It should be an entertaining third day at the US Open with 20 matches on the slate and a number of star names set to be in action. As ever, we here at LWOT will be offering our predictions for every match, including Lorenzo Musetti vs Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard, Alexander Zverev vs Alejandro Tabilo, Tommy Paul vs Elmer Moller, and Gael Monfils vs Roman Safiullin. But who will secure their spot in the second round?
US Open Day 3 Predictions
Jannik Sinner vs Vit Kopriva
Tope: Vit Kopriva will cap a quite successful season with a main draw debut at the US Open with a match against the best player in the sport. He’ll have as much fun as he can in a match that’s destined for only one outcome.
Prediction: Sinner in 3
Damian: This will not be very exciting. Sinner dropped a set in his opening match last year, but it’s not like that actually resulted in a drama-filled affair. Maybe if he has a slow start again, Kopriva can fight a little. But the Czech isn’t a hard-court virtuoso and also doesn’t fully have the belief he can hang with the best of the best.
Prediction: Sinner in 3
Nurein: This match boils down to Jannik Sinner’s health. If he has shaken off that illness which forced him to retire in the Cincinnati final, he should power to victory. A slow start by Sinner will give Kopriva a lot of belief. So, it’s an important match for Sinner and his title credentials this fortnight.
Prediction: Sinner in 3
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Felix Auger-Aliassime vs Billy Harris
Tope: Billy Harris makes his debut in New York as a lucky loser against Canadian star. Felix Auger-Aliassime. While he’ll try and make something of it, it’s safe to say his ‘luck’ ends here.
Prediction: Auger-Aliassime in 3
Damian: The top 100 chance Harris had for most of this year seems gone now, but making it in as a lucky loser here could be a nice opportunity. Auger-Aliassime has made a mess of his Grand Slam opening rounds before, it’s just that this time the quality gap is probably too big for that. The Canadian should pull through one way or another.
Prediction: Auger-Aliassime in 3
Nurein: Expect this one to be serve-oriented, but Auger-Aliassime has the court athleticism to wear down Harris should we get more rallies between points. Maybe a tie-break or two for either player, but it is the Canadian who should prevail.
Prediction: Auger-Aliassime in 4
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Pedro Martinez vs Leandro Riedi
Tope: Despite the mammoth ranking difference between these two, the 435th ranked Swiss qualifier Riedi enters as the favourite and for good reason. If he replicates his solid qualifying performances, this is a winnable match for him on his debut against the Spanish veteran
Prediction: Riedi in 4
Damian: On paper it’s a wonderful opportunity for Riedi, who could be top 100 right now if not for all the health struggles. But we have to see him deliver on the big stage after his Grand Slam main draw debut at Wimbledon was quite meek. Martinez has the advantage of experience, even if his hard-court game isn’t quite as good.
Prediction: Riedi in 5
Nurein: Riedi finally qualified for his maiden US Open main draw after two previous unsuccessful tries. He played clutch tennis last week in qualifying winning at least one tie-break set and has a winnable opening match against Martinez. The Spaniard’s fluctuating form makes his vulnerable to an early exit.
Prediction: Riedi in 4
Hugo Gaston vs Shintaro Mochizuki
Tope: Hugo Gaston is a decent hard-court player but he’s in the midst of a torrid run of that there’s no reason to believe he’ll suddenly come alive to stop the rot. The Japanese youngster should be winning.
Prediction: Mochizuki in 4
Damian: Gaston had some injury issues over the summer and hasn’t properly gotten going since. Seems like a match where Shintaro Mochizuki won’t be under too much pressure and that usually allows him to come forward a bit more and utilize the hand skills that other players don’t always allow him the time for.
Prediction: Mochizuki in 4
Nurein: Gaston and Mochizuki are two unconventional talents in the sport so expect a lot of variety and experimenting here. Mochizuki’s top 100 breakthrough is a matter of when and not if after a fine 2025 season. He won his first Grand slam match at Wimbledon and with all the momentum from qualifying, he’ll probably just have enough to settle this chaotic match.
Prediction: Mochizuki in 5
Main photo credit: Susan Mullane-Imagn Images
