We have predictions for all of the day 1 matches at the US Open including John Isner vs Brandon Nakashima. Damian Kust, Steen Kirby, and Yesh Ginsburg are on hand to preview all the matches.
Henri Laaksonen vs John Millman
Damian: They haven’t played in nine years, but in terms of this rivalry not much has changed. Millman should still be able to make Laaksonen leak enough errors to let him get through to the second round. Millman in 4
Yesh: Millman is playing pretty well and should be fine on these courts. Laaksonen has had a few good runs this year, but not on hard courts. The Australian should serve his way through this. Millman in 4
Steen: Millman was a Washington quarterfinalist and has previously done the same at the US Open, Laaksonen prefers clay, although he was good in qualifying, knocking off Millman looks tough. Millman in 4
John Isner vs Brandon Nakashima
Damian: The third time we get that matchup this summer and it’s been really exciting. Nakashima’s return against the Isner serve is a clash of titans. The courts are slower than in Atlanta and the youngster might find a way to come out on top here. Nakashima in 5
Yesh: This is an unfortunate draw for both players and for American tennis fans. Both are in really good form and like these hard courts. Over five sets, though, Nakashima has proved impressive enough that he should get a bit of a read on the Isner serve. That’s enough to win tiebreaks. Nakashima in 5
Steen: The pair split meetings on hard courts this year, Nakashima has put together an excellent hard court summer, Isner has not experienced a loss in an early round match on hard courts this Summer though for his part. With Isner playing this well, it’s hard to see Nakashima winning in best of 5 format. Isner in 5
Marin Cilic vs Philipp Kohlschreiber
Damian: Throwback here as they first played each other back in 2007. Cilic should be in a way better match rhythm, especially on hard courts at the moment. Cilic in 4
Yesh: Cilic is not the same player he was when he won the US Open in 2014. Kohlschreiber is nowhere near the same player he was back then either, though. The Croat likes these courts better and looked better recently, but expect a battle. Cilic in 4
Steen: Kohlschreiber leads the h2h 7-5 but isn’t a top player anymore, Cilic isn’t near his peak (when he won the US Open), but on this surface Cilic should still have enough power to get a win. Cilic in 4
Cameron Norrie vs Carlos Alcaraz
Damian: Alcaraz turned out to be playing a lot better than expected on hard courts, but the draw is rather unfortunate. Norrie’s brilliant season is still continuing and he should make the Spaniard really uncomfortable with his angles and flat trajectory. Norrie in 4
Yesh: Norrie has been playing so well this year, but Alcaraz looks like a future star. The young Spaniard has wilted a bit on the biggest of stages, while Norrie has risen to the challenges he’s faced this year. Norrie in 4
Steen: Norrie won Los Cabos and reached the quarterfinals in Atlanta, he enters this match with three straight losses though. Alcaraz reached the semis in Winston-Salem, although he prefers clay, his game is improving and Norrie is not inspiring confidence right now. Alcaraz in 4
Main Photo from Getty Images
