US Open Champion Daniil Medvedev opens his account this tournament against American Stefan Kozlov. Our panelists have predictions for every day 1 match at the US Open including Nick Kyrgios opening match.
Daniil Medvedev vs Stefan Kozlov
Damian Kust: Stefan Kozlov is having an awful season and will soon start dropping points from the fall of 2021. He still snuck into the main draw here, but this is probably one of the last tournaments the American plays at this level for a while. Daniil Medvedev doesn’t seem like someone who’ll be bothered by his off-pace style, at least not enough to actually lose here. Medvedev in 3
David Gertler: Daniil Medvedev is the reigning champion and a wall from the baseline. Kozlov is out of form, lacking power, and a lacking belief in himself. This one should be a quick win for the Russian.
Medvedev in 3
Alejandro Tabilo vs Kamil Majchrzak
Damian: Both players have had their US Open warm-up campaigns disrupted by injuries, so this one could get a bit messy. Kamil Majchrzak retired in his last match at Winston-Salem, so at least physically that’s probably a slight advantage to Alejandro Tabilo. He also has a bigger game that could be rewarded on the courts in New York. Tabilo in 5
David: Tabilo is a fit, crafty lefty that uses all areas of the court in attacking his opposition. And, given that Majchrzak just retired from Winston-Salem last week and his health is in question, the Chilean’s chances are looking good. Look for Tabilo to grind down Majchrzak in this one. Tabilo in 4
Pablo Andujar vs Tomas Martin Etcheverry
Damian: Which one of the clay specialists will take this one? Pablo Andujar retired in his last match with a wrist injury and while he went deep at the US Open before, fitness-wise Tomas Martin Etcheverry has a big edge here. The Argentinian’s forehand can translate to hard courts and he’s known for his endurance. Etcheverry in 4
David: Andujar is losing the physicality he once had and he’s become more erratic from the baseline. Etcheverry did pull out of Winston-Salem, but he’s one of the fittest players on tour, and that seemed more due to fatigue than anything else. Etcheverry should control the court with his big forehand wear Andujar down. Etcheverry in 4
Jack Draper vs Emil Ruusuvuori
Damian: It’s a nasty first-round draw for either as both could be potential dark horses in easier sections. Jack Draper has a much higher base level with the combination of big weaponry and rally tolerance. It could help him shift this one in his favor, but it’s likely to be very close. Draper in 5
David: Draper has a huge lefty game and is very smart in how he uses his forehand. Ruusuvuori is steady improving and, while he doesn’t hit the ball as big as Draper, he’s a bit more consistent from the baseline, the more fit player, and has the more reliable game at this point in their respective careers.
Ruusuvuori in 5
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