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, Novak Djokovic vs Bernabe Zapata Miralles, and Ben Shelton vs Dominic Thiem. Predicting these matches are Damian Kust, Jordan Reynolds, and Manuel Traquete. Who do you think will advance?
US Open Day 3 Men’s Predictions
Zhizhen Zhang vs Casper Ruud
Damian:
They played at Roland Garros with Ruud escaping in four. Zhang has a better shot here and while he made a mess of his match with Wolf, the best moments had him put on a really clinical show. He was turning around points with ease and finding that one massive blow of his own. Ruud will need to play with more guts than against Nava to win this.
Prediction: Zhang in 5
Jordan:
Ruud actually played very well in a tight and high-quality four set match with Emilio Nava. Zhang’s five-set win against J.J. Wolf was one of the most dramatic of the first day. Ruud’s consistency is the playing style the sometimes erratic Zhang struggles most with. The Norwegian to win this round more comfortably than the previous one.
Prediction: Ruud in 3
Manuel:
Zhang scored a nice upset win over J.J. Wolf in the first round but things don’t get any easier for him as he now takes on last year’s finalist Casper Ruud, who also had a very difficult first round but made it through. The pair faced earlier this year at Roland Garros and Zhang caused Ruud lots of difficulties. It could well happen again, even if Ruud’s consistency and experience should prevail in the end.
Prediction: Ruud in 5
Mackenzie McDonald vs Borna Gojo
Damian:
The Gojo serve makes him such a tricky customer and his performance against Machac in the final qualifying round was absurd. He got a free win versus Dellien on Monday, but this will be much tougher. McDonald’s flat ball-striking and return skills make him the favorite, he’s had a couple of great runs in a row too. Don’t count Gojo out, though.
Prediction: McDonald in 4
Jordan:
McDonald enters this one as the favourite after his hugely impressive win over Felix Auger-Aliassime. Gojo did demolish Hugo Dellien to reach this point. But McDonald’s style is completely different to clay court specialist Dellien. The American’s shots are much flatter, and that is likely to rush Gojo throughout the match.
Prediction: McDonald in 3
Manuel:
McDonald is quietly putting together the best year of his career so far and has an excellent opportunity to make a run here at his home Slam after beating Aliassime in the first round. Gojo will certainly not be an easy opponent but McDonald should be able to pull through.
Prediction: McDonald in 4
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Laslo Djere vs Hugo Gaston
Damian:
After having one of the wildest qualifying campaigns out there, Gaston managed to score a surprisingly clean win over Shimabukuro. His ceiling is high when he can maintain his focus like this. Djere will be there to punish any mishaps though and has the more solid temperament and steady weight of shot to prevail.
Prediction: Djere in 4
Jordan:
Djere’s performance against Brandon Nakashima was highly impressive, especially for a man more comfortable on clay. But I am going for a minor upset here and backing Gaston. The French qualifier has a lot of variety in his game. Djere is someone who thrives on getting into a consistent Rhythm in the rallies. Gaston to disrupt him enough to knock out the 32nd seed.
Prediction: Gaston in 4
Manuel:
Gaston has a lot of talent and flair, but not the consistency required to win regularly at tour level. If he’s having a great day, he could beat Djere, but the Serb is the far more reliable player and should be able to pull through here.
Prediction: Djere in 4
Sefanos Tsitsipas vs Dominic Stricker
Damian:
This is the sort of breakthrough result that Stricker has been waiting for. Beating Tsitsipas feels like it would finally elevate him to a new level, which he certainly has the talent for. The Swiss has been very mature in his qualifying run and abused the Popyrin backhand in the opener. The strategy will be similar, go hard at the one-hander with the lefty spin.
Prediction: Stricker in 5
Jordan:
Both players dealt with big servers in their opening round wins. Tsitsipas against Milos Raonic, while Stricker overcame Alexei Popyrin. I think this may be somewhat closer than many expect. Stricker’s best shot is his inside-out forehand, and hence he can target the weaker wing of Tsitsipas effectively. Ultimately the Greek will come through, but in a tough fight.
Prediction: Tsitsipas in 5
Manuel:
Tsitsipas faced a potentially tricky first round against Milos Raonic but made easy work on it, hinting that perhaps he might finally make a run at the US Open, where he hasn’t had any significant success yet. This second round should, in theory, be relatively straightfoward for the Greek.
Prediction: Tsitsipas in 3
Main Photo Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
