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 Carlos Alcaraz vs Reilly Opelka, Frances Tiafoe vs Yoshihito Nishioka, Jack Draper vs Federico Agustin Gomez, Sebastian Korda vs Cameron Norrie, and Andrey Rublev vs Dino Prizmic. Predicting this set of matches are Yesh Ginsburg, Zain Mustafa, and Ilemona Onekutu. Who do you think will advance?
US Open Day 2 Men’s Predictions
Sebastian Baez vs Lloyd Harris
Yesh:
It’s been a few years since Baez looked like tennis’ next big thing. He’s solid enough as a journeyman goes, but Harris has more power and should ride that to a win here.
Prediction: Harris in 4
Zain:
Sebastian Báez meets Lloyd Harris in a clash of contrasting styles. Baez thrives on grinding rallies from the baseline, while Harris brings a bigger serve and more aggressive firepower. Over five sets, Harris’s weapons should allow him to break through despite Baez’s resistance on what is a faster surface.
Prediction: Harris in 4
Ilemona:
Baez has built his reputation on clay, and hard courts haven’t always showcased his best tennis. Harris, by contrast, has the serve-and-forehand game that can do real damage on this surface, especially in quicker conditions. This one looks like it could hinge on Harris’s ability to stay consistent.
Prediction: Harris in 5
Alex Michelsen vs Francisco Comesana
Yesh:
Michelsen looked really good in both Canada and Cincinnati. He is a threat to go deep here, and with his current rhythm he should beat all but the top seeds.
Prediction: Michelsen in 3
Zain:
Rising American Alex Michelsen takes on Francisco Comesana. Michelsen’s clean ball-striking and comfort on hard courts should give him the upper hand, and if he settles quickly under the pressure of playing a home Slam, he can win this convincingly.
Prediction: Michelsen in 3
Ilemona:
Michelsen has been climbing steadily, showing composure and clean ball-striking during the North American hard-court swing. Comesana has less experience on this surface and has done most of his winning elsewhere. If Michelsen keeps his level, he’ll have a good chance to control the pace.
Prediction: Michelsen in 3
Aleksandar Kovacevic vs Coleman Wong
Yesh:
Kovacevic’s game was made for these courts. Assuming he doesn’t get too nervous, he should be able to blast Coleman Wong off the court.
Prediction: Kovacevic in 4
Zain:
Aleksandar Kovacevic faces Coleman Wong in a match that could provide plenty of shot-making. Wong has made improvements in his game, but Kovacevic’s heavier ball quality and experience on these courts should see him through in a competitive contest.
Prediction: Kovacevic in 4
Ilemona:
Kovacevic has shown promise with his flat, aggressive game, though results have come in bursts. Wong is still developing but has picked up confidence from strong showings on the Challenger circuit. This could turn into a lively contest, with Kovacevic’s experience at this level likely to matter.
Prediction: Kovacevic in 4
Holger Rune vs Botic van de Zandschulp
Yesh:
I’m smelling an upset here. Rune has looked better recently, but he’s still vulnerable–especially in bigger events. The Dutchman, meanwhile, loves these courts and is in good rhythm. Rune has to watch out.
Prediction: van de Zandschulp in 4
Zain:
Holger Rune opens against Botic van de Zandschulp, who arrives in New York carrying confidence, but also some fatigue after a deep run in Winston-Salem. Rune, the fresher and more complete player, should have the edge despite the Dutchman’s ability to trouble opponents when in form.
Prediction: Rune in 4
Ilemona:
Rune has had an uneven summer but remains a dangerous shot-maker on hard courts, with the ability to turn matches quickly. Van de Zandschulp is coming off a run to the final at Winston Salem and whether he still has enough fuel in the tank to stay competitive will be the deciding factor here. If Rune finds his timing early, he should be tough to stop.
Prediction: Rune in 3
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
