Steen Kirby and Yesh Ginsburg are on hand to predict the best of US Open Day 3 as both Zverev brothers have big matches for a spot in the third round. Americans John Isner and Jared Donaldson are presented with great opportunities to break open their draws, and Canadian sensation Denis Shapovalov faces fan favorite veteran Jo-Wilfried Tsonga.
(23)Mischa Zverev vs. Benoit Paire
Steen: Neither player is in good form, but the older Zverev probably has more pressure in this match. Paire has always had the talent to be a top player, but it’s been years since he’s looked in a position to capitalize on it. This is a favorable draw for him, but the older and wiser Zverev probably wins enough throwaway points on his serve to snatch a win. Look for Zverev to pressure Paire’s forehand with aggressive net play. Zverev in 5
Yesh: The older Zverev brother seems intent on only playing short points. If Paire is on top his game, that could be a bad setup, but when was the last time Paire played consistently? Zverev in 4
(10)John Isner vs. Hyeon Chung
Steen: Chung is a talent, but I don’t see him being able to break Isner’s serve. Isner underachieves in slams but it’s not sensible to predict him to lose this match. Isner in 4
Yesh: Isner looked pretty good on return in most of his first-round match. All he needs to do is get a few balls back deep in a game or two each set, and he’s incredibly difficult to beat. Isner in 4
(4)Alexander Zverev vs. Borna Coric
Steen: Coric has a h2h win over Zverev and played well in the first round. Zverev was red hot this summer but looked out of sorts in his opening round win, despite the fact he didn’t drop a set. I have a feeling Zverev will struggle early in this one but dial it up and eventually grind out a win. Zverev in 5
Yesh: These two are players who will be competing in Slam finals in a few years. Coric’s once-meteoric rise has tapered off, but the talent is still clearly there. He’s going to remind the world of that this week. Coric in 5
(8)Jo-Wilfried Tsonga vs. (Q)Denis Shapovalov
Steen: Tsonga just snapped a losing streak in the first round, but Shapovalov has won eight of his last nine matches and dominated fellow young gun Medvedev in the opening round. The Canadian has all the momentum and Tsonga’s prime has passed him by. Shapovalov in 4
Yesh: Don’t look now, but this second-round match could easily determine a semifinal spot. Seriously. Look at the draw. The winner of this match will be heavily favored in his next two matches. This should be a great one, but Shapovalov’s form this month is too much to ignore. Shapovalov in 4
(16)Lucas Pouille vs Jared Donaldson
Steen: Donaldson just beat Pouille in Montreal and is in much better form. You can’t deny the Frenchman has talent, but he’s struggled lately, and Donaldson will have the crowd with him, plus plenty of confidence against his opposition. Donaldson in 4
Yesh: I would like to be able to predict Donaldson here, but Pouille was quietly very solid in his first match. Pouille in 3
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