Hubert Hurkacz and the big upset winner in round 1, Maxime Cressy, play their second round matches at the US Open in New York. Our panelists Anish Joshi and Damian Kust offer their predictions for every second round match.
Matteo Berrettini vs Corentin Moutet
Damian: Berrettini’s not quite in his Wimbledon form, but it should be enough to find his way through the early rounds. His power should also respond quite well to all the ways Moutet tries to disrupt rhythm. Berrettini in 3
Anish: Berrettini had a tough time defeating Jeremy Chardy, but he did so in straight sets. He hit 17 aces and 37 winners, which is honestly a bit lower than his average. Still, he more importantly found his touch in the last set. This should be a cakewalk for Berrettini. Berrettini in 3
Jack Sock vs Alexander Bublik
Damian: Sock’s fitness is a question mark after retiring in Cincinnati, but he looked okay in his opener against Nishioka. With the New York crowd cheering for him, the inspired American could be capable of some great things in this event. Sock in 4
Anish: Bublik’s career right now is following a path similar to Sock’s. Both have serious talent, but they don’t seem to be able to utilize it. Both are also largely underrated. In this match of skilled entertainers, the one who defends better will secure the win. Current performances favour Bublik, but Sock knows how to win 3 sets better. Sock in 5
Hubert Hurkacz vs Andreas Seppi
Damian: Seppi won a marathon against Fucsovics and might struggle to recover at this stage of his career. Hurkacz looked very clean in his dismissal of Gerasimov and should keep taking advantage of a favorable draw. Hurkacz in 3
Anish: Hurkacz was excellent in his first round match against Gerasimov. He served well, and was crisp in his shots. Andreas Seppi prevailed against Marton Fucsovics in his first match. Seppi is unlikely to defeat Hurkacz, but might take a set. Hurkacz in 4
Maxime Cressy vs Nikoloz Basilashvili
Damian: Both players can be very mercurial and the momentum should be all over the place in this one. Cressy played the best match of his career against Carreno Busta and while it’s usually tough to follow up such a performance, but in a matchup like this he might find a way. Cressy in 4
Anish: Maxime Cressy stepped up his game nicely and rallied round to beat Olympic Bronze medalist Carreno Busta. He smashed 44 aces and belted 81 winners in the encounter. Basilashvili was up a set when his opponent Sebastian Korda had to retire. He hasn’t got much practice on this court, and if has to face such firepower from Cressy, he might as well not be able to take it. Cressy in 4
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