64 men remain in contention for the last 16 spots in the US Open that begins on next Monday in Queens, NY. The US Open qualifying continues on Thursday with all 64 players in action in their qualifying “semifinal” matches on the outer courts at the National Tennis Center. For some, advancing to Friday’s qualifying finals or, even better, into the main draw will be the defining highlight of their 2022 season. Here’s out predictions for four of Thursday’s pressure-packed matches. All are first time professional match ups between the competitors.
US Open Qualifying Predictions
Chris Eubanks vs Gregoire Barrere
In their mid-twenties with rankings near #150 in the world, these two would be qualifiers match up well on paper. Barrere showed his moxie on Monday by knocking out Juan Pablo Varillas, the fifth seed in the US Open qualifying relatively easily 6-2 6-2. Eubanks, a veteran of many Grand Slam qualifying tournaments has lost in the first or second round in 6 of the last 7 slam qualifiers, however he did advance to the main draw in New York a year ago. Eubanks success in US Open Qualifying gives him a slight edge over Barrere who has qualified on grass and clay in the last few years, but not on hard courts.
Prediction: Eubanks in 3
Embed from Getty Images
Raul Brancaccio vs Mats Moraing
Raul Brancaccio comes in as a clear underdog in this match. Playing in his first Grand Slam qualifying and ranked outside the top 200 in the world, the twenty-five year old Italian pulled off an impressive upset on Monday by defeating Dominik Koepfer, once ranked as high as 50th in the world. While Brancaccio needed two tight sets, Moraing cruised in his first round match, dropping only four games in dropping 22nd seed Juan Pablo Ficovich in less than an hour. Moraing will have too much for the Italian.
Prediction: Moraing in 2
Embed from Getty Images
Altug Celibilek vs Jesper de Jong
In their first professional match up against each other, the closely paired up-and-comers should have a tight match. Celikbilek, ranked #234, knocked out the fourth seed, Camilo Carabelli to reach the semis. The 22-year-old Jesper de Jong carries in a #212 ranking and won his first round match in straight sets. Look for the slightly more experienced Celibilek to bring a little too much skill and momentum into this qualifying semi.
Prediction: Celibilek in 2
Embed from Getty Images
Ethan Quinn vs Federico Delbonis
The 18-year-old Ethan Quinn is ranked outside the world’s top 500 players, but he is here all the same. Quinn upset perennial qualifying candidate and world #175, Ernesto Escobedo on Monday in three very tight sets. The qualifying tournament’s #30 seed, Delbonis, narrowly escaped a first set tie-breaker against Zsombor Piros before cruising to a 6-0 set victory in the first round. Quinn’s story creates waves and the college-bound teen surely has a bright future. That said, the future is not now, not against the experienced veteran Delbonis only last year reached the round of 16 at Roland Garros.
Prediction: Delbonis in 2
Main photo:
Embed from Getty Images
