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 Novak Djokovic vs Laslo Djere, Ben Shelton vs Roberto Bautista Agut, and Taylor Fritz vs Matteo Berrettini. 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
Alexander Zverev vs Alexandre Muller
Ateet:
Zverev lost his concentration for a slight moment in his first-round match and it cost him a set. I don’t think Zverev is playing his best tennis at the moment but that shouldn’t affect his chances against Alexandre Muller.
Prediction: Zverev in 3
Damian:
Zverev’s draw is opening up, although this is probably the tougher potential second-round opponent he could have gotten. His solid strokes will likely be the winner once again, forcing Muller to play out of his skin and eventually start pushing himself into errors. It might last relatively long, but it will also be lop-sided.
Prediction: Zverev in 3
Jim:
Alexander Zverev has been playing well enough of late that it would be a real surprise if he fell short against Alexandre Muller. The German still doesn’t quite look good enough to win a Major, but he is an increasingly regular presence in the later stages.
Prediction: Zverev in 3
Grigor Dimitrov vs Rinky Hijikata
Ateet:
Dimitrov hasn’t been at his best in the last month, but he has a great chance to make up for it here. The conditions are tailor-made for him. However, He would need to increase his first-serve percentage going forward. Hijikata can be a frustrating opponent at times but the Bulgarian hasn’t faced any problems in their two meetings.
Prediction: Dimitrov in 4
Damian:
They played twice this year already and Hijikata has only amassed four games in five sets. Not much is telling us that it will be different this time with the Australian just not having that much to say on the attack. Dimitrov is also one of the most athletic players on tour who will find a new answer if he needs it.
Prediction: Dimitrov in 3
Jim:
It’s been a very good season for Grigor Dimitrov, albeit with some disappointing moments en route. That included a fourth-round loss at Wimbledon, where he had looked primed for a deep run. But, assuming he is once again fit-and-firing, he should have the beating of Rinky Hijikata.
Prediction: Dimitrov in 3
Brandon Nakashima vs Arthur Cazaux
Ateet:
Brandon Nakashima played at a Top 10 level and totally outplayed Holger Rune in the first round. Rune wasn’t at his best but Nakashima didn’t let him recover at any moment in the match. Arthur Cazaux was also pretty impressive in his first-round but if Nakashima plays like he did against Rune, he will win.
Prediction: Nakashima in 4
Damian:
Their Challenger match in Brest last year was quite amazing and that was one where Cazaux really discovered his counter-punching mode. He’ll probably need something more here with Nakashima now trending so much higher after rebuilding his form in late 2023 / early 2024) and the recent performances don’t suggest he has that extra gear in him at the moment.
Prediction: Nakashima in 4
Jim:
Brandon Nakashima was superb in the first round, albeit up against a below-par Holger Rune. If he can maintain that level, it is hard to see Arthur Cazaux being able to stay with him.
Prediction: Nakashima in 3
Casper Ruud vs Gael Monfils
Ateet:
Both these players did well to win their first-round match without any concerns. Monfils lost the first set but he got significantly better after that and was playing some of the best tennis I have seen from him in recent years. Their last match was a close three-setter in Indian Wells this year but I don’t think Ruud is playing at that level currently. This is a great chance for Monfils to get a win over another top 10 player.
Prediction: Monfils in 4
Damian:
Monfils almost beat Ruud in Indian Wells and now they’re playing right after the Norwegian was sick in Montreal/Cincinnati and is looking to get back into the groove. Maybe this can be similar to Ruud’s Round 1: pressure from the opponent early, but then slowly improving his level to start playing on his terms.
Prediction: Ruud in 5
Jim:
This is a potentially difficult match for Casper Ruud. The Norwegian, who has a very solid record in New York, should win it, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that he will. Particularly as this has not been a particularly productive season. That said, he plays to his strengths and prevents Gael Monfils getting the crowd involved, he should have enough to advance.
Prediction: Ruud in 4
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey-USA TODAY Sports
