Two of Russia’s best, Andrey Rublev and Daniil Medvedev, play their third round matches and look to book a spot in week 2 of the US Open. We have predictions for every third round match on Friday from Steen Kirby, Damian Kust, and Anish Joshi, including Stefanos Tsitsipas’ match.
Daniil Medvedev vs Pablo Andujar
Anish: Medvedev is looking invincible on the New York hard courts, and is yet to drop a set. He outclassed Dominic Koepfer in the second round, in a match which lasted just about two hours. His Opponent, Pablo Andujar, made short work of veteran Philipp Kohlshreiber. It was a convincing win, but it is unlikely that he will challenge Medvedev. He should have this in his bag easily. Medvedev in 3
Steen: Medvedev has shown no weakness so far this week, winning both matches in straights. Andujar came back against Mikhail Kukushkin then took care of fellow veteran Philipp Kohlschreiber in the second round. That is almost certainly where his nice tournament run ends, Medvedev on a hard court should overwhelm the Spaniard who prefers clay, Andujar generates a lot of spin, Medvedev’s flat hitting will make for an engaging contrast. Medvedev in 3
Damian: Medvedev’s draw has really opened up at this point. Andujar shouldn’t pose a threat on hard courts, not able to cause enough problems to the Russian in the baseline rallies. Medvedev in 3
Henri Laaksonen vs Peter Gojowczyk
Anish: Henry Laaksonen pulled off an upset in the second round, defeating Cristian Garin. But it was a rather expected result, as Garin is not a very Impressive performer on hardcourts. This being considered, Laaksonen is still the favorite for the win here. Peter Gojowczyk has embarked on a giant killing run, but it looks like that will have to stop here, when he meets a player his own level. Laaksonen in 5
Steen: Laaksonen won both meetings, the winner of this match ensures a qualifier will be into the second week of the US Open in the men’s draw. Laaksonen has been in slightly better form, Gojowczyk is the more comfortable hard court player. It’s hard to predict this one as neither player is used to having this opportunity, I’ll go with Laaksonen as Gojowczyk comes off a long five setter and may be fatigued. Laaksonen in 4
Damian: Battle of the qualifiers. Gojowczyk’s level has been fluctuating wildly so far, leading to him winning both matches over five sets. Laaksonen should be the more reliable pick, but it’s pretty much on the form of the day. Laaksonen in 5
Andrey Rublev vs Frances Tiafoe
Anish: Rublev struggled a bit in his first two sets, but came back to serve two breadsticks to oust Pedro Martinez. He hammered 18 aces and 67 winners to claim the match. On the other side, Frances Tiafoe came back to his original self, as he crushed Guido Pella in his second round encounter. Tiafoe might hustle a set, but Rublev is the favourite. Rublev in 4
Steen: The first meeting between these players of the same age, Tiafoe has been impressive this week, Rublev less so, but the Russian has won six of his last seven matches. Rublev is higher ranked for a reason, Tiafoe has a big game but he’s not as consistent, he will get home fan support though and this feels like the type of match where the crowd can lift Tiafoe to play his best tennis and get an upset. Tiafoe in 5
Damian: Rublev hasn’t been quite at his best in New York so far, which gives Tiafoe a fair chance for the upset. I’ll still take the Russian, who really sped it up in the last two sets against Martinez, hitting 67 winners in the whole match. Rublev in 4
Facundo Bagnis vs Botic Van de Zandschulp
Anish: Facundo Bagnis defeated fellow Argentine Marco Trungelliti in four sets. Bagnis lacks a strong serve, which is necessary for survival here at New York. On the other side of the net, Botic Van De Zandschulp stepped up his game excellently to upset Casper Ruud in four sets. Zandschulp belted out 50 winners in the match. He has the competitive edge due to his aggressive game. Van de Zandschulp in 4
Steen: Bagnis was not even playing well heading into the US Open, now he’s won two matches in a row in a hard court Grand Slam and can reach the second week. His opponents also prefer clay though, and Van de Zandschulp has been impressive below the radar on the Challenger Tour prior to this US Open run as a qualifier. The Dutch player upset Casper Ruud and has five wins this week. Prior to that he reached the quarterfinals or better in five straight Challenger Tour tournaments and qualified for Wimbledon and the French Open. A spot in the second week of a Grand Slam draw should give Van de Zandschulp a memorable accomplishment and (finally) the attention his good form deserves. Van de Zandschulp in 3
Damian: Can the marathon man of this year’s edition produce another fightback from a set down? He might not need to, as he should be a way better hard-court player than Bagnis. The Argentinian had just one tour-level win on this surface prior to this week. Van de Zandschulp in 4
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