US Open action is back on Day 4 with 16 men’s second-round matches. With some of the top players in the world taking the court, these matches will surely deliver fireworks. As always, we at LWOT have our roundtable predictions for every match on the slate. Our other three prediction pieces feature Jannik Sinner vs Alex Michelsen, Daniil Medvedev vs Fabian Marozsan, and Hubret Hurkacz vs Jordan Thompson. Ateet Shrivastava, Damian Kust, and Yesh Ginsburg give their insights. Who will advance to the third round?
US Open Day 4 Men’s Predictions
Mattia Bellucci vs Christopher O’Connell
Ateet
Both these players got wonderful wins in the first round and should fancy their chances to reach the third round. There is no heavy favourite in this matchup. I like O’Connell’s baseline consistency when he is on. But he hasn’t been on lately, and Bellucci has the advantage of playing a single-hander in his first round and will look to keep the Australian parked on the backhand wing. Should be a close match.
Prediction: Bellucci in 5
Damian
Bellucci is unplayable at the moment and if not for that Cary final choke, we’d be talking about a massive win streak right now. Nonetheless, this is such an opportunity for him to make the third round and likely break the Top 100 along with it. No disrespect to O’Connell, but the Italian would have to seriously drop his level to lose to him right now.
Prediction: Bellucci in 3
Yesh
Bellucci got through Stan Wawrinka in the opener. The young talent is starting to make a name for himself, and he probably has the talent to push past O’Connell, too.
Prediction: Bellucci in 4
Flavio Cobolli vs Zizou Bergs
Ateet
Cobolli is slowly becoming a very consistent player and is hardly losing to players ranked below him. Duckworth can be tricky on quick surfaces but Cobolli handled it well. It was a brilliant effort from Bergs to outlast Pavel Kotov but I don’t think he can do the same to the Italian player.
Prediction: Cobolli in 4
Damian
Cobollli’s progress on hard courts this year is nothing short of incredible and he’ll also be the favorite here. It was a fine win for Bergs in the opener but most of the time at the top level, he’s kind of struggling to completely overwhelm the opponents with his firepower. Will be especially tough against someone as dynamic as Cobolli.
Prediction: Cobolli in 4
Yesh
Cobolli had a string of top wins earlier in the year. He’s cooled somewhat, but he is looking like one of the top up-and-coming guys on the Tour right now. Don’t underestimate him.
Prediction: Cobolli in 3
Tommy Paul vs Max Purcell
Ateet
Paul defeated the Winston-Salem Open champion in four sets to set up this clash. It’s going to be a fun match as both these players have so much variety in their game. However, Paul has the consistency as well which gives him a clear advantage.
Prediction: Paul in 4
Damian
Paul lost early in the warm-ups, but it still required some great performances from explosive players. He should have a bit more time to react in the longer format and already defeated Winston-Salem champion Sonego in the opening round. He should be back to his usual consistency now and there’s not much Purcell can do to stop him.
Prediction: Paul in 4
Yesh
Paul moved past Lorenzo Sonego in the opener. Purcell will be less of a challenge.
Prediction: Paul in 3
Carlos Alcaraz vs Botic van de Zandschulp
Ateet
Alcaraz was tested in his first-round match which is a good thing for him as he will come out with a better level in the second-round. Zandschulp’s lower trajectory on his shots troubled Shapovalov a lot and is something Alcaraz would have to adjust in the beginning. But he has easily defeated Zandschulp in the past and I expect a similar outcome.
Prediction: Alcaraz in 3
Damian
Alcaraz dropping a set in the opener wasn’t ideal, but it’s not like he was ever in danger of losing. This one will probably be a bit similar. Van de Zandschulp earned that win over Shapovalov but he’s not in form at the moment and just doesn’t have enough to offer. If Alcaraz falls into trouble, it will be mostly on him.
Prediction: Alcaraz in 3
Yesh
Carlos Alcaraz looked in fine form in the opening round. The Dutchman could give him some trouble, but not too much.
Prediction: Alcaraz in 3
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey – USA TODAY Sports
