Day 2 of the 2020 US Open features Andrey Kuznetsov making his return to Grand Slams against Sam Querrey and other notables like Felix Auger-Aliassime in action. Our panel of Damian Kust and Yesh Ginsburg and offer their predictions.
Matteo Berrettini vs Go Soeda
Damian: This should be quick. Berrettini made a semifinal here last year, played a lot (and won a lot) during the pandemic break and played well last week. There’s not much Soeda will be able to do against the devastating power of the Italian’s serve and forehand. Berrettini in 3
Yesh: Soeda is a great warmup opportunity for Berrettini. The Italian should win this easily, though he’ll get a bit of a workout in the process. Berrettini in 3
Andrey Kuznetsov vs Sam Querrey
Damian: Andrey Kuznetsov has only played two matches so far, coming back to the game after 31 months of injuries and then the pandemic, not allowing him to play. The fact that everyone is rusty might help him but it’s still doubtful that he would be any danger to Querrey at this stage of his comeback. Especially as the American should really like these faster conditions. Querrey in 3
Yesh: I have no idea what to expect from Querrey here, but he likes the surface and plays best in the biggest events. I think he’ll move on, though I’m not sure he’ll do too well next round. Querrey in 4
Felix Auger-Aliassime vs Thiago Monteiro
Damian: While the Canadian didn’t look particularly convincing this week, he is still a way better hard court player than Monteiro. The Brazilian’s lefty forehand can do some damage but as the match goes on, Auger-Aliassime should shake off the rust and improve over time. Auger-Aliassime in 4
Yesh: Auger-Aliassime is still a supreme talent, though the consistency isn’t quite there yet. Still, I like his chances here. Auger-Aliassime in 3
Guido Pella vs JJ Wolf
Damian: This is a really good draw for the 21-year-old American wildcard. Wolf has been a standout this season on the ATP Challenger Tour and should be considered a dangerous floater here. Pella, meanwhile, had to be quarantined and was forced to withdraw from “Cincinnati” as he had contact with a player who tested positive. Wolf is on his way up and this is the perfect moment for him to pick up his first main tour victory. Wolf in 5
Yesh: Look for the upset here. Pella is vulnerable, and Wolf is playing well in his home country. The former Ohio State standout can pull this off if he stays consistent. Wolf in 4
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