The 2023 US Open continues Round 2 play on Thursday, with 16 men’s matches on the slate. The first week of Slam play is action-packed from sunup to sundown, and Day 4 in Flushing Meadows is no different. We at LWOT have analyzed the matches and provided our thoughts on all 16 matches. We split the 16 matches between four articles. Our other articles feature Carlos Alcaraz vs Lloyd Harris, Andrey Rublev vs Gael Monfils, and Jannik Sinner vs Lorenzo Sonego. Predicting this set of matches are Damian Kust, Jordan Reynolds, and Shane Black.
US Open Day 4 Men’s Predictions
Grigor Dimitrov vs Andy Murray
Damian:
Dimitrov made a huge mess of his round one against Molcan, only surviving due to a couple of magical touch shots in the deciding set tie-break. While before the event I would have said he’s a sizeable favorite over Murray, now I can’t really separate them. The Bulgarian will need to take it up a few gears to win here.
Prediction: Murray in 5
Jordan:
A repeat of the 2014 Wimbledon quarterfinal, and one of the most attractive second round clashes. Dimitrov will hopefully be fully recovered after his epic comeback against Alex Molcan. But I think Dimitrov will rise to win this. Murray has produced a lot of good stuff this year, but Dimitrov is having his most consistent season in years. A lot of that is down to avoiding early round upsets. The Bulgarian to do it again.
Prediction: Dimitrov in 4
Shane:
These veterans know each other well. Murray holds the 8-3 head-to-head advantage, but they have not squared off in seven years. Dimitrov survived by the skin of his teeth in Round 1, coming from two sets down to take out Alex Molcan. Murray has been striking the ball well this summer and should put enough pressure on Dimitrov to find the finish line.
Prediction: Murray in 4
Hubert Hurkacz vs Jack Draper
Damian:
If Draper is healthy, this becomes one of the best matches of the round. He didn’t struggle at all against Albot, it’s just a question of what happens when he faces adversity. Hurkacz scored a very important win mentally against Huesler and we’ll see whether that unblocks him and allows him to start handling the pressure better. It might.
Prediction: Hurkacz in 4
Jordan:
Hurkacz needed a Houdini act in the first round to avoid another early exit at the US Open. The Pole deserves credit for his fighting spirit, but he will need to play much better against Draper. The Briton surprised me with an excellent opening round display after some recent injury problems. This could be tight. Hurkacz to raise his level just enough to progress.
Prediction: Hurkacz in 5
Shane:
This will be just the seventh match Draper has played since early June. He has been inconsistent in his return from injury but dropped just eight games in his Round 1 win. Hurkacz overcame a two sets to love deficit to reach Round 2. His strong summer form is hard to ignore, and I believe he has the experience and skill to navigate the undoubted tiebreaks in this match.
Prediction: Hurkacz in 4
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Nicolas Jarry vs Alex Michelsen
Damian:
Michelsen was in business mode against Ramos-Vinolas, not struggling at all in his Slam debut. Now he faces a much tougher opponent, but also someone who’s definitely in his range. Can the 19-year-old pull it off? It seems like his well-balanced style should work pretty well against Jarry and he should be winning the rallies he gets into.
Prediction: Michelsen in 5
Jordan:
There will be much big hitting and serving in this contest. Michelsen’s rise has been a great story this year. But Jarry has impressed me this season by looking a lot more comfortable outside of clay. I think the Chilean will beat Michelsen and the home crowd to progress.
Prediction: Jarry in 4
Shane:
Michelsen’s record in Slams is 1-0 after his impressive straight-set win over Albert Ramos-Vinolas. The young American plays a confident brand of tennis and has the talent to back it up. Jarry has struggled since his run to the second week of the French Open. He will serve well enough to keep this match close, but Michelsen’s variety will be the difference.
Prediction: Michelsen in 4
Daniil Medvedev vs Christopher O’Connell
Damian:
O’Connell was among the few players to push Medvedev around February/March when the Russian had his purple patch. Doing this in the longer format should be tougher though. The Australian beat his compatriot Purcell and it was actually the latter who had a stronger shot at Medvedev with his unconventional playstyle.
Prediction: Medvedev in 3
Jordan:
Medvedev’s first round win over Attila Balazs must have been the easiest of his career. O’Connell will undoubtedly provide more competitive opposition. However, the Australian lacks any serious weapons to threaten Medvedev with an upset on his favourite surface. The 2021 champion in straights.
Prediction: Medvedev in 3
Shane:
Medvedev dropped just two games in his Round 1 victory. For whatever reason, the 2021 Champion seems to be treading under the radar in New York. He should pick up another straight-forward win over O’Connell.
Prediction: Medvedev in 3
Main Photo Credit: Geoff Burke – USA TODAY Sports
