Kei Nishikori, Jannik Sinner, and Denis Shapovalov headline second round action at the US Open 2021 in New York. Anish Joshi and Damian Kust make their predictions for every second round match.
Denis Shapovalov vs Roberto Carballes Baena
Damian: Carballes Baena defeated Shapovalov in a five-hour marathon at Roland Garros last year, but the Canadian should have an easier time on hard courts. The first-round against Delbonis was his best match since Wimbledon. Shapovalov in 4
Anish: Shapovalov was playing at his highest level in the first round. There is only one word to express his performance — fiery. Shapovalov was all pumped up after the win, and rightly so. He is looking unstoppable at the moment. Shapovalov in 3
Jannik Sinner vs Zachary Svajda
Damian: Svajda is the first USTA Boys 18s champion to get through a round at the US Open since Dennis Novikov back in 2012. A fabulous achievement, but if Sinner’s blasting winners as in the opening round then his road will be over here. Sinner in 3
Anish: Sinner came on top against Max Purcell in four sets. He fared very well In the stats, with 49 winners and only 16 errors. His opponent, Zachary Svajda is ranked #716 in the world. How he managed to defeat Cecchinato will remain a mystery. But there is no doubt about the result of this encounter. Sinner in 4
Vasek Pospisil vs Ilya Ivashka
Damian: Pospisil came back from a break down in the fifth to Fognini and scored a much-needed win. Ivashka has been an absolute powerhouse though and hasn’t looked gassed from his maiden ATP title at Winston-Salem. The form advantage should be the key. Ivashka in 4
Anish: Ilya Ivashka can do no wrong at the moment. After his title run at the Atp Winston-Salem, his game has been marvelous. Pospisil has come across Ivashka at the wrong time. He is too hot to handle for Pospisil. Ivashka in 4
Kei Nishikori vs Mackenzie McDonald
Damian: They faced off in a nail-biting semi at Washington recently, with McDonald just barely edging his opponent. The American is having a great year, will have the crowd support, and had a much cleaner first-round. Should be tight though. McDonald in 5
Anish: Nishikori was very good in his victory over Salvatore Caruso, but he lacks the strong serve needed to overpower on these courts. On the other side, Mackenzie McDonald defeated David Goffin in straight sets. He should secure the win here, though Nishikori would hardly give up without a fight. McDonald in 5
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