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 Carlos Alcaraz vs Lloyd Harris, Daniil Medvedev vs Christopher O’Connell, 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
Matteo Berrettini vs Arthur Rinderknech
Damian:
Berrettini might be a real dark horse contender here with the way he demolished Humbert in the opening round. He faces another Frenchman now and someone who seems a bit less dangerous. Rinderknech is turning his season around at the moment, but he won’t be able to touch Berrettini if he keeps playing like he did on Tuesday.
Prediction: Berrettini in 3
Jordan:
The ease of Berrettini’s victory over Ugo Humbert was a shock. But the Italian played his best match since his return from injury. Rinderknech’s opening round win against a currently struggling Diego Schwartzman does not make me convinced he can shock Berrettini.
Prediction: Berrettini in 3
Shane:
Berrettini loves New York. He is 17-4 in has last 21 matches at the US Open. The Italian looked like his old-self during his Round 1 straight-set win over Ugo Humbert. Rinderknech is just 6-10 on hardcourts this season. Berrettini will out-power the Frenchman.
Prediction: Berrettini in 3
Alex de Minaur vs Yibing Wu
Damian:
Wu has the talent to win this one, but it just hasn’t been working out for him in the past few months at all. With his elite foot speed, you know de Minaur will be tracking everything down and keep testing the shot selection of the erratic opponent. The Chinese is due to a big win though and is simply too talented not to figure it out at some point. Maybe that happens now.
Prediction: Wu in 5
Jordan:
Wu is very talented on hard courts in particular. He was not at his best in his five-set win against Dusan Lajovic, but found a way to get it done. A major improvement is needed to seriously test Montreal finalist De minaur. I think Wu will raise his game to create an entertaining contest, but not quite enough to shock the Australian #1.
Prediction: De Minaur in 5
Shane:
Wu is on the brink of the third round of the US Open for the second consecutive year. He has struggled this summer though, winning just three matches since June. De Minaur has won 11 matches over the last month. His hardcourt form is phenomenal, and the slightly slower US Open courts help his movement.
Prediction: De Minaur in 4
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Arthur Fils vs Matteo Arnaldi
Damian:
Fils survived a real attritional war against Griekspoor, while Arnaldi got an early retirement from Kubler. It’s an exciting battle between two talented youngsters. The Frenchman has the higher ceiling, but it certainly doesn’t seem like a foregone conclusion that he’ll show it on this particular occasion. Arnaldi has everything it takes to make him work for it.
Prediction: Fils in 5
Jordan:
Each player had contrasting paths to this stage. Fils won a five-set epic against Tallon Griekspoor, while Arnaldi benefited from a retirement after one set. I think the long match will actually help give Fils an extra edge. Arnaldi could have used recent match practice to deal with Fils dynamic game. The talented young Frenchman to win.
Prediction: Fils in 4
Shane:
This Next-Gen battle will send the winner into their first Slam third round. Fils’ five-set win over No. 24 Griekspoor was arguably the best win of his career. The Frenchman strikes the ball extremely well from both wings and has the confidence to push Arnaldi around the court.
Prediction: Fils in 4
Andrey Rublev vs Gael Monfils
Damian:
Rublev avoided a tough opener against Ruusuvuori and outplayed Cazaux instead when the Finn had to withdraw. His draw is pretty tough, giving him the resurgent Monfils already. If the Frenchman can play like he did in his last three events, this one could be kind of close. Over the best-of-five-sets format, you kind of have to trust Rublev more though.
Prediction: Rublev in 5
Jordan:
This is my highlight of the second round matches. There will be many great rallies for fans to savour. Rublev had been struggling in the run-up to the US Open, but always seems to raise his level in the early rounds of Grand Slams. I think the in-from Monfils will push him close, but ultimately in a losing cause.
Prediction: Rublev in 5
Shane:
This might be the most highly anticipated match of Round 2. Monfils is 8-4 since returning to the tour from injury, notching some impressive wins along the way. Rublev is one of the best hardcourt players in the world but bowed out in the first round in Toronto and Cincinnati. This will be a very entertaining, back-and-forth contest. I favor Rublev’s ability to hold his level in a five-set battle.
Prediction: Rublev in 5
Main Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea – USA TODAY Sports
