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, Andy Murray vs Corentin Moutet, Gael Monfils vs Taro Daniel, John Isner vs Facundo Diaz Acosta, and Daniil Medvedev vs Attila Balazs. Predicting this set of matches are Damian Kust, Yesh Ginsburg, and Jordan Reynolds.
US Open Day 2 Men’s Predictions
Botic van de Zandschulp vs Jordan Thompson
Damian:
Van de Zandschulp has only won one match since the choke in the Munich final vs Rune. He hasn’t been able to overcome the issues and keep himself thinking about the future rather than the past. Thompson on the other hand is currently in the best form of this career. The Dutchman won’t find redemption just yet.
Prediction: Thompson in 4
Yesh:
Jordan Thompson has some memorable wins in New York, but he’s probably past his prime. Then again, after a one year flash-in-the-pan, Botic van de Zandschulp hasn’t been a paragon of consistency either. Expect a close match here, if not a great one.
Prediction: Thompson in 5
Jordan:
Thompson has been in good form lately, reaching three quarterfinals in his last four tournaments. Van de Zandschulp returned from over a month out with an injury in Winston-Salem, losing in the first round. So little hard court match practice makes this a difficult challenge for the Dutchman. He is also competing against an opponent playing well currently.
Prediction: Thompson in 4
Grigor Dimitrov vs Alex Molcan
Damian:
Dimitrov’s consistency is something we keep mentioning this year with him basically avoiding any losses when expected to beat the opponent. It hasn’t really turned into one or two big results, but he’s always out there and seeking his chance. Molcan shouldn’t be a factor on hard courts here.
Prediction: Dimitrov in 3
Yesh:
Grigor Dimitrov is often underappreciated, but he’s still one of the world’s better players. Alex Molcan is solid but seems to have stagnated a bit. He won’t beat Dimitrov here.
Prediction: Dimitrov in 4
Jordan:
Dimitrov has been much improved this season overall. Hopefully the momentum he built has not been lost after a drubbing from Alexander Zverev in Cincinnati in his last tournament. This is a good match to regain any lost confidence. Molcan has not played any hard court tournaments before the US Open. The chances of him staying the course with someone of Dimitrov’s class seem remote.
Prediction: Dimitrov in 3
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Alex de Minaur vs Timofey Skatov
Damian:
Skatov has now qualified for 3 of the last 6 Slams, which is a pretty awesome feat. But in terms of his level, this probably wasn’t as strong as his 2022 Australia run. He certainly wasn’t as bold with the forehand either. It seems like de Minaur should enjoy this one as the Kazakh has nothing to hurt him with.
Prediction: de Minaur in 3
Yesh:
Timofey Skatov was extremely impressive in qualifiers. De Minaur is probably a bridge too far, but don’t be surprised if this is a close match.
Prediction: de Minaur in 5
Jordan:
De Minaur is having a superb year, with his run to the final of the Toronto Masters the biggest highlight. His game is ideally suited to the US Open hard courts, and I think he could do very well in New York. Skatov’s qualification was very impressive. It included a hammering of James Duckworth for the loss of just four games in the last qualifying round. De Minaur is a different level though. I think the rise in quality could shock Skatov, leading to a straight sets de Minaur win.
Prediction: de Minaur in 3
Jannik Sinner vs Yannick Hanfmann
Damian:
Last year in the opening round, Sinner went five sets with another German player in Altmaier. Hanfmann doesn’t have such a ridiculous win/loss record against the top 10 and likes clay more, but he’s dangerous too. With Sinner basically coming off his first big title, he might be a tough man to beat in New York.
Prediction: Sinner in 3
Yesh:
Jannik Sinner will probably win a French Open someday. I’m decently confident about that. I’m less confident that he can win a US Open, but I am confident that he’ll beat his German opponent here.
Prediction: Sinner in 3
Jordan:
Sinner sent an important message by winning his first Masters 1000 title in Toronto. It signalled what a serious contender he is, and his chances of doing something special at the US Open should not be ruled out. Hanfmann has the potential to be a tricky first round opponent. The German can hit big off both wings to cause issues. I expect Sinner to come through, but in a competitive match.
Prediction: Sinner in 4
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey – USA TODAY Sports
