The US Open continues on Tuesday, with the remaining 32 men’s first-round matches on Day 2. It should be an action-packed day of tennis, and–as always, we here at LWOT share our thoughts on every match. We split the 32 matches between eight articles. At the bottom of the article we have links to all of our Day 2 men’s US Open predictions. Predicting these matches are Damian Kust, Ateet Shrivastava, and Yesh Ginsburg. Who do you think will reach Round 2?
US Open Day 2 Men’s Predictions
Mattia Bellucci vs Stan Wawrinka
Damian
This is Bellucci’s moment. He’s been unplayable in the last two weeks and were it not for a choke against Roman Safiullin in the Cary final, he’d already be in the Top 100. But he was probably the strongest player in the US Open qualifying and blasted through his section in a way that tells you he’s ready for this. He’ll wear down the veteran eventually.
Prediction: Bellucci in 4
Ateet
It can always be the last Grand Slam of Stan Wawrinka when he is playing although he hasn’t said anything to suggest that. The 39-year-old has performed the best at the US Open in his career and would look to make another impactful run. Mattia Bellucci didn’t lose a set in qualifying and has been in great form in the Challenger Tour. He is looking for his first Grand Slam main draw win. Wawrinka didn’t play any warm-up hard court event so his form is hard to predict but I am backing him based on his experience.
Prediction: Wawrinka in 4
Yesh
Mattia Bellucci is a rising youngster who looks like he can handle all surfaces. Still, I think the former champion has one last bit of magic left in him.
Prediction: Wawrinka in 4
Jack Draper vs Zhizhen Zhang
Damian
Draper has played so well at the US Open the last two seasons and he’s coming off a nice run in Cincinnati. Should be a threat here and looking forward into his draw, Alcaraz is someone he’s got some good head-to-head results against. But first he needs to beat the ever-dangerous Zhang and it’s just a small edge to the more dynamic Brit.
Prediction: Draper in 5
Ateet
Draper has been in the news recently but not for his tennis, which was also quite good in Cincinnati. He defeated some tough players in three sets and has good enough preparation heading into this match. Zhizhen Zhang is always a dangerous opponent and will take advantage of anything he gets from Draper. I won’t be surprised if Zhang wins this but I am going with the Brit.
Prediction: Draper in 4
Yesh
Jack Draper looks in really good form. Assuming there’s no mental scars from a controversial recent win, I think he can handle the rising Chinese star affectionately known as “triple Z.”
Prediction: Draper in 4
Constant Lestienne vs Jordan Thompson
Damian
Lestienne pulled off a stunning fightback to claim three Challenger titles and remain in the Top 100 at the end of 2023, he’ll need the same now as his season has been a disaster so far. It’s honestly quite tough to see him beating Thompson at the moment, even if the Australian isn’t quite as hot as at the start of the year.
Prediction: Thompson in 3
Ateet
Thompson has developed a lot as a player this year and is hardly losing to players lower-ranked than him. Lestienne has lost his last four matches and it doesn’t look like he is going to stop that streak. He might win a set but Thompson should prevail being the better player.
Prediction: Thompson in 4
Yesh
Jordan Thompson just always seems like he’s around. He doesn’t do much special (though the best moment of his career did come at this event), but he also is a solid player who can defeat the guys he should.
Prediction: Thompson in 4
Denis Shapovalov vs Botic van de Zandschulp
Damian
Van de Zandschulp only played one warm-up match on hard courts and was brutally dismissed by Arthur Cazaux in Winston-Salem. The Dutchman isn’t in great shape right now, especially when it comes to his confidence. Shapovalov should be able to capitalize on that and he’s never lost before the third round in New York in six appearances.
Prediction: Shapovalov in 4
Ateet
It was a straight sets beating by Shapovalov when these two met in Indian Wells, earlier this year. Zandschulp hasn’t done anything significant since then to make me pick him over Shapovalov.
Prediction: Shapovalov in 4
Yesh
Denis Shapovalov has fallen on tough times in recent years, but the talent is still there. He’s nowhere near his top form, but he has been improving recently. This will be a great chance to find out by how much.
Prediction: Shapovalov in 4
Day 2 Men’s US Open Predictions
- Jannik Sinner vs Mackenzie McDonald
- Carlos Alcaraz vs Li Tu
- Tommy Paul vs Lorenzo Sonego
- Hubert Hurkacz vs Timofey Skatov
- Daniil Medvedev vs Dusan Lajovic
- Arthur Fils vs Learner Tien
- Stefanos Tsitsipas vs Thanasi Kokkinakis
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane – USA TODAY Sports
