We here at LWOT will be offering our predictions for 24 matches on day, including Novak Djokovic vs Damir Dzumhur, Denis Shapovalov vs Sebastian Korda, Borna Coric vs Pablo Andujar, Reilly Opelka vs David Goffin and Alexander Zverev vs Kevin Anderson. Former US Open quarterfinalist Diego Schwartzman, meanwhile, starts this year’s tournament against Cameron Norrie as the US Open kicks off in New York. Our panel of Yesh Ginsburg and Damian Kust offer their predictions.
Diego Schwartzman vs Cameron Norrie
Damian: Norrie is a very solid competitor but this is statistically Schwartzman’s best slam. The Argentinian is a two-time quarterfinalist at the US Open and he should be able to find a way through, even if Norrie’s style is a bit tricky for him to play against. Schwartzman in 4
Yesh: Schwartzman did not look great in his comeback to the tour, but he is just better than Norrie at every facet of the game. He shouldn’t be too concerned here. Schwartzman in 3
Stefanos Tsitsipas vs Albert Ramos
Damian: We’ve not seen Tsitsipas hold up in many neutral rallies last week, given that he had to face four of the biggest servers in the game. Some rust might still be the case for him then against an opponent who feels right at home in points that go longer than Tsitsipas wants them too. But the Greek has way too much attacking power and will surely have enough time to tune in. Tsitsipas in 3
Yesh: Tsitsipas looks in great form, and this shouldn’t be a hard matchup for him. Tsitsipas in 3
Pablo Carreno Busta vs Yasutaka Uchiyama
Damian: There’s little Uchiyama should be able to hurt Carreno Busta with. The Spaniard excels in methodical and smart baseline play and his first-round opponent doesn’t possess any threats to force him out of his comfort zone. Should be a straightforward victory for the seed. Carreno Busta in 3
Yesh: Uchiyama is not yet used to playing at this level, and he shouldn’t have much to threaten Carreno Busta with here. Carreno Busta in 3
Mohamed Safwat vs Gilles Simon
Damian: The Egyptian is still looking for his first Grand Slam win at 29 years old and his wait probably won’t be over soon. It would be quite a story if Safwat took this win but matching Simon’s retrieval and counterpunching skills should be a bit beyond his ability. Simon in 3
Yesh: Having already failed on two prior occasions, Safwat is still without a Grand Slam victory. Simon is far past his prime, though he probably can wear down the Egyptian. Simon in 5
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