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, 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 Predictions
Daniel Evans vs Daniel Galan
Damian:
Evans is so up and down this year, but the highlights have been stunning (mostly the recent Washington title). It wouldn’t be wise to underestimate Galan though, especially after his defeat of Tsitsipas in the opening round here last year. Let’s say the Brit is the slight favorite, but this won’t be easy.
Prediction: Evans in 5
Yesh:
Evans won the 500 in Washington, D.C. but hasn’t done much since then. Still, he’s showed his potential on these courts this summer, and we should expect more of that.
Prediction: Evans in 4
Jordan:
Evans has had a strange old season. There have been many first round losses, but also an ATP 500 title in Washington, where the Briton played sublime tennis. Galan’s level can fluctuate in a similar manner. That makes this extremely hard to predict. If Evans is close to as consistent as he can be, he should have too much for an opponent who can leak errors. But nothing is guaranteed with Evans this season.
Prediction: Evans in 4
Max Purcell vs Christopher O’Connell
Damian:
Purcell caught some amazing form with the Cincinnati and Winston-Salem quarterfinals, finally grabbing a couple of much-needed results on the main tour. It could just be enough for O’Connell, who’s been pretty uninspiring of late. Singles experience at this level is something Purcell still doesn’t really have, but he’s got the confidence to battle through it.
Prediction: Purcell in 4
Yesh:
The battle of Australians has a clear favorite. Purcell is ranked higher and has been playing better recently. He should be favored over his compatriot here.
Prediction: Purcell in 3
Jordan:
A battle between two Australians, but with differing styles. Purcell’s net play is a focal part of his game, while O’Connell is more comfortable on the baseline. It is Purcell currently playing the better tennis though. That is evidenced especially by his quarterfinal run in Cincinnati, and he also came close to beating Carlos Alcaraz at that stage. O’Connell by contrast has not won an ATP main draw match since Wimbledon. Purcell to continue his momentum.
Prediction: Purcell in 4
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Andrey Rublev vs Emil Ruusuvuori
Damian:
They’ve just recently played in Cincinnati and it was Ruusuvuori who prevailed in that thriller. He’s been problematic for Rublev with a fairly similar power baselining style. The Russian has a very tough section and the slugfest might very well start in the opening round already, especially with no wins in the warm-ups.
Prediction: Rublev in 5
Yesh:
Rublev might not win Majors, but he’ll be in contention for them. He’s one of the best in the world, and he’s shown it this year in some of the biggest events. I expect a strong two weeks from him.
Prediction: Rublev in 3
Jordan:
These two met less than two weeks ago in Cincinnati. Ruusuvuori won that contest dramatically in a final set tiebreak. That defeat means Rublev has now lost his last three matches. Can he turn the tables on the Finnish #1 this time? I think he will. Despite recent struggles, The eight-time Grand Slam quarterfinalist has proven to be very adept at navigating the early rounds of Grand Slams. I expect him to do that again.
Rublev in 4
Alexander Zverev vs Aleksandar Vukic
Damian:
Vukic is far from the worst player in this draw and he’s recently showing that he can hold his own at the ATP Tour level as well. It’s just that Zverev is hitting his peak form at the right moment before the US Open and should just have way too much quality for him off the ground. He’s got a huge backhand edge too.
Prediction: Zverev in 3
Yesh:
Vukic has impressed at moments this summer, but Zverev looks like he’s in the form that almost won him the US Open three years ago. Gonna be tough to see an upset.
Prediction: Zverev in 3
Jordan:
Both men seem to be on an upward trajectory. Vukic is playing the best tennis of his career after a final run in Atlanta, and also a round of 16 placing at the Cincinnati Masters. Zverev on the other hand showed large glimpses of his old self during his semifinal run in Cincinnati. The German though is not just the favourite, but can dominate Vukic in backhand to backhand rallies especially. Zverev in straights.
Prediction: Zverev in 3
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane – USA TODAY Sports
