Russian Andrey Kuznetsov beat Sam Querrey in his return to Grand Slam tennis, now he faces countryman Karen Khachanov in round 2. Our panel of Damian Kust and Yesh Ginsburg predicts this and other US Open matches on day 4.
Christopher O’Connell vs Daniil Medvedev
Damian: O’Connell has some potent weapons that would allow him to find some holes in the defense of most players in the world. But making a dent in the wall that Medvedev sets up in front of his opponents at the US Open would be a completely different thing. The Russian is looking well enough that even if O’Connell was to redline his game for a big part of the match, he will eventually wear him out. Although most probably, it won’t even come to that. Medvedev in 3
Yesh: O’Connell looked fine in his opening match, but Medvedev is looking in the form that got him to the final here last year. Medvedev in 3
Andrey Kuznetsov vs Karen Khachanov
Damian: This battle of the Russians might be more interesting than it looks on paper. Kuznetsov stunned Sam Querrey for possibly the biggest upset of the US Open so far and looked particularly impressive with his serving, something he was never really known for in his prime. It’s still very early in his comeback but what might help him is that everyone is still quite rusty after the break. He should be able to make this close as Khachanov was pretty unimpressive in his five-set win over Sinner. Khachanov in 5
Yesh: Kuznetsov was sharp in taking out Sam Querrey in the opening round in straight sets. Khachanov, meanwhile, should be out of this tournament. He only survived because Jannik Sinner completely collapsed after winning the first two sets. Give me another upset from the Russian. Kuznetsov in 4
JJ Wolf vs Roberto Carballes Baena
Damian: The 21-year-old American took advantage of a great draw and made a successful US Open debut. Despite a terrible second set, Wolf dominated Guido Pella with his blistering forehand. Carballes Baena will approach this very defensively and try to punish Wolf’s errors. If played on one of the faster outside courts, Wolf should be able to punch through the Spaniard’s defense. Wolf in 4
Yesh: J.J. Wolf is constantly improving and loves these fast hard courts. Expect the former Ohio State Buckeye to move on to the third round. Wolf in 3
Corentin Moutet vs Dan Evans
Damian: Moutet impressed with his first-round victory over Jiri Vesely but this should be about as far as he could go. This won’t be your regular battle of powerful baseline shots as both Evans and Moutet have some of the tour’s most unusual playstyles. Still, in pretty fast hardcourt conditions it’s definitely Evans who should have a lot more to say. Evans in 3
Yesh: Dan Evans looks in good form, taking out rising youngster Thiago Seyboth Wild in straight sets. Moutet had a good first round as well, but Evans is the better player. Evans in 3
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