren has been playing some good tennis of late and has impressed so far at the US Open. But beating Diego Schwartzman will be a tall ask indeed for the American. Schwartzman is one of the cleanest ball-strikers on tour and covers the court superbly well. His serve can be a weakness, but Sandgren is not known for his returning. Expect the Argentine to grind him down.
Prediction: Schwartzman in 4
Harsh: Both Schwartzman and Sandgren have quietly snuck into the third round. They’ve never met before and should be a fun one to follow. While Sandgren has had to work extremely hard in his first two rounds, Schwartzman has taken down his opponents pretty easily. The Argentine is a solid baseliner and while the crowd may not be on his side for this match, he should still progress to the round of 16.
Prediction: Schwartzman in 4
Damian: Sandgren is not one of the more spectacular players on the tour, but he somehow keeps finding these good Grand Slam runs. Schwartzman has had a couple of good performances thus far, however, against pretty weak competition. The American might just find yet another victory out of nowhere in front of a roaring home crowd.
Prediction: Sandgren in 5
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Alexander Zverev vs Aljaz Bedene
Jim: To the surprise of absolutely no one, Alexander Zverev made hard work of what looked like two eminently winnable matches as both Radu Albot and Frances Tiafoe extended him to five sets. And this match looks set to follow a similar pattern. Zverev should have the game to beat Aljaz Bedene and he probably will win the match, but it is hard to see him doing it straightforwardly.
Prediction: Zverev in 5
Harsh: What is up with Zverev and five-setters in Grand Slams? But as long as he’s ending up on the right of the result, the German won’t be complaining too much. Zverev possesses superior firepower on serve as well as on his groundstrokes. While Bedene has looked good so far, he has never beaten the German and won’t be starting now.
Prediction: Zverev in 4
Damian: Will Zverev go five sets again? Unlikely, Bedene doesn’t have that much to threaten him with as Radu Albot or Frances Tiafoe did. The German played two five-setters so far, but he’s very well prepared physically and after playing Tiafoe he will enjoy someone who gives him some baseline rhythm for a change.
Prediction: Zverev in 4
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