Kevin Anderson vs Diego Schwartzman is a key matchup on day 3 of the 2021 US Open in New York City, Casper Ruud also plays. Anish Joshi, Jack Edward and Damian Kust offer their predictions for every day 3 match.
Kevin Anderson vs Diego Schwartzman
Damian: Anderson defeated Vesely in 4 hours and 30 minutes, not breaking his opponent even once. He should get a lot more play on return here and if he serves like that again (49 aces), then he might have a very good shot at the slight upset. Anderson in 4
Jack: Kevin Anderson and Diego Schwartzman had polar opposite first-round matches, having won in five sets and straight sets, respectively. Anderson really could have done with an easier win given his physical condition recently – plus, his return game wasn’t brilliant, having failed to break serve against Jiri Vesely. I don’t think the 11th seed will struggle too much against the former US Open finalist. Schwartzman in 3
Anish: Anderson came through in a five setter against Jiri Vesely, which shouldn’t have been that tough. It was his service that saw him through, as he hit a staggering 49 aces in the match. On the other hand, Schwartzman had no problems in his straight set win over Berankis. For me, it is Anderson’s serve that puts him into the next round. Anderson in 4
Casper Ruud vs Botic van de Zandschulp
Damian: Ruud’s been very impressive with his play after the serve on hard courts recently and it looks like he’ll only lose to top opponents. Van de Zandschulp has a lot of power, but he can’t quite do what Zverev or Tsitsipas did to Ruud recently. Ruud in 4
Jack: Botic van de Zandschulp has had to make a comeback in every match he’s played so far. That eventually takes a toll and the zip on his serve may start to wane as fatigue sets in. Whatever his opponent’s condition, Casper Ruud has been asserting himself on all surfaces this year and will take the legs from underneath the qualifier. Ruud in 3
Anish: Casper Ruud made short work of his first round opponent Yuichi Sugita in straight sets. Ruud hit 19 aces in the match, which is good enough with respect to his serve. If he is serving well in addition to his top game, he is the firm favorite. Ruud in 4
Roberto Bautista Agut vs Emil Ruusuvuori
Damian: We don’t really know much about Bautista Agut’s level after the first round, but Ruusuvuori should prove a much more competitive opponent than Kyrgios. The Spaniard’s consistency might just get him there, but it could go awry if the Finn has a great day at the office. Bautista Agut in 4
Jack: Whatever mood Nick Kyrgios is in, he’s a nightmare to deal with, so dispatching the Aussie with relative ease will give Roberto Bautista Agut tons of confidence. Emil Ruusuvuori is playing well enough to continue up the rankings, however, so it won’t be a cakewalk. Bautista Agut in 4
Anish: Roberto Bautista Agut was playing marvelous tennis in his match against Nick Kyrgios. He crushed Kyrgios in straight sets, including a last set bagel. With his experience and skill on hard courts, Bautista Agut is a force to be reckoned with. Rising star Emil Russuvuori has a great future, but he just might not be enough. Bautista Agut in 5
Philipp Kohlschreiber vs Pablo Andujar
Damian: Both barely survived their first-rounds, coming back from two sets down (Kohlschreiber via fifth-set retirement). The veterans are still going strong, but the German is just way better on hard courts usually and has been overperforming at Slams recently. Kohlschreiber in 4
Jack: The two vets of the game, Philipp Kohlscreiber and Pablo Andujar, both had to come from two sets down to win their first round matches. Kohlschreiber is lucky to be here as it appeared Cilic was injured when he eventually retired. Still, I think the slight edge goes to the German who is a far more experienced hard-court player. Kohlschreiber in 4
Anish: Philipp Kohlschreiber, the oldest of the many Germans in the draw, was tied at two sets all and was leading in the third set by a break against Cilic, who later retired to injury. Pablo Andujar gained a tough five-set victory over Mikhail Kukushkin. It feels that Kohlschreiber is better poised to win here. Kohlschreiber in 4
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