Young talents Holger Rune and Carlos Alcaraz take to the courts at the US Open, while Andrey Rublev duels with Denis Shapovalov. Our panelists predict every day 6 US Open match including Rafael Nadal’s as the second week schedule will be settled.
Jenson Brooksby vs Carlos Alcaraz
Jakub Bobro: Probably the most exciting match of the day at the US Open for me. Brooksby looked mightily impressive in his win over Cincinnati champion Borna Coric but now takes on No. 4 Alcaraz. The Spaniard was pushed in the first two sets by Sebastian Baez before the Argentine retired from the match and cruised in a win over Federico Coria. It’s a tight match for me but I believe Brooksby could pull off the upset here.
Brooksby in 5
Fraser Learmonth: Brooksby was brilliant in big moments against Coric in his last match. The American plays with a unique style that can be hard to deal with on these courts. However, he’s up against a generational talent in Alcaraz. The Spaniard is still growing on hard courts, but he’s shown enough in the last year to be the deserved favourite against all but the elite hard courters in the men’s game. Alcaraz in 4
Anish Joshi: Jenson Brooksby made short work of the in-form Borna Coric in his second round match. He is emerging as one of the consistent Americans on tour. Alcaraz cruised past Federico Coria in the second round in just hours. He made waves last year after defeating Tsitsipas in a thriller, ans he’ll look to better it now. He is the third seed in the draw, and looking at his consistency, deservingly one of the favorites for the title. Alcaraz in 3
Andrey Rublev vs Denis Shapovalov
Jakub: After a tough five-setter against an in-form Laslo Djere at the US Open, Rublev took out Soonwoo Kwon in straight sets. Shapovalov has dropped sets against Marc-Andrea Huesler and Roberto Carballes Baena which leads me to believe that Rublev will win out here with his consistency. Rublev in 4
Fraser: Rublev was superb in the last round after a shaky start to the tournament. Nonetheless, he will need to be even better if Shapovalov turns up ready to play. The Canadian still takes big cuts at the ball and it costs him often enough. However, when he’s on form he can beat anyone and he’s due a good run. I suspect he edges this in a tight one. Shapovalov in 5
Anish: Andrey Rublev played a tough first round match against Laslo Djere, but has looked solid thereafter. On his day, when the conditions are working, the ultra-flat forehand can be unstoppable. On the other side Denis Shapovalov comes into the match after a long first two rounds. Shapovalov has given some memorable performances at the USO till now, but his current form is extremely unpredictable. Rublev in 4
Diego Schwartzman vs Frances Tiafoe
Jakub: Schwartzman looked down and out against Jack Sock before back issues flared up for the American and he was forced to retire from the match but the Argentine bounced back well, taking out Alexei Popyrin in three tight sets. Tiafoe did not drop a set against Jason Kubler and Marcos Giron and is the favorite for me in this match-up. Tiafoe in 5
Fraser: Tiafoe is showing some of his best tennis at Flushing Meadows. The American hadn’t quite lived up to the early hype of his career, but he’s still young and there’s still time. Schwartzman is always tough to play, but his serve makes him vulnerable on these courts. The American should be able to take advantage of that. Tiafoe in 4
Anish: Schwartzman got very lucky in his first round match as his opponent Jack Sock lost rhythm after the first two sets and had to retire. Tiafoe at the US Open is a different beast, and Schwartzman probably lacks the weapons to counter him. The service makes a big difference when fast courts are concerned, and Tiafoe gets ahead there. Tiafoe in 4
Cameron Norrie vs Holger Rune
Jakub: After his career-best run at a slam at Wimbledon, Norrie has to be considered a threat at slams now. The Brit did not drop a set against Benoit Paire and Joao Sousa but will now get a proper challenge with Rune. The Dane has not been at his best since the French Open quarterfinal run, his first-round win over Peter Gojowczyk being only his third in 12 matches. The walkover from John Isner let Rune through to the third round here but I expect Norrie to come out on top here like he did in Cincinnati two weeks ago. Norrie in 4
Fraser: Cam Norrie continues to exceed expectations and push into the top tier of the men’s game. Rune’s time in that group may come one day, but he is not ready to beat a player of Norrie’s quality on a hard court. The Brit’s fight and confidence will see him over the line here. Norrie in 4
Anish: Cameron Norrie has looked extremely solid in his first two matches. His first round match against Benoit Paire didn’t even last for an hour. His forehand has been irresistible. Rune can be a great player at his peak, but that is not what he is playing right now. Norrie in 4
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