Hubert Hurkacz and Jenson Brooksby put their big hitting games on display on the second day of the US Open 2022. We have predictions for every day 2 match from the tournament including Rafael Nadal’s first round encounter.
Hubert Hurkacz vs Oscar Otte
Damian Kust: This would have been a total upset alert a couple of months ago. However, Oscar Otte hasn’t played since Wimbledon and there’s some pressure on him here defending round four points. A good opportunity for Hubert Hurkacz to exorcise the demons of his Grand Slam past. Hurkacz in 4
David Gertler: While both Hurkacz and Otte have huge serves, the difference between them is that Hurkacz’s ground game is much more developed. Otte is just not steady enough from the baseline during rallies to trust against a player of Hurkacz’s caliber. Hurkacz in 4
Glenys Furness: The Pole is the eighth seed, but has not had that good a lead up. Hurkacz made the final of the Canadian Open but then lost in the first round in Cincinnati. Hurkacz should be favourite for this match. Otte, however has not played since Wimbleon. The German got to the third round in Wimbledon, before coming across Alcaraz. Otte could spring a surprise here Otte in 4
James Duckworth vs Christopher O’Connell
Damian: James Duckworth won their only meeting seven years ago, but these two have come a long way since then. Who takes this one? Christopher O’Connell seems more likely with his controlled aggression and solid baseline quality. O’Connell in 5
David: Duckworth and O’Connell both rely on their big serves and try to take the initiative during points. However, the weakest shot on the court will be O’Connell’s one-handed backhand and Duckworth should be able to exploit that wing just enough to get the victory. Duckworth in 5
Glenys: Battle of the Australians. Duckworth has played lots of warm up events although losing early in each. O’Connell is similar, having played a few warm up events, but not progressing beyond the early rounds. An all Australian match up will be an very interesting round one. O’Connell in 5
Jenson Brooksby vs Dusan Lajovic
Damian: This time last year, Jenson Brooksby was a US Open dark horse contender. That’s not the case now, but he should still cruise through his first round as Dusan Lajovic hasn’t been competitive on hard courts this year. Brooksby in 3
David: While Brooksby has not progressed this season as quickly as he seemed he would last year, he still has excellent fitness, consistency, and variety. Lajovic has nothing to hurt Brooksby with and his one-handed backhand does not hold up well on hard courts. Brooksby should roll here. Brooksby in 3
Glenys: Having made the final in Atlanta the American has since struggled to progress beyond the second round in the most recent lead up events. Lajovic has not fared any better. The Serbian has not gone beyond the second round in the lead up tournaments. Lajovic. Brooksby in 3
Jason Kubler vs Mikael Ymer
Damian: One of the underrated matchups of the round. Jason Kubler has dropped his form slightly since tearing through the tour in the summer and Mikael Ymer always raises his level for the Slams. A slight advantage towards the Swede. Ymer in 5
David: Kubler has made a name for himself this summer with his big serve and forehand, while Ymer tries to stay consistent and counterpunch. Ultimately, I just think that in the best-of-five format, Ymer’s fitness and ability to keep the ball deep in long rallies will be the difference int his match. He should be able to blunt Kubler’s power game. Ymer in 5
Glenys: Kubler has not had a great run into Flushing Meadows. The Australian has lost early in the tournaments leading up to this. Ymer, however, has made the semi final and quarter final of Citi Open and Vancouver Open. The Swede lost in the second round in Winston Salem. Ymer in 3
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