An All-Canadian clash is a highlight on day 2 at the US Open with Denis Shapovalov vs Felix Auger-Aliassime. Steen Kirby and Yesh Ginsburg offer their predictions, we also have predictions for matches featuring Rafael Nadal and Nick Kyrgios.
Denis Shapovalov vs Felix Auger-Aliassime
Steen: FAA is playing much better, Shapovalov remains capable of winning any match, but in his current form he’s a serious underdog here. FAA should remain to carry Canadian hopes at the US Open. Auger-Aliassime in 3
Yesh: This all-Canadian matchup should provide some great tennis. But Auger-Aliassime is in much better form right now. Assuming he holds on mentally against his friend, he should win. Auger-Aliassime in 4
Federico Delbonis vs Alexei Popyrin
Steen: Delbonis is tough to put away but this isn’t his surface. Popyrin peaked at the Australian Open this year and is great on hard courts. He hasn’t been able to be as consistent as he wants to be, but he should return to some form here. Popyrin in 4
Yesh: Delbonis is a decent journeyman, but Popyrin is an up-and-comer who has a much better upside. Will he find the consistency he needs to win? I think so. Popyrin in 4
Roberto Bautista Agut vs Mikhail Kukushkin
Steen: At this stage in his career, Kukushkin is happy to make slam main draws and be able to collect the paycheck. RBA is far better and if he’s focused he’ll win this one quickly. Bautista Agut in 3
Yesh: Bautista Agut is very quickly becoming a consistent top player. He can’t quite crack the elites of the game, but he is right next in line to step up and win a Major if those guys slip up. Bautista Agut in 3
John Isner vs Guillermo Garcia-Lopez
Steen: Isner has struggled since he returned from injury but Garcia-Lopez is one of the weakest players in the main draw. Isner the heavy favorite, and if he loses round at the US Open, serious questions will be asked about how much longer he can remain a top pro. Isner in 3
Yesh: Isner is working on getting healthy after a stress fracture took him out for most of this season. It’s a shame, because he was in the best form of his career. He can get back there, though, as long as he’s healthy. Isner in 3
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