The 2023 US Open continues Round 1 play on Tuesday, with 32 men’s matches slated for play. The first few days of a Slam are action-packed from sunup to sundown, and Day 2 in Flushing Meadows is no different. We at LWOT have analyzed the matches and provided our thoughts on all 32 matches. We split the 32 matches between eight articles. Our other articles Carlos Alcaraz vs Dominik Koepfer, Alexander Zverev vs Aleksandar Vukic, Andy Murray vs Corentin Moutet, Gael Monfils vs Taro Daniel, John Isner vs Facundo Diaz Acosta, Daniil Medvedev vs Attila Balazs, and Jannik Sinner vs Yannick Hanfmann. Predicting this set of matches are Damian Kust, Yesh Ginsburg, and Jordan Reynolds.
US Open Day 2 Men’s Predictions
Stan Wawrinka vs Yoshihito Nishioka
Damian:
Wawrinka-Nishioka Wawrinka is finally getting some results this year after playing pretty well for most of the season. The longer format has been fairly challenging to him though and Nishioka will be trying to grind him down. Let’s see if he can though as he’s been very negative on the court recently and a mess mentally.
Prediction: Wawrinka in 4
Yesh:
Wawrinka looks good as he comes back from injury again. He might not be able to redline enough to win a Major again, but he should progress through this and possibly pull off an upset or two.
Prediction: Wawrinka in 4
Jordan:
2016 US Open champion Wawrinka has had an excellent year at the age of 38. His win in Cincinnati over Frances Tiafoe showed how dangerous he still is. Nishioka has largely struggled for wins recently. He will hope to win with his better athleticism, but Nishioka’s lack of pace on his shots perfectly suits Wawrinka. The Swiss has the time he needs to set up his powerful strokes.
Prediction: Wawrinka in 4
James Duckworth vs Felipe Meligeni Alves
Damian:
It was supposed to be Nishikori playing Meligeni Alves, but now the Brazilian faces a bit of an easier opponent. Interestingly, Duckworth was also struggling physically in the final qualifying round. Meligeni Alves gets a big chance now and he’s seemingly been extremely fond of these quick courts/heavy balls conditions with the attacking game.
Prediction: Meligeni Alves in 4
Yesh:
Nishikori’s withdrawal is James Duckworth’s gain. The Australian never reached his potential, but he is probably favored in this one, even though Alves was impressive in qualifying.
Prediction: Duckworth in 5
Jordan:
Duckworth enters the draw after Nishikori’s withdrawal. He will be favored on a hardcourt, and should outlast Alves.
Prediction: Duckworth in 5
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Albert Ramos-Vinolas vs Alex Michelsen
Damian:
Ramos-Vinolas-Michelsen What a phenomenal opportunity for the youngster. Ramos-Vinolas is yet to win a match off-clay this year, but will be hoping to use his experience and tennis IQ to his advantage. If Michelsen’s truly ready for this debut, it shouldn’t matter though. He’s just that much better on paper at the moment.
Prediction: Michelsen in 4
Yesh:
Alex Michelsen has begun his rise with some impressive runs this summer. A few years ago Ramos-Vinolas would outmatch someone like that, but the Spaniard seems to have passed his prime.
Prediction: Michelsen in 4
Jordan:
19-year-old Michelsen burst onto the scene with an unexpected final run on the grass courts of Newport. He also played well in Winston-Salem in the run-up to Flushing Meadows. The good news for the home favourite is Ramos-Viñolas has not played a tournament since featuring on the clay courts of Kitzbuhel. I think such a lack of hard court match practice leaves the Spanish veteran in trouble here.
Michelsen in 3
Cameron Norrie vs Alexander Shevchenko
Damian:
Norrie has been out of form recently and he’s among the high seeds that are most vulnerable to upsets at the moment. Shevchenko is generally a hot mess on hard courts though, often mixing up awesome showings with performances where he looks completely out of place on the surface. The Brit will likely punish these erratic tendencies.
Prediction: Norrie in 4
Yesh:
Norrie is having a listless summer, and things might not get better at this year’s US Open. Shechenko isn’t a great draw, but Norrie has too much talent to pick against him.
Prediction: Norrie in 4
Jordan:
The British #1 has not been at his absolute best lately. His performances have seen uncharacteristic errors in some key moments. Shevchenko entered the main draw after withdrawals from other players. His results have been a mixed bag, but his big hitting style is dangerous when done well. But Norrie is one of the best at absorbing that pace, and should prevail.
Prediction: Norrie in 4
Main Photo Credit: Scott Taetsch – USA TODAY Sports
