With the first week at the 2020 US Open coming to a close, the entertainment is set to continue on day six. The 16 men left standing in the bottom half of the men’s draw are set to battle it out for a place in the second week in New York. As ever, we here at LWOT will be offering our predictions for all eight matches, including Dominic Thiem vs Marin Cilic. Offering their picks for this slate of matches are Damian Kust, Jim Smith and Yesh Ginsburg.
US Open Men’s Day Six Predictions
Roberto Bautista Agut vs Vasek Pospisil
Damian: Roberto Bautista Agut will probably be relieved that it’s this Canadian he will face in the third round, as he’s never beaten Milos Raonic in five previous attempts. His head-to-head with Vasek Pospisil makes for better reading, with three wins from three. Their last match was five years ago, but if anything this matchup should be even harder for Pospisil now. Pospisil’s only chance will be to hold onto his serve whatever it takes. But that is easier said than done.
Prediction: Bautista Agut in 4
Jim: Bautista Agut looks set to put together a deep run at this year’s US Open, with the new surface suiting his flat, penetrating groundstrokes. Pospisil, however, can be a tricky customer, with the Canadian amongst the best volleyers in the men’s game. But against the consistency and accuracy of the Spaniard, it is hard to see him making much of an impact.
Prediction: Bautista Agut in 3
Yesh: Pospisil did well to take out his compatriot Raonic, who was one of the form players coming into the US Open, but Bautista Agut is just playing too well right now. The Spaniard has such solid defense and a good attacking game, particularly off the forehand wing. Pospisil won’t have anything to really trouble him with.
Prediction: Bautista Agut in 3
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J.J. Wolf vs Daniil Medvedev
Damian: J.J. Wolf is on an upward trajectory right now and should continue to rise through the rankings over the coming seasons. But this is his first time facing such a top-tier opponent and it’s one who looks like a nightmare matchup for him. The American will look to finish the points early with his forehand, but there’s no way he makes enough dents in Medvedev’s baseline wall.
Prediction: Medvedev in 3
Jim: It has been a great run for Wolf, who looks to have a bright future ahead of him. But this is an extremely tough ask for him. Medvedev may not be enjoying the new surface in New York, but he is a very versatile opponent, comfortable on both the front and back foot. Expect him to outmanoeuvre the untested Wolf.
Prediction: Medvedev in 3
Yesh: Get used to seeing J.J. Wolf’s mullet, because he’s here to stay. Four years of playing college tennis should have more than prepared him for Medvedev’s defensive and counterpunching style. Of course, no players in college were of Medvedev’s caliber, but don’t be surprised if Wolf keeps this competitive.
Prediction: Medvedev in 4
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Matteo Berrettini vs Casper Ruud
Damian: Casper Ruud had reportedly been practicing his hard-court game throughout the pandemic and we’re already seeing the effects of it. Still, this should be where his run ends. Despite the new surface at the US Open, Matteo Berrettini is still in his element in New York. The last year’s semifinalist has a deadly forehand that while extremely powerful, remains relatively safe due to the amount of topspin involved. Expect the Italian to power through quite comfortably.
Prediction: Berrettini in 4
Jim: If the change in surface has not helped Medvedev, it should be aiding Berrettini’s charge. The Italian is not amongst the most consistent of players, but when he is on song he is a hard man to beat. And Ruud, although probably a better hard-court player than his record suggests, does not have the sort of weaponry to really trouble Berrettini.
Prediction: Berrettini in 4
Yesh: Berrettini has had some ups and downs in this tournament, but he’s a better player overall than Ruud is right now, especially on a faster surface. This could go either way because of inconsistency, but I’ll go with the one more in control of the match.
Prediction: Berrettini in 4
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Felix Auger-Aliassime vs Corentin Moutet
Damian: Corentin Moutet does a fine job breaking his opponent’s rhythm off the ground and forcing them into uncomfortable positions. This is a tactic that could work against Felix Auger-Aliassime, whose raw talent remains in need of some polish. However, the Canadian is coming off one of the best performances of his career against Andy Murray. The mix of power and precision that Auger-Aliassime delivered was too much for the Scot and should overwhelm Moutet too.
Prediction: Auger-Aliassime in 3
Jim: Moutet scored an excellent, if bad-tempered win over Dan Evans in the second round, but this is a very different challenge for the Frenchman. Auger-Aliassime was superb in beating Murray, although the former-world #1 was a long way from his best, combining power and poise in a formidable display. A repeat of that should see him into the second week comfortably enough.
Prediction: Auger-Aliassime in 4
Yesh: Auger-Aliassime looks in absolutely dominant form, and he appears to be avoiding mental lapses as well. Perhaps Murray was a tad fatigued in their match on Thursday, but the Canadian’s performance was still hugely impressive. It’s hard to imagine him losing to Moutet, who will be on his third straight day of play due to the rain.
Prediction: Auger-Aliassime in 3
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