Pablo Carreno Busta vs Dominic Thiem is a key clash on the opening day of the US Open. We have predictions for every day 1 men’s match including Nick Kyrgios’s opening round match.
Pablo Carreno Busta vs Dominic Thiem
Damian Kust: This sounds like a huge matchup on paper, but is it really? Dominic Thiem is still very much trying to find his footing after the injuries and Pablo Carreno Busta just seems way too solid to be defeated by someone who isn’t in total control of their game yet. The Spaniard should be able to handle this. Carreno Busta in 4
David Gertler: Carreno Busta won Montreal and was a wall from the baseline, proving the two-time semifinalist is still a threat heading into the US Open. Thiem’s backhand is a massive weapon and his forehand along with his serve is improving, but he lacks match prep on hard courts and his fitness is not where it needs to be to seriously contend against Carreno Busta. Carreno Busta in 4
Cristian Garin vs Jiri Lehecka
Damian: Cristian Garin is coming to New York without a warm-up event, Jiri Lehecka lost to Peter Gojowczyk in the opener at Winston-Salem. This one is unlikely to deliver a high quality of tennis. The Czech probably has it on his racket as he’s got a much more natural hard-court game. Lehecka in 3
David: Garin is not at his best on hard courts, but has a decent serve and all-around solid game. Lehecka is a young talent who is just starting to make headway on the ATP Tour, but he just doesn’t have the experience in these type of moments that he needs to pull a match like this out. Garin in 5
Benjamin Bonzi vs Ugo Humbert
Damian: Coming off a good week in Granby, Ugo Humbert will finally have some confidence on his side. While he’s in a very tough section and a deep run seems impossible, perhaps he can trouble Benjamin Bonzi. It could be one of the underrated matches of the opening round. Bonzi in 5
David: Bonzi is solid from the baseline and takes the opportunity to play offense when he’s given a chance to do so. Humbert has a big lefty serve and powerful groundstrokes, especially from his forehand, but he is really struggling this season to control his game. Bonzi should be able to take advantage of Humbert’s inconsistencies. Bonzi in 4
Tommy Paul vs Bernabe Zapata Miralles
Damian: Bernabe Zapata Miralles is a decent enough hard-court player, but it probably won’t be enough here. This could be a big US Open campaign for Tommy Paul and looking at his performance in the warm-ups, he should be ready to capitalize on a good draw. Paul in 4
David: Tommy Paul does have an injury concern coming into this event, but he’s proven this summer that his heavy forehand, foot speed, and variety are world-class. Zapata Miralles is best on clay and Paul will be able to hit through the Spaniard from the baseline. Paul in 3
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