US Open day 2 features American players like Sam Querrey, Ernesto Escobedo, and Tommy Paul on the match card. Our panelists Steen Kirby and Yesh Ginsburg offer their predictions for all of the action in New York City.
Sam Querrey vs Alexander Zverev
Yesh: Sam Querrey didn’t quite pull off his usual theatrics at Wimbledon this year, but he still loves the biggest events most. With Zverev’s career clouded by the massive abuse allegations hanging over his head, this looks like an upset waiting to happen. Querrey in 4
Steen: Zverev probably shouldn’t be playing on tour right now at all, still he leads the h2h 2-0 and is on an eleven match winning streak (Olympic Gold and an ATP Cincinnati title). Querrey enjoys the US Open but hasn’t won a match since Wimbledon, I expect five straight losses to turn into six for Querrey. Zverev in 3
Karen Khachanov vs Lloyd Harris
Yesh: Khachanov is playing well this season, especially in bigger tournaments. Harris has been really impressive this year, but not quite at Khachanov’s level. Still, expect a great battle. Khachanov in 5
Steen: Khachanov reached the final of the Olympics (taking the Silver medal), and was a quarterfinalist at Wimbledon. Harris was a quarterfinalist in DC and won at least one match in his last three tournaments. Still, Khachanov has more upside to his game and should walk away with the win. Khachanov in 4
Pablo Cuevas vs Ernesto Escobedo
Yesh: Cuevas is a consistent journeyman, but Escobedo is an improving young American. This looks like another chance for an American to impress here. Escobedo in 4
Steen: Cuevas has lost four straight matches and is not great on hard courts, Escobedo is better on this surface, playing with home support, and had some solid results, including a quarterfinal in Los Cabos this Summer. Cuevas puts up a fight but I don’t think it will be nearly enough. Escobedo in 4
Tommy Paul vs Roberto Carballes Baena
Yesh: Tommy Paul is slowly improving, and he might be a Top 15 or so player someday. Carballes Baena could be better too, so this should be a fun match. Paul in 5
Steen: Tommy Paul has had a solid season and a good summer, winning matches in Canada and Cincy, Carballes Baena much prefers clay and Paul will have home support. The better hard court player should win. Paul in 3
Main Photo from Getty Images
