Round 2 action begins at the US Open with Alexander Zverev and David Goffin looking to press on in the tournament. Damian Kust, Yesh Ginsburg, and Jim Smith offer their predictions.
Alexander Zverev vs Brandon Nakashima
Jim: Zverev negotiated what was a tough first-round draw in the shape of Kevin Anderson adroitly. It was certainly a marked improvement on his showing at the Cincinnati Masters, where he lost to Andy Murray in his opener, despite serving for the match. Nakashima, meanwhile, impressed in beating the veteran Paolo Lorenzi, reaching the second round at a Major for the first time in the process. But this will be a real step up, one that seems almost certain to have come too soon for the 19-year-old. Zverev in 3
Damian: The most interesting matchup of the round? Zverev confirmed my theory in the first round that the rumors of his hilariously bad disposition were really exaggerated. The German has these issues with his second serve but he plays a solid game off the ground and probably hits and moves too well for Nakashima to get through him yet. But expect the American to show glimpses of his unreal potential. Zverev in 4
Yesh: Nakashima picked up his first Grand Slam win, but he just doesn’t have the game or weapons to hurt the German here. Zverev in 3
David Goffin vs Lloyd Harris
Jim: Having overcome the challenge posed by one big server in Reilly Opelka in the first round, David Goffin will face another in Harris. The South African was at his aggressive best in dismantling Marco Cecchinato in three sets and will surely be full of confidence as a result. But Cecchinato is no Goffin. The Belgian is amongst the best movers in the men’s game and should be able to blunt Harris. Goffin in 3
Damian: Goffin has to be quite happy with his win over Reilly Opelka, this match certainly could have gone in the opposite direction had he not won the first set tie-break. Harris will be another opponent where Goffin will mostly find himself counterpunching and while the South African can hit unreal shots every once in a while, the baseline consistency just isn’t there. Goffin in 3
Yesh: Goffin did very well to break Reilly Opelka several times. Harris also looked good in his opening match, but the Belgian is just too impressive. Goffin in 3
Jan-Lennard Struff vs Michael Mmoh
Jim: Struff has enjoyed an excellent 18 months and will surely be targeting a deep run in New York. He certainly looked sharp in beating Pedro Martinez Portero 6-0 7-5 6-4. He is still probably too inconsistent too really trouble the very best, as Djokovic demonstrated by beating him 6-1 6-3 at the Cincinnati Masters last week. But he should have enough to see off the challenge of Mmoh. Struff in 4
Damian: The German is playing his best tennis right now. Particularly impressive is his efficient spot-serving, which he then uses to make sure he stays aggressive on his own delivery. There really shouldn’t be much Mmoh could do if Struff is on top form again. Struff in 3
Yesh: Struff and Mmoh both looked fine against weaker opponents in Round 1. Struff is the better player, though. Maybe with a home crowd the American could have made something of this, but with no fans against him the German should cruise. Struff in 3
Pablo Carreno Busta vs Mitchell Krueger
Jim: Carreno Busta was not at his best in the first round, but managed to dig out a five-set win over the spirited Yasutaka Uchiyama. Krueger, meanwhile, rallied past Pedro Sousa from a set down. But although the American is not without quality, with his forehand a particularly impressive shot, it is hard to see him getting the better of the solid Carreno Busta. Carreno Busta in 5
Damian: Unexpectedly, Carreno Busta had to go to five sets against Yasutaka Uchiyama. It was a high-quality game though, opposed to Krueger’s win over Pedro Sousa. Sometimes after a break, all you have to do is come through to the next match and things will start improving. That is what Carreno Busta will certainly be hoping for here. Krueger might play some inspired tennis on home soil but it’s unlikely to be enough for the 20th seed. Carreno Busta in 4
Yesh: Carreno Busta uncharacteristically struggled with Yasutaka Uchiyama in the first round. If he plays like that again he’ll be in trouble here, but he is overall the better player. Carreno Busta in 4
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