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, Hubert Hurkacz vs Jordan Thompson, 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
Sebastian Korda vs Tomas Machac
Ateet
Korda played a brilliant match against a tricky player like Moutet, who was playing great in the first set. Korda found the perfect balance in his game and showed a lot of variety to unsettle Moutet. Machac got his first win on hard courts since March. He is capable of playing at a high level, but I am not confident in his recent performances. Korda is playing too good to lose this.
Prediction: Korda in 4
Shane
Korda is finally coming into his own and I would not be surprised to see him make a deep run at the 2024 US Open. Despite some strong doubles play at the Olympics, Machac has not been playing great singles tennis this summer. Korda should find his way with the backing of the home crowd.
Prediction: Korda in 4
Damian
Korda disappointed at a few Slams recently and could really use a run here. His draw is far from ideal though with a dangerous contender almost every round. Machac will be able to put pressure on him off the ground with his early ball-striking and if the Czech was in slightly better form, I would be going for the upset here.
Prediction: Korda in 5
Jack Draper vs Facundo Diaz Acosta
Ateet
Jack Draper played one of his best matches at a Slam as he made light work of a very solid player. Draper was extremely efficient behind his serve and made just 11 unforced errors. Diaz Acosta is a solid competitor but I don’t like his chances in these fast surfaces.
Prediction: Draper in 4
Shane
Draper had to play just 19 games in his Round 1 match as Zhizhen Zhang retired in the third set. The Brit is amidst his best season as he sits at a career-high ranking of No. 25. Diaz Acosta is also playing great tennis this year, but he does not have the firepower to keep up with Draper.
Prediction: Draper in 3
Damian
Draper went through Zhang very comfortable with the Chinese getting injured and that’s great for him as he doesn’t want to spend too much time out there in the hot and humid conditions. Diaz Acosta also won’t be able to ask questions regarding his physicality, he’s just not good enough to compete with the Brit on hard courts.
Prediction: Draper in 3
Matteo Arnaldi vs Roman Safiullin
Ateet
Safiullin has found some sort of form recently which has helped him to get some match wins but he is still not at his best level. Arnaldi has been consistent all year and played a tougher opponent in the first round. Safiullin won in straight sets when these two met earlier in the year but a lot has changed for both players since. I can see the Italian being more consistent and edging it out in the end.
Prediction: Arnaldi in 5
Shane
This should be a highly entertaining battle between two players who are not afraid to exchange groundstrokes. Arnaldi is the higher-ranked player, but Safiuliin comes into this match having won seven of his last eight matches. Give me the Russian in a close one.
Prediction: Safiullin in 5
Damian
This looks extremely fun. Safiullin woke up recently by winning the Cary Challenger (from 1-6 1-4 down in the final) and is hunting his forehands with renewed confidence. Arnaldi generally enjoys matchups like this though where he can rely on his incredible movement and instinct, basically without the danger of starting to overhit his forehand.
Prediction: Arnaldi in 5
Daniil Medvedev vs Fabian Marozsan
Ateet
Medvedev has always struggled against Dusan Lajovic so it was a nice win for him. He played at a strong level throughout the match, except for his second serve, which appeared susceptible at times. Marozsan hits hard and can cause problems for Medvedev but lacks the consistency to keep his high level.
Prediction: Medvedev in 4
Shane
If anyone is to take this title away from the current “Big Three”, it will be Medvedev. He is incredibly comfortable in New York and always plays great tennis on these grounds. Marozsan will be a tricky test for the Russian. The young Hungarian has a massive serve and forehand, and is a big time battler. However, Medvedev should have no trouble in this match.
Prediction: Medvedev in 3
Damian
Marozsan is a player you can never write off in a top-player matchup, he’s got the ability to make it all about himself and take time away viciously. What are his chances at executing it perfectly for three sets against Medvedev though? Probably not that strong, although being well-versed in dropshots and net play will help.
Prediction: Medvedev in 4
Main Photo Credit: Geoff Burke – USA TODAY Sports
