We have predictions for all of the US Open day 1 matches including Andrey Rublev and Grigor Dimitrov’s opening matches in this set of previews. Yesh Ginsburg, Steen Kirby, and Damian Kust take a look at a packed day in New York.
Evgeny Donskoy vs Felix Auger-Aliassime
Damian: Auger-Aliassime is often vulnerable to upsets, but in this particular case, best-of-five might actually help him. The Canadian will have more time to tune in his game if something goes wrong, but it really shouldn’t. Auger-Aliassime in 3
Yesh: Auger-Aliassime has not quite been the elite player he’s capable of being, and he’s not as consistent as fans would hope, either. Still, he plays really well on the biggest of stages, and he’s far more talented than Donskoy. Auger-Aliassime in 3
Steen: FAA has put together a few solid runs this season though his consistency has not been quite up to expectations. Donskoy will be happy to qualify as he’s been struggling to make an impact on tour for quite some time. This looks like too much of a mismatch. Auger-Aliassime in 3
Ivo Karlovic vs Andrey Rublev
Damian: The return isn’t exactly Rublev’s forte, but this would still be a total shock. There’s always the chance of getting to tie-breaks with Karlovic’s serve, but can he really take them against a current top player? Let’s give him a set for old times’ sake. Rublev in 4
Yesh: Karlovic was impressive and qualifying, even from the baseline. His serve means he’s in any match, and Rublev will need to find a way to read it to break through. Rublev in 5
Steen: The Cincinnati finalist and former US Open quarterfinalist has dreams of winning his first ever Grand Slam. Karlovic represents a difficult challenge in every match because of his serve, but realistically he hasn’t been an ATP level player for at least the last two years. Rublev should find a way to get a break of serve here or there or win a tiebreak to get this win. Rublev in 3
Grigor Dimitrov vs Sam Riffice
Damian: The NCAA champion lacks sufficient power to put much pressure on Dimitrov and won’t force his rival to play it on his terms. The Bulgarian should feel quite comfortable in this matchup. Dimitrov in 3
Yesh: Dimitrov just can’t achieve what we all know he’s capable of. It’s sad for the Bulgarian, but lucky for him he gets an easy draw to start here. Dimitrov in 3
Steen; Dimitrov has been relatively poor this season, the 2019 US Open semifinalist has to be wondering if his best years on tour are behind him now. Riffice is an NCAA player lacking pro experience though and almost certainly is not going to be up to the level needed to beat Dimitrov in best of 5. Dimitrov in 3
Dominik Koepfer vs Quentin Halys
Damian: Halys would have liked to play this one in faster conditions, the ones at New York probably suit the German. Koepfer has produced a series of solid results recently and this could be another one. Koepfer in 4
Yesh: Koepfer is an incredible story and a still-improving player. He’s used to these courts from his NCAA years, and he shouldn’t have much trouble with the Frenchman here. Koepfer in 3
Steen: Halys qualified, and has been good on ATP Challenger Tour this season, Koepfer has put together his year ever on tour without any massive weeks on tour, rather building with consistency. This match will be competitive but Halys form in qualifying gives me enough pause to predict he can win in an upset. Halys in 4
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