The 2023 US Open continues Round 2 play on Thursday, with 16 men’s matches slated for play. 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 Andrey Rublev vs Gael Monfils. Predicting this set of matches are Damian Kust, Jordan Reynolds, and Shane Black.
US Open Day 4 Men’s Predictions
Alexander Zverev vs Daniel Altmaier
Damian:
Altmaier has scored a few surprising wins this year and has an excellent record against high-ranked opposition. We’re not expecting him to keep improving it though. Zverev is more or less back to where he was before the injury and I just don’t think he’s going to be stopped here by anyone not named Sinner (round four) or Alcaraz (quarterfinals).
Prediction: Zverev in 3
Jordan:
I see Zverev comfortably winning this battle of the Germans. Altmaier’s game is very enjoyable to watch. But Zverev will relentlessly target the weaker one-handed backhand of his compatriot with his far superior two-hander. Zverev is unlikely to drop a set.
Prediction: Zverev in 3
Shane:
Zverev is a dark-horse to make a deep run into the second week of this event. He holds a 13-3 record since Wimbledon and is playing with extreme confidence. Altmaier has limped through the summer months and has never been a strong hardcourt player. Zverev will cruise.
Prediction: Zverev in 3
Daniel Evans vs Botic van de Zandschulp
Damian:
Van de Zandschulp is barely winning matches since that Munich choke to Rune in the final, but he was given a helping hand with the Thompson retirement. He’s had a brilliant US Open run before and yet channeling that form won’t be easy. Evans has gotten a touch more reliable recently and should slice his way to the win.
Prediction: Evans in 4
Jordan:
Evans is a strange case this season. He has suffered many first round losses, but when he gets past the first round he often goes far, like he did in Washington. The Dutchman has struggled with injuries lately, and not much is known about his level after Jordan Thompson retired against him in the first round. The available evidence points to an Evans win.
Prediction: Evans in 4
Shane:
BVDZ has won just two matches since May. He got a break in Round 1 after Jordan Thompson retired after just 47 minutes of tennis. Evans won the Citi Open title earlier this month and has always felt comfortable in New York. He will wear down the Dutchman.
Prediction: Evans in 4
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Tomas Martin Etcheverry vs Stan Wawrinka
Damian:
This is a rematch for their Wimbledon second round, which was won by Wawrinka in four sets. Both players are more in their element here, although in Etcheverry’s case only slightly. The Argentinian has some winning chances if he can make this a grindfest, but Wawrinka is hitting extremely well at the moment.
Prediction: Wawrinka in 4
Jordan:
Etcheverry showed admirable mental Strength in his five-set win to reach the second round at Flushing Meadows for the first time. But I think Wawrinka has his number here. The 38-year-old’s performances this season have been incredible at times for a man of his age, and he was excellent in his straight sets win in round one. The Swiss is more comfortable on hard courts of the two players, and is likely to win again.
Prediction: Wawrinka in 3
Shane:
Wawrinka bested Etcheverry in a straight-forward second round Wimbledon match just six weeks ago. The 38-year-old has played great tennis this summer and holds his highest ranking in nearly three years. Wawrinka will be able to push the Argentine around the court, taking advantage of the fact Etcheverry is coming off a 5-set marathon.
Prediction: Wawrinka in 4
Jannik Sinner vs Lorenzo Sonego
Damian:
Sinner blasted through Hanfmann and didn’t show anything that would suggest he’s not a legit title/deep run contender. He’s played Sonego twice this year already and managed to beat him on both occasions. Having won his first big title in Toronto recently, he’ll be desperate for a huge result here too.
Prediction: Sinner in 4
Jordan:
I feel Sinner’s title chances have not been given enough respect. He is most likely to win a Grand Slam in the US Open conditions, and made a statement in his demolition of Yannick Hanfmann. Sonego is a great competitor, and solid across all surfaces. But there is no possibility of him stopping Sinner.
Prediction: Sinner in 3
Shane:
Sinner has played terrific tennis all summer. He has already beaten Sonego twice this year. Sonego does not have the power or consistency from the baseline to trouble Sinner.
Prediction: Sinner in 3
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey – USA TODAY Sports
