The 2023 US Open continues Round 2 play on Thursday, with 16 men’s matches on the slate. The first week of Slam play is action-packed from sunup to sundown, and Day 4 in Flushing Meadows is no different. We at LWOT have analyzed the matches and provided our thoughts on all 16 matches. We split the 16 matches between four articles. Our other articles feature Daniil Medvedev vs Christopher O’Connell, Andrey Rublev vs Gael Monfils, and Jannik Sinner vs Lorenzo Sonego. Predicting this set of matches are Damian Kust, Jordan Reynolds, and Shane Black.
US Open Day 4 Men’s Predictions
John Isner vs Michael Mmoh
Damian:
Isner survived the opening round and now it’s time for an opponent he’d probably be okay finishing his career against. He’s got the ambition for more though and while Mmoh’s a great returner, there is some magic about players on the verge of retirement. Tough call. The younger of the Americans has improved his serve and that might be key.
Mmoh in 5
Jordan:
With all due respect, Facundo Diaz Acosta was the perfect draw for Isner to get another win at Grand Slam level before retiring. Mmoh will be a tougher task after he knocked out an admittedly well below par Karen Khachanov. This will be tight, and tiebreaks feel guaranteed. But I think Mmoh will get enough balls in play to end Isner’s career.
Prediction: Mmoh in 4
Shane:
This will be a power-centric matchup with both players looking to end points quickly. Mmoh broke into the top 100 for the first time this year and has been a solid hardcourt player. That said, the crowd will be backing Isner in his last professional tournament. The veteran American will navigate the undoubted tiebreaks and keep his career alive.
Prediction: Isner in 4
Cameron Norrie vs Yu Hsiou Hsu
Damian:
Hsu was impressive in his dismissal of Kokkinakis, brutally exploiting how weak the Australian’s backhand looked on Tuesday. Norrie has been in average form the last few months, but this is an opportunity he won’t be willing to pass up. Hsu’s just not that caliber of a player, so the Brit should grind him down.
Prediction: Norrie in 3
Jordan:
Norrie’s first round win did not create too many headlines. However, his easy straight sets triumph is a real boost for a man who has by his standards struggled in recent months. Hsu picked up his first Grand Slam win in the opening round. There will be a lot of long rallies in this one. But Norrie’s experience at this level should tell.
Prediction: Norrie in 4
Shane:
Hsu picked up his first Grand Slam win on Tuesday over Thanasi Kokkinakis. It was a terrific win, but his play this season has been far too inconsistent for me to pick him against Norrie.
Prediction: Norrie in 3
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Sebastian Baez vs Felipe Meligeni Alves
Damian:
Baez is now on eleven wins in a row and six of them coming on hard courts. Taking the title at Winston-Salem also doesn’t seem to have drained that much energy out of him. Meligeni Alves loves the conditions in New York this year though and seems like a legit threat. If he can play his attacking game with no fear here, he might be taking this one.
Prediction: Meligeni Alves in 5
Jordan:
It is difficult to believe that Baez had until last week struggled on hard courts. He backed up his title in Winston-Salem by sweeping aside Borna Ćorić. Alves won his first Grand Slam match against Duckworth. But the Argentine’s level on a hard court is superior right now.
Prediction: Baez in 3
Shane:
Both Baez and Meligeni Alves prefer the clay but have a massive opportunity to reach the third round at the US Open. Baez is arguably the hottest player on tour, coming into this match with an 11-match win streak. All 11 of those wins came against players ranked above Meligeni Alves. He should have no problem against the Brazilian.
Prediction: Baez in 3
Carlos Alcaraz vs Lloyd Harris
Damian:
Alcaraz has a tougher draw than Djokovic and kind of needs any help he can get in conserving energy, so the Koepfer retirement came in handy. Harris could only hurt him if he’s serving out of his mind, otherwise he doesn’t have all that much to offer. If any issues arise, Alcaraz should handle them.
Prediction: Alcaraz in 3
Jordan:
It was a shame for the crowd that Alcaraz’s first match was cut short, but it was clear what the final result was going to be in any case. Harris did a good job of making the most of a favourable draw against Guido Pella. But the South African does not have enough to trouble Alcaraz.
Prediction: Alcaraz in 3
Shane:
Alcaraz only had to play a set and a half in Round 1 before Dominik Koepfer, unfortunately, had to retire. The No. 1 seed will be fresh and ready to go for this match. I do not see Harris taking a set unless he brings an A+ serving performance.
Prediction: Alcaraz in 3
Main Photo Credit: Geoff Burke – USA TODAY Sports
