The first round of the US Open continues on Day 2 on Monday. We’ll be treated to 24 great men’s matches as all of these players search for glory and history in New York. As always, we here at LastWordOnTennis share our thoughts on all of the matches. We split the day’s 24 matches between six articles. The other feature Jack Draper vs Federico Agustin Gomez, Frances Tiafoe vs Yoshihito Nishioka, Holger Rune vs Botic van de Zandschulp, Sebastian Korda vs Cameron Norrie, and Andrey Rublev vs Dino Prizmic. Predicting this set of matches are Tope Oke, Zain Mustafa, and Ilemona Onekutu. Who do you think will advance?
US Open Day 2 Men’s Predictions
Jaume Munar vs Jaime Faria
Tope:
Jaume Munar arrives at the US Open after a solid performance in Winston-Salem, where he reached the quarter-finals. Even though Faria holds a 1-0 lead in their head-to-head encounters, the Spaniard is in better form now, he is expected secure a win in this matchup.
Prediction: Munar in 5
Zain:
Jaume Munar takes on Jaime Faria, who has had luck on his side this week, entering the draw as a lucky loser. Expect Faria’s stay in New York to end here, though, as Munar’s baseline solidity should be enough to secure the win.
Prediction: Munar in 3
Ilemona:
Jaume Munar has been around the tour long enough to build a reliable baseline game, though hard courts aren’t his strongest surface. Faria is younger and still finding his feet at this level, but his recent results suggest he’s gaining confidence. This one could turn into a long, grinding affair.
Prediction: Munar in 5
Martin Damm vs Darwin Blanch
Tope:
There is no distinct favorite in this matchup, as both athletes are keen to showcase their skills in their Grand Slam debut at their home tournament. This contest has the potential for momentum shifts, and there is a good chance it will be decided in the distance with the relatively more experienced Damm edging it.
Prediction: Damm in 5
Zain:
In a local battle between youngsters, Martin Damm meets Darwin Blanch. Both may show nerves and make uncharacteristic mistakes early on. Blanch, the more naturally talented of the two, should come through as long as he avoids a significant emotional letdown.
Prediction: Blanch in 4
Ilemona:
Martin Damm has picked up some valuable experience on hard courts this season and carries plenty of firepower from the baseline. Blanch has talent to spare but hasn’t yet managed to translate it into consistent results at tour level. The edge goes to the player with more match sharpness in recent weeks.
Prediction: Damm in 5
Hugo Dellien vs Kamil Majchrzak
Tope:
Hugo Dellien enters the US Open having lost his last four matches. He will be facing Kamil Majchrzak, who is in excellent form, having claimed a title in Grodzisk Mazowiecki two weeks ago. The Pole will advance comfortably.
Prediction: Majchrzak in 3
Zain:
Hugo Dellien has been short on match wins recently, while Kamil Majchrzak enjoyed a solid run in the lead-up to the Open. Majchrzak’s backhand variety and forehand firepower should give him the edge in this matchup.
Prediction: Majchrzak in 3
Ilemona:
Hugo Dellien’s best work has usually come on clay, and hard courts haven’t offered him much joy in recent seasons. Majchrzak has been rebuilding steadily, showing flashes of his old level since returning to the circuit. If his timing is there, he looks well-positioned to dictate this contest.
Prediction: Majchrzak in 4
Carlos Alcaraz vs Reilly Opelka
Tope:
Carlos Alcaraz’s quest to reclaim the title in New York from his main rival will begin with ousting big serving American, Reilly Opelka, a mission he should achieve with relative ease in their first meeting. Well he might just give up a start as he often does at this stage of Majors before he kicks into second gear.
Prediction: Alcaraz in 4
Zain:
Arguably the most intriguing matchup of the first round, Carlos Alcaraz faces Reilly Opelka, one of the few players with the ability to make any contest feel like a 50–50 battle. Alcaraz is confident, healthy, and playing well, and his superior all-around game should see him through a tricky opening match.
Prediction: Alcaraz in 4
Ilemona:
Carlos Alcaraz comes in with solid match play under his belt and the kind of hard-court game that holds up in New York. Reilly Opelka for his part has looked the sharpest through the first couple of rounds at events all year and will look to stay competitive by relying on his serve. If the Spaniard handles the pressure moments, he should be able to ride through the challenge.
Prediction: Alcaraz in 4
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-Imagn Images
