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 feature Carlos Alcaraz vs Dominik Koepfer, Cameron Norrie vs Alexander Shevchenko, Alexander Zverev vs Aleksandar Vukic, 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
Karen Khachanov vs Michael Mmoh
Damian:
Khachanov hasn’t played since the French Open, while Mmoh had his three-month injury break just a tad earlier. The American is still keeping up the best form of his life and he’s as tough as nails off the baseline. Khachanov will need to step out of his comfort zone and be more aggressive than usual.
Prediction: Mmoh in 5
Yesh:
Mmoh has potential and likes hard courts, but Khachanov is one of the best players in the world. He’s put it all together at some of the last few Majors, and I expect that to continue.
Prediction: Khachanov in 3
Jordan:
This is extremely hard to predict because I do not know how fit Khachanov is. He has been missing since the French Open with injury, and has delayed his return on a few occasions. Mmoh has won a good number of matches during the North American hard court season. Stepping straight back in after nearly three months out is a big ask even for someone as good as Khachanov, and against someone playing well right now like the American. Mmoh to cause something of an upset in a tight match.
Prediction: Mmoh in 5
Thanasi Kokkinakis vs Yu Hsiou Hsu
Damian:
Hsu makes the second Slam main draw of the season, despite virtually no runs at the Challenger level. Kokkinakis should end that fairytale run though and might even be a very dangerous unseeded floater. Hsu will need a big off-day from the Australian, who’s been very focused recently too.
Prediction: Kokkinakis in 4
Yesh:
Kokkinakis might never get to where he was expected to be, as injuries have kept him down. Still, he has a good draw here and could make some noise.
Prediction: Kokkinakis in 3
Jordan:
Kokkinakis has been playing good stuff lately, and has been quite unfortunate with some results. After getting through qualifying in both Toronto and Cincinnati, he lost very narrowly to both Hubert Hurkacz and Lorenzo Musetti. Hsu is a good competitor, and does not make it easy for anyone he plays. But Kokkinakis is likely to get a win that his level of tennis recently deserves.
Prediction: Kokkinakis in 4
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Hubert Hurkacz vs Marc-Andrea Huesler
Damian:
A match of two serve-oriented players is usually really close, but maybe not in this case with Huesler’s dreadful form. Hurkacz, on the other hand, looked amazing in the Canada/Cincinnati double and if he gets as much help delivered to him as the Swiss is donating recently, this might be the start of a beautiful run.
Prediction: Hurkacz in 4
Yesh:
This is a sneaky good match. Hurkacz is a great player who can beat just about anyone, but Huesler is solid and can surprise someone who isn’t fully ready. Keep an eye on this one.
Prediction: Hurkacz in 5
Jordan:
Hurkacz’s US Open record is one of the most puzzling stats in tennis. There is no reason why conditions should not suit his game, but he has never been past the second round. Surely that has to change. A first step against Huesler is very likely. The Swiss is having a difficult year, winning just 11 of his 32 ATP matches this year. The big serving Pole to progress relatively comfortably.
Prediction: Hurkacz in 3
Andy Murray vs Corentin Moutet
Damian:
Murray was out for a bit recently, so his form is quite unclear. The Brit should fare pretty well in all the cat-and-mouse games of Moutet though, often utilizing some similar tactics. Moutet is also struggling with his backhand post-injury, slicing all the time or hitting a one-handed backhand.
Prediction: Murray in 4
Yesh:
Andy Murray isn’t playing like a World #1 anymore, but he’s a Top 50 player with the heart of a champion. Never pick against him.
Prediction: Murray in 4
Jordan:
Murray says he is fully fit after withdrawing from Toronto and Cincinnati through injury. I think he has played his best tennis this year since having his metal hit put in. I expect him to beat Moutet. The Sometimes temperamental Frenchman’s lefty forehand is his big weapon, but Murray’s excellent backhand is still one of the best shots in the game to deal with that firepower.
Prediction: Murray in 3
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey-USA TODAY Sports
