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. Other prediction pieces feature Jannik Sinner vs Alex Michelsen, Daniil Medvedev vs Fabian Marozsan, and Carlos Alcaraz vs Botic van de Zandschulp. Ateet Shrivastava, Shane Black, and Damian Kust give their insights. Who will advance to the third round?
US Open Day 4 Men’s Predictions
Alex de Minaur vs Otto Virtanen
Ateet
Alex de Minaur looked pretty messy in his first singles match since Wimbledon. He made 12 double faults and 57 unforced errors but won the important points and that’s what matters in a first round. Virtanen’s stats are the opposite as he played a clean match against Quentin Halys. However, it’s a completely different matchup against de Minaur. His best chance would be to take the sets to tiebreaks and hope that de Minaur isn’t clutch. I like Virtanen’s chances here to pull off an upset.
Prediction: Virtanen in 5
Shane
Virtanen has made a name for himself this year and almost bested Tommy Paul in the second round of Wimbledon. His big serve makes him a problem for any opponent. De Minaur has not played his best tennis of late, and if he is not careful, could be on upset-alert. Virtanen will keep it close, but I like the Aussie to raise his level when it matters most.
Prediction: de Minaur in 5
Damian
Beating de Minaur would be such a massive stepping stone in Virtanen’s career, but he’s not just going to get this one for free. The Australian is playing for the first time since his hip injury and a physical match like vs Giron was exactly what the doctor ordered. Virtanen has upset potential though, maybe it’s time to break new ground.
Prediction: Virtanen in 5
Daniel Evans vs Mariano Navone
Ateet
Both these players achieved a significant feat in their first-round match. Navone won his first-ever main draw match on hardcourts while Evans played and won the longest match at the US Open. Evans was down 4-0 in the fifth set but did a miraculous comeback to win. This confidence boost makes him the favourite against Navone.
Prediction: Evans in 4
Shane
Can Evans properly recover from winning the longest match in US Open history? It is paramount he gets off to a fast start. If Navone drags this match out, the Argentine will find success. However, I’ll make the Brit in three tight sets.
Prediction: Evans in 3
Damian
This can kind of go two ways – Evans recovers well from winning the longest US Open match in history and outclasses Navone on hard courts, or he falls apart to allow the Argentinian to dominate the points and direct the ball as if he was playing on clay. Third round for Navone looks pretty realistic right now.
Prediction: Navone in 5
David Goffin vs Adrian Mannarino
Ateet
Goffin proved that his run at the Winston-Salem Open was no fluke and is genuinely in great shape. He served 16 aces against Alejandro Tabilo and returned well as always. Stayed mentally strong in the third set when he was down a break. Mannarino ended his 10-match losing streak by dominating Borna Coric. This might be a turning point or just a one-off for the Frenchman. Even if he plays well, I am taking Goffin.
Prediction: Goffin in 4
Shane
33-year-old David Goffin refuses to go away. He is 17-6 since mid-June and playing with supreme confidence. On the other hand, Mannarino has not had the best summer. Give me the in-form Belgian here.
Prediction: Goffin in 4
Damian
Mannarino finally posted a win, only his second since Indian Wells. Will it be the start of some great turnaround or will the Frenchman just return to mediocrity by the next match? Goffin finally got something going in the last few weeks with the Cary and Winston-Salem semis, so he’s gotta be a small favorite.
Prediction: Goffin in 4
Hubert Hurkacz vs Jordan Thompson
Ateet
Hurkacz has been serving at his usual level since his comeback from injury but his baseline level hasn’t been 100%. His stats in the first round don’t hold much relevance against a much better player like Jordan Thompson. Thompson has the edge in baseline rallies but it would be a huge task to return the big serve and create break points. Hurkacz is elite when it comes to winning tiebreaks so Thompson doesn’t have much going his way. Thompson might come close but I will stick with the favourite.
Prediction: Hurkacz in 5
Shane
Hurkacz’s major results have been major disappointments. His serve keeps him in any match, but against a good returner like Thompson, the Pole must bring his full arsenal if he wants to advance to the US Open third round. This should be an entertaining battle, but I’ll take the Aussie in an upset.
Prediction: Thompson in 5
Damian
Hurkacz still hasn’t been past the second round at the US Open and while this isn’t the perfect opportunity given he’s facing a quality player, he will be desperate to avoid another exit at this stage of the tournament (2018, 2020-23). Thompson can grind with him though and this will surely be a baseline slog with plenty of chances to go the distance.
Prediction: Hurkacz in 5
Main Photo Credit: Albert Cesare – USA TODAY Sports
