Round 2 action begins at the US Open with Stefanos Tsitsipas and American Steve Johnson on the match card. Damian Kust, Yesh Ginsburg, and Jim Smith offer their predictions.
Stefanos Tsitsipas vs Maxime Cressy
Damian: The fourth seed showed last week that he’s finally found a way to efficiently block backhand returns. This will come in handy against Cressy, who’s fun to watch, but shouldn’t be that dangerous. There’s a reason why serve-and-volley is not a popular tactic anymore and when kept away from the forecourt, he loses all of his magic. Tsitsipas in 3
Jim: This should be an extremely watchable encounter. Cressy may be the underdog, but there are not many serve-volleyers left in the game which can make those that remain dangerous opponents. But Tsitsipas, after a disappointing showing at the Cincinnati Masters, looked sharp in dispatching Albert Ramos Vinolas for the loss of only four games. Expect him to prove too strong for the American. Tsitsipas in 4
Yesh: Cressy is a fun player who should be a thrill to watch. I don’t think he has enough to upset Tsitsipas, but definitely check out this match. Tsitsipas in 4
Ricardas Berankis vs Steve Johnson
Damian: Despite not coming into this event in great form, Steve Johnson put up an impressive returning display against John Isner. He was well-prepared tactically and showcased considerable tennis acumen. After such a massive confidence-builder, he should run with it to the third round here. Johnson in 4
Jim: Win this match and it will have been a very creditable North American summer for Berankis, who reached the second round at the Cincinnati Masters last week as a qualifier. And there are reasons to feel confident about his chances heading into this match. Johnson was excellent in beating John Isner in the first round, but it was a long and arduous contest, and this does not look like a good match up for him, particularly if Berankis targets his backhand. Berankis in 5
Yesh: Johnson got through a fifth-set tiebreak against his friend John Isner, while Berankis struggled mightily against Federico Gaio. Johnson in 3
Filip Krajinovic vs Marcos Giron
Damian: The Serbian was one of the most impressive performers of the Western & Southern Open and should keep up this form here. His win over Mikael Ymer was solid enough and Giron simply isn’t at that level yet to match Krajinovic off the ground. Expect the Serbian to have a relatively easy time here. Krajinovic in 3
Jim: Winning a match at both the Cincinnati Masters and the US Open has made this a good couple of weeks for Giron. But it’s hard to see him advancing any further in New York. Krajinovic was superb last week, having reached the quarterfinals and he may well feel he should have gone further. But he got back to winning ways against Mikael Ymer and should prove too strong for Giron. Krajinovic in 3
Yesh: Norrie pulled off the improbable comeback against Diego Schwartzman in the first round, and he’s rewarded for it with a Round 2 match that he should win. Norrie in 4
Cam Norrie vs Federico Coria
Damian: Two men that made stunning comebacks in round 1, although in a slightly different fashion. Coria was even more down and out, being down 2 sets and 0-4 in the third. But it’s Norrie who’s been a main tour mainstay in the past two years, while Coria has yet to make his mark on the biggest stages. I don’t think he ever will and Norrie’s unusual game is bound to give him a lot of trouble. Norrie in 3
Jim: Norrie showed commendable fighting spirit to rally past Diego Schwartzman from two-sets down in the first round. It was a scrappy match, but perhaps a confidence-building win nonetheless. Norrie will now surely like his chances of reaching the third round up against Coria, who is far more at home on the clay. Norrie in 4
Yesh: Krajinovic has very quietly become a top player on faster courts. With a good draw here, don’t be surprised if he reaches at least the quarterfinals. Krajinovic in 3
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