US Open action kicks off on Sunday with a bevy of intriguing matches on both the men’s and women’s sides. Four-time US Open Champion Novak Djokovic gets his campaign underway on Arthur Ashe against Learner Tien. As always, we at LWOT provide the preview and prediction for all matches on the slate, with Ateet Shrivastava, Damian Kust, and Tope Oke offering their insights.
Our other prediction pieces feature Ben Shelton vs Ignacio Buse, Taylor Fritz vs Emilio Nava, Daniil Medvedev vs Benjamin Bonzi, and Jakub Mensik vs Nicolas Jarry. But who will advance?
US Open Day 1 Men’s Predictions
Alejandro Davidovich Fokina vs Alexander Shevchenko
Ateet
These two have never faced off, but Alejandro Davidovich Fokina is the heavy favourite to win this match based on his superior form and ranking. Shevchenko gained some much-needed momentum at the Sumter Challenger but had to retire in the final due to health issues. If the Spaniard plays close to his best, he will take this.
Prediction: Shevchenko in 4
Damian
Big resurgence for Davidovich Fokina this season, three ATP Tour finals with chances to win two of them, and a Top 20 debut. He’s managed to limit his instability and usually gets the job done in matches like this now. Shevchenko hasn’t proven he can be a mainstay on the ATP circuit yet and is a little outmatched here.
Prediction: Davidovich Fokina in 4
Tope
Alexander Shevchenko made some progress after reaching the final of the Sumter Challenger Tour last week, but he had to retire in the middle of his match against Mattia Bellucci. Alejandro Davidovich Fokina also retired in his most recent match in Toronto against Andrey Rublev and had to do the same in the second round of Cincinnati against Joao Fonseca. However, he has had almost a fortnight of rest to prepare for this event, and if he is fit, there is only one outcome.
Prediction: Davidovich Fokina in 4
Tomas Machac vs Luca Nardi
Ateet
Injuries have derailed Tomas Machac’s season, and he’s finding it hard to get back to his desired level, losing 4 of his last 5 matches. However, there’s no denying his quality when he is playing well, and his serve and aggressive style should keep this close. Nardi is without doubt in much better form, and I expect him to get his first US Open win.
Prediction: Nardi in 5
Damian
Nardi hasn’t won a Grand Slam main draw match yet (0-6), and the streak might continue. Machac’s level is still very strong, but the frequent fitness issues are taking a toll on him. He probably wins this match unless he ends up retiring with something again. The Italian will also feel like he desperately wants to get this win right now, maybe too much.
Prediction: Machac in 4
Tope
Luca Nardi has struggled for form all season but suddenly burst into life in Cincinnati, winning three matches in the main draw to reach the fourth round, before losing to eventual champion Carlos Alcaraz. The Italian will take plenty of confidence from that run as he prepares for the US Open. In contrast, Machac has been in poor form of late, currently on a three-match winless run and has not picked up a victory since the first round of Wimbledon. Nardi seems to be peaking at the right time and has already shown in the past that he can beat higher-ranked players. Set the upset bells off.
Prediction: Nardi in 5
Ethan Quinn vs Jerome Kym
Ateet
Switzerland’s Jerome Kym didn’t drop a set in his solid qualifying run and will play his first main-draw match at the US Open. He has a big serve and will pose a serious threat to Ethan Quinn, who will be eager to get the first win at his home Slam. Quinn has the advantage of experience and playing at this level, which should help him in crucial situations.
Prediction: Quinn in 5
Damian
Kym could be in the Top 100 tomorrow if injuries gave him a bit of a break. The quality is undeniable, but he also plays so aggressively that it’s tough to find any margin for error. Quinn has a similar approach, and if Kym can produce the level from the qualifying draw, he might be able to outhit him.
Prediction: Kym in 5
Tope
Jerome Kym will be brimming with confidence on his debut following three consecutive qualifying victories, but he will have it all to do against a local favourite, who will aim to impress at his home grand slam. The Swiss youngster can nick a set or two, but once Quinn adjusts to the competitive atmosphere, he should be able to prevail.
Prediction: Quinn in 5
Novak Djokovic vs Learner Tien
Ateet
This is one of the most intriguing first-round matches, not just because Leaener Tien is a rising talent, but also because of Djokovic’s lack of matches heading into this. He didn’t play any warm-up events before the US Open for the second consecutive season and might take some time to get into his top level. However, Tien doesn’t have enough weapons to push Djokovic all the way and win this.
Prediction: Djokovic in 4
Damian
Tien is one of the worst opponents Djokovic could have gotten in the opening round. Has already defeated Zverev and Medvedev this year, and most importantly, he just has that kind of quirky, unpleasant game that doesn’t let you find your rhythm. The American will drag this out and make the 24-time Grand Slam champion’s life tough, but probably still lose.
Prediction: Djokovic in 4
Tope
At 38, Djokovic has chosen to prioritize Grand Slam events over other tournaments. He opted to skip the North American hard-court swing to preserve his energy for the US Open; the icon remains a formidable opponent for anyone outside the Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner duo. Tien, 19, has already secured four victories against top #10-ranked players, including two wins against those ranked within the ATP top five. With his experience and adeptness at adjusting his strategies mid-match, Djokovic is expected to handle his business in the first round, although he will need to navigate a spirited contest from this emerging American talent.
Prediction: Djokovic in 4
Main Photo Credit: Geoff Burke – Imagn Images
