Taylor Fritz and Denis Kudla serve it up on day 2 of the US Open as both Americans look for opening round match wins in New York City. Yesh Ginsburg and Steen Kirby offer predictions for all day 2 matches.
Taylor Fritz vs Alex de Minaur
Yesh: This is a great first round match. Both of these men are pretty equally matched, and should put on a fun duel for the fans. I’m inclined to go with the American in New York, but de Minaur is a bit better. de Minaur in 5
Steen: de Minaur has won all three meetings, Fritz has lost three straight matches after losing the Atlanta semifinal, while de Minaur has just one match win since Wimbledon. The h2h makes de Minaur the favorite, although Fritz is a streaky player who could find form with home fan support. de Minaur in 4
Oscar Otte vs Lorenzo Sonego
Yesh: Otte has been improving, and his serve will keep him in matches against decent players. Sonego is a bit better than decent, though, and he has a big game too. Sonego in 4
Steen: Sonego has won all three meetings, Otte is making his US Open main draw debut, the German player has qualified for the last three Grand Slam tournaments, Sonego has three wins since Wimbledon hard courts though and if he can deal with Otte’s serve he will be the favorite. The h2h suggests he can do that. Sonego in 4
Yannick Hanfmann vs Alexander Bublik
Yesh: Hanfmann hasn’t been playing at Grand Slam level in a long time, while Bublik is quickly improving into being a top player. Bublik might not win Majors, but he won’t be an easy out. Bublik in 4
Steen: Hanfmann prefers clay, Bublik had a nice run on grass but has stalled since the transition to hard courts. Still given this surface, Bublik is the player that should be playing with more confidence and have the upper hand, especially since Hanfmann has never won a Grand Slam main draw match. Bublik in 5
Denis Kudla vs Laslo Djere
Yesh: Kudla is in the midst of the best season of his career. He’s not just a grass-court specialist, and he can win matches on the North American hard courts too. Kudla in 4
Steen: Kudla reached the quarterfinals in Washington and qualified for Winston-Salem, Djere is a credible player, but clay courts are where he excels. The home player Kudla will be pleased with an opportunity to reach the second round here. Kudla in 4
Main Photo from Getty Images
