The second round of the men’s singles starts on Day 3 of the US Open. As always, we here at LWOT will share our thoughts on all 16 matches for you. We split the matches between four articles, including this one. The other articles feature Taylor Fritz vs Juan Pablo Varillas, Sefanos Tsitsipas vs Dominic Stricker, and Novak Djokovic vs Bernabe Zapata Miralles. Predicting these matches are Damian Kust, Jordan Reynolds, and Manuel Traquete. Who do you think will advance?
US Open Day 3 Men’s Predictions
Christopher Eubanks vs Benjamin Bonzi
Damian:
Bonzi’s win over Halys was very important to him as nothing had been working out for the Frenchman since an injury break. At his best, he could be a very tough matchup for Eubanks. He’s not quite there, though, and the Wimbledon quarterfinalist seems to be handling his new position in the sport quite alright.
Prediction: Eubanks in 4
Jordan:
Bonzi has a crafty and tricky style of play. It is one that can disrupt the big serving and hitting Eubanks. The American will be the favourite to win among most. But I am backing Bonzi to disrupt him to cause an upset, and breathe life into his previously faltering season.
Prediction: Bonzi in 5
Manuel:
Eubanks was the big story of this year’s Wimbledon with his amazing run out of nowhere; his level predictably dipped after, but playing at home he will be aiming for another good Slam run and he certainly has a good draw here.
Prediction: Eubanks in 3
Tommy Paul vs Roman Safiullin
Damian:
Paul is everyone’s dark horse at this year’s US Open, but this is a match that doesn’t have to be all that easy. Safiullin made the quarterfinals at Wimbledon and has the big game that allows him to hit through the quick courts/heavy balls New York conditions. The American’s athleticism and return skills could mean a lot here though.
Prediction: Paul in 4
Jordan:
Safiullin did impress in his opening match, winning easily. But that was against clay court specialist Marco Cecchinato. Paul is a different prospect. Both men have similar styles, with each looking to hit hard and flat from the baseline. I expect Paul to do that more effectively over a five-set match on an American hard court.
Prediction: Paul in 4
Manuel:
Paul made lots of headlines this summer with his matches against Carlos Alcaraz and many see him as a potential dark horse here in New York. That said, Safiullin showed at Wimbledon that he can’t be underestimated and will surely cause problems here.
Prediction: Paul in 4
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Adrian Mannarino vs Fabian Marozsan
Damian:
Marozsan was unbelievable against Gasquet until 6-3 6-1 5-3, but even with the choking, it was still a sick performance. He can be unplayable on his day and when he’s serving like this plus hitting 40 forehand groundstroke winners, not much you can do. Can he pull it off against someone as clever as Mannarino? Maybe, but the more likely outcome is the opposite one.
Prediction: Mannarino in 4
Jordan:
Marozsan crashed 93 winners in his win over Richard Gasquet, although the veteran Frenchman showed incredible fighting spirit to take the match to a fifth set. Marozsan faces another French veteran, but Mannarino’s style is the reverse of Gasquet’s. The heavy topspin of the latter suited Marozsan’s game, but Mannarino’s shots are among the flattest in tennis. That trajectory will trouble Marozsan a lot more.
Prediction: Mannarino in 4
Manuel:
Mannarino has been having a really good season and a really impressive summer, especially considering his age, and has a chance to make yet another Slam third round here. Marozsan made headlines earlier this year when he beat Carlos Alcaraz in Rome, but he hasn’t really kicked on since and is hardly likely to be a factor here in New York.
Prediction: Mannarino in 4
Ben Shelton vs Dominic Thiem
Damian:
Thiem’s first-round win was handed to him on a silver platter, but he’ll obviously take it, having struggled at the Grand Slam level since his injuries. He’s doing a bit better now, but will it be enough for Shelton? It’s time for the American to step up after a few weaker months and it remains to be seen whether he can actually do it.
Prediction: Shelton in 4
Jordan:
This is one of the most exciting second round matchups. There will undoubtedly be many shots for the highlight reel after this one. The winner is not easy to predict. However, Thiem impressed me so much in his win against Bublik that I am backing him to have the most confidence in the biggest moments.
Prediction: Thiem in 5
Manuel:
The 2020 champion had his first Slam win in 30 months in the first round against Alexander Bublik and now actually has a pretty open draw. Shelton had a great Australian Open but has been struggling a lot ever since and Thiem certainly has a great chance here.
Prediction: Thiem in 4
Main Photo Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
