Frances Tiafoe and Stefanos Tsitsipas play their second round matches at the US Open in New York as Grand Slam tennis continues. Our panelists Anish Joshi, Jack Edward, and Damian Kust, offer their predictions for all the matches.
Stefanos Tsitsipas vs Adrian Mannarino
Jack: What looked like a tough draw for Stefanos Tsitsipas is now a blessing in disguise – having survived Andy Murray in vintage form, he is well warmed up for the tournament. Tsitsipas has shown in the past that his age allows him to bounce back from marathon matches – I expect the opposite to happen against Adrian Mannarino, who won’t bounce back as easily from his own challenging first-round. Tsitsipas in 3
Damian: Tsitsipas really wasn’t great in the match against Murray and he will need to step up here again as Mannarino is an opponent that can expose his inconsistency off the ground. The Greek should be able to do that, but if he’s off again then it will get messy. Tsitsipas in 4
Anish: Tsitsipas played excellent tennis to fend off an inspired Andy Murray in five sets, in the first round. He served very well, hitting 19 aces in the match. Mannarino nudged out fellow frenchman P. H. Herbert in a gruelling five setter. Tsitsipas should prove too much too handle for Mannarino. Tsitsipas in 3
Facundo Bagnis vs Marco Trungelliti
Jack: two Argentines, both 31 years old, both with one hard-court main tour win in their respective careers, both favouring clay over all other surfaces. What might separate the two players? Though Bagnis is the more experienced player, Trungelliti seems to have played himself into form with his win against Alejandro Davidvich Fokina. Another close match with Trungelliti scraping through. Trungelliti in 5
Damian: That’s a great chance for both Argentinians. Trungelliti is probably slightly better on hard courts, he’s also had some truly brilliant moments coming from the qualifying. Trungelliti in 4
Anish: Both of them aged 31 years, first played a match a match in 2012. Trungelliti leads their head-to-head by 4-2. While Bagnis received a direct entry into the Main draw, Trungelliti had to rise through the quarters, before defeating Alejandro Davidovich Fokina. Trungelliti won’t get many chances to go deep into granslam main draws. I think he will cash in here. Trungelliti in 4
Frances Tiafoe vs Guido Pella
Jack: Do not underestimate Guido Pella – the Argentine has taken some big names in the Slams and will absolutely be in with a chance of winning this match. It depends how Frances Tiafoe feels on the day – going on his first-round match, he will be in good enough form to win a close contest. Tiafoe in 5
Damian: Pella blasted 28 aces in his opener, which is quite shocking since he doesn’t usually have that caliber. He’s playing a much more in-form opponent here and will need that kind of serving again to have a shot. Tiafoe in 4
Anish: Tiafoe was looking a bit shaky in the first two sets in his first round match. Against a quality opponent like Pella, he will not get any time. Guido Pella pulled off an upset against Filip Krajinovic in the first round. Pella hit a mind-blowing 28 aces in the match. I think his firepower will be to much for Tiafoe. Pella in 4
Felix Auger-Aliassime vs Bernabe Zapata Miralles
Jack: Bernabé Zapata Miralles qualified for his third consecutive Slam, achieving this on three different surfaces and his first-round win against Felciano Lopez was full of fight and vigor – he is a player in the ascendancy and could be very tough for Felix Auger-Aliassime. The Canadian isn’t one to gloss over his opponent’s strengths, however, and will be up for a battle – I don’t see Zapata Miralles ultimately being able to handle the step up in quality. Auger-Aliassime in 4
Damian: Auger-Aliassime is finally finding his ability to win when not playing his best, and really needed that against Donskoy. This is another match that he can win easily if he has a good day at the office, but mightily struggle if he plays like in the first round. Auger-Aliassime in 4
Anish: Felix Auger-Aliassime secured a win in his first round, despite not really reaching his level. Still, he served well, and will look to get back on track. Bernabe Zapata Miralles has been grinding all the way from the qualifying rounds, where he played three long matches, before playing a five setter against Feliciano Lopez. It feels that his campaign ends here. Auger-Aliassime in 4
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