Round 2 of the 2019 US Open will wrap up with Rafael Nadal (vs Thanasi Kokkinakis) and Diego Schwartzman (vs Egor Gerasimov) among the names in action. Steen Kirby and Damian Kust offer their predictions for these and other matches featuring Nick Kyrgios and John Isner.
Rafael Nadal vs Thanasi Kokkinakis
Damian: He should have a better shot than his fellow Aussie John Millman but there’s no way Kokkinakis can keep up the level required over best-of-five format. He’ll have his moments of brilliance though. Nadal in 3
Steen: Kokkinakis has a big enough game to upset Nadal but Nadal has had a far better season and he’s unlikely to lose this one. The Aussie should compete but come up short in the end. Nadal in 4
Diego Schwartzman vs Egor Gerasimov
Damian: Now that Khachanov is out, the Argentinian has a dream draw and he will be there to take advantage. Well played to Gerasimov for his first Grand Slam victory but matching Schwartzman’s consistency will be too much of a task. Schwartzman in 3
Steen: A brilliant opportunity for Schwartzman that he won’t want to waste, the inexperienced Gerasimov is thrilled to be on this stage but he’s a clear underdog. Schwartzman in 3
Thomas Fabbiano vs Alexander Bublik
Damian: Second slam in a row the Italian pulls an ace out of his sleeve and scores a great first round victory. Bublik is crazy talented but his game has little to no consistency. In the longer format and in slower conditions, expect Fabbiano to be too solid. Fabbiano in 4
Steen: Fabbiano was impressive in round 1, his run should continue against an opponent that is talented but beatable on any day. Fabbiano in 4
Lorenzo Sonego vs Pablo Andujar
Damian: In one of the weakest sections of the draw, Andujar upset Kyle Edmund to set up a meeting with Sonego. In a battle of clay court specialists, the Italian’s game is more explosive and may be better suited to hard. Andujar is a very smart and experienced player though and in the end he might outfox his younger opponent. Andujar in 5
Steen: One of these two clay courters will reach the third round of the US Open in what is a great result for either winner. Andujar has more experience but he’s pedestrian on hard courts, while Sonego is less experienced but has a bigger game. I’ll go with Sonego to get over the line here. Sonego in 4
Main Photo:
