The second round starts on Day 3 of the US Open, and we have 16 men’s matches on the schedule for Wednesday. As always, our writers here at LWOT will share their thoughts on every match. We split the 16 matches between four articles. Aside from this article, our others feature Taylor Fritz vs Matteo Berrettini, Ben Shelton vs Roberto Bautista Agut, and Casper Ruud vs Gael Monfils. Predicting Wednesday’s matches are Ateet Shrivastava, Damian Kust, and Jim Smith. Who do you think will reach Round 3?
US Open Day 3 Men’s Predictions
Mitchell Krueger vs Jiri Lehecka
Ateet:
Lehecka recovered brilliantly after losing the first set against Marton Fucsovics. It was his first win at the US Open and he has a great shot to win at least one more. Mitchell Krueger has had a good run from qualifying so far but Lehecka’s level is well above anyone he has faced.
Prediction: Lehecka in 4
Damian:
Lehecka was briefly in trouble against Fucsovics, but started turning the match around before the back injury of the Hungarian became apparent. His draw is very nice and he could think about going on a run here, even this early after an injury. Krueger is almost ready to call this the best season of his career, but it’s not the same playing quality.
Prediction: Lehecka in 3
Jim:
Jiri Lehecka arguably hasn’t yet delivered the statement result that his talent promises, but he is only 22 and has already carved out a pretty solid career. Reaching the third round at the US Open won’t move the dial much in the grand scheme, but it would be a good result. Expect him to post it.
Prediction: Lehecka in 3
Francisco Cerundolo vs Tomas Martin Etcheverry
Ateet:
This promises to be a great clash between two top Argentinians. Etcheverry played a brilliant match in the first round to beat the big-serving Mpetshi Perricard in straight sets. Cerundolo also put on a much-improved performance than his last two matches. This can be anybody’s match but Etcheverry has a better serve which gives him the edge.
Prediction: Etcheverry in 5
Damian:
What a clay-court battle on the US Open hard courts here and they’ve already played seven times on the professional tour, but always on the surface they’re the most familiar with. Both can play at a solid level on hard by now though and maybe it’s the more consistent Etcheverry that can overcome the erratic Cerundolo.
Prediction: Etcheverry in 5
Jim:
This could probably go either way. But Francisco Cerundolo has more pedigree on the biggest stages and is the seeded man for a reason. So whilst it wouldn’t count as a shock if his countryman got the better of him, a Cerundolo win still looks like the likelier outcome.
Prediction: Cerundolo in 4
Roberto Carballes Baena vs Juncheng Shang
Ateet:
Both these players are coming off a five-set win in the first round. Shang’s win was much more impressive as he beat Alexander Bublik who looked like he was invested in the match. The Chinese man has been in better form on this surface which makes him the favorite for this match.
Prediction: Shang in 4
Damian:
Carballes Baena almost blew it from two sets to love down against Choinski and were it not for the Brit missing his returns on break points in the fifth set, things could have gotten even worse. Shang already defeated him on clay this year and he should find it easier on hard courts with all the creativity he can employ against a rather basic opponent.
Prediction: Shang in 4
Jim:
Shang Juncheng was excellent in his first-round win over Alexander Bublik. The question now is how much the 19-year-old has left in his legs for this clash. The experienced Roberto Carballes Baena will try to make it a physical battle, and if he can succeed in that ambition, expect him to win it.
Prediction: Carballes Baena in 4
Novak Djokovic vs Laslo Djere
Ateet:
Djokovic got off to a good start as he won his first-round match without any difficulties. He was solid from the baseline and his first-serve percentage should improve. Laslo Djere hasn’t won much since his surgery so this was a huge win for his confidence against a dangerous player like Struff. Djere has always troubled Djokovic so it will be an interesting match. I just think Djokovic will be more ready this time.
Prediction: Djokovic in 3
Damian:
Djere went up two sets to love on Djokovic at the US Open last year, but it was one of these matches where once the favorite turned it around, any chance to win for the underdog was gone. If that somehow happens again, will the No. 2 seed have the drive to push for a comeback after his Olympic Gold satisfaction? Likely irrelevant as it won’t get to that.
Prediction: Djokovic in 3
Jim:
Laslo Djere beating Jan-Lennard Struff was a pretty significant surprise. This would be a much, much bigger one. Novak Djokovic was not at this best in the first round, but he still won very comfortably. Expect a similar outcome here.
Prediction: Djokovic in 3
Main Photo Credit: Danielle Parhizkaran-USA TODAY Sports
