The 2019 US Open kicks off with Novak Djokovic taking on Roberto Carballes Baena as well as Sam Querrey among the players in action on day 1. Steen Kirby and Yesh Ginsburg offer their predictions for these matches and many others including Roger Federer’s match.
Novak Djokovic vs Roberto Carballes Baena
Yesh: This is not the easiest of first-round matches at a Slam, but Djokovic shouldn’t have too much trouble. Carballes Baena doesn’t have any weapons to penetrate the Djokovic defense. Some sets might be tight, but this should be a straightforward win. Djokovic in 3
Steen: Djokovic shouldn’t lose this match unless he’s injured. RCB lacks the peak level needed to beat the world #1 in best 3 out of 5, but he might take a set. Djokovic in 3
Juan Ignacio Londero vs Sam Querrey
Yesh: Londero is having a great year, but he’s better on clay. Querrey is finding his form and likes this surface. I like the American in a tough one. Querrey in 4
Steen: Querrey at home will have an advantage but his form isn’t great and Londero should test him, stretching this match out to 4 or 5 sets. Querrey in 5
Nikoloz Basilashvili vs Marton Fucsovics
Yesh: Basilashvili is up and coming, but he has struggled recently. Fucsovics, meanwhile, is a solid player. Not as good as Basilashvili, but more consistent. I think the young Basilashvili comes through, but don’t be surprised at an upset here. Basilashvili in 4
Steen: The h2h favors Fucsovics and this matchup looks primed for an upset between two players that have clawed their way into the top levels of the tour in recent years. This should be a battle but I’ll back the Hungarian matchup wise. Fucsovics in 4
Chris Eubanks vs Christian Garin
Yesh: Eubanks is a future star, but he hasn’t yet found success at the top levels. Garin is having a breakthrough year, but I think the fast hard courts favor the American, especially with crowd support. Eubanks in 5
Steen: A four match losing streak against middling competition ensures that Eubanks will lack confidence heading into this home slam matchup against Garin, who much prefers clay. Eubanks is the better player on this surface but Garin should hang in enough to scrape the win against an opponent lacking in form. Garin in 5
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