The third round of the men’s singles starts on Day 5 of the US Open. We get eight matches on Friday, as players will be searching for a coveted second week appearance. Who will get that, and who will fall short? As always, our writers here at LWOT share their thoughts on the matches with you. We split the eight matches between this and a separate article. Predicting these matches are Jack Edward, Damian Kust, and Jim Smith. Who do you think will advance?
US Open Day 5 Men’s Predictions
Tommy Paul vs Alejandro Davidovich Fokina
Jack:
The match of the day. This one seems destined to go the distance, Davidovich Fokina having gone down in the fifth set in four of his last five Grand Slam appearances (including a loss to Paul at the Australian Open). Given the Spaniard should be feeling a little fresher, I’m predicting he squeaks the win.
Prediction: Davidovich Fokina in 5
Damian:
They’ve played twice this year with Paul winning on both occasions, one of them at the Australian Open. The American had to come back from two sets to love against Safiullin, but handled his business professionally from the third set onwards. His matchup with Davidovich Fokina seems pretty decent and he can be brutal in punishing the erratic nature of the Spaniard’s game.
Prediction: Paul in 4
Jim:
Two great movers going head-to-head suggests we will be in for plenty of long rallies, as well as plenty of exchanges at the net with both likely to deploy the drop shot regularly. But Paul, at least right now, is probably the better player and he is also on home turf.
Prediction: Paul in 4
Ben Shelton vs Aslan Karatsev
Jack:
If there are any doubts in Shelton’s game, they’re unlikely to come to the fore here. It’ll be a case of whoever can execute the best first-strike tennis on the day. I’m siding towards Shelton—it’s tough to trust Karatsev match to match and the American loves it when the crowd get behind him.
Prediction: Shelton in 4
Damian:
Shelton could really use the win, but even making the third round is already pretty huge for him. He can play inspired tennis in front of the home crowd and should be able to perform much better than for most of the season. Karatsev’s just as inconsistent, but his advantage on return could be crucial here and his hard-hitting will make it hard for Shelton to stay on top of the rallies. Seems like the matchup favors the Russian.
Prediction: Karatsev in 4
Jim:
This will be a real test for Shelton – Karatsev is a Grand Slam semifinalist after all. But if Shelton is to get where he’s going, these are the sorts of tests he has to find a way to pass.
Prediction: Shelton in 5
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Zhizhen Zheng vs Rinky Hijikata
Jack:
Zhizhen Zhang will look to capitalize on his fantastic win over 2022 finalist, Casper Ruud, as he takes on Hijikata in the third round. He’s shown so much promise this year, with wins over Norrie, Fritz, Sonego, Hanfmann, Wolf and now Ruud. This really feels like the Chinese’ breakout moment.
Prediction: Zhang in 4
Damian:
Hijikata took advantage of a wobbly performance from Fucsovics, who didn’t recover from his five-set win against Korda. Zhang managed to beat Ruud and found a way to advance in two consecutive deciders. The Chinese has a much higher ceiling and while you never really know what you’re going to get from him, he’s been playing some pretty smart tennis this week and counter-punching well along with his thumping power.
Prediction: Zhang in 4
Jim:
After back-to-back five-setters, how much will Zhang have left in the tank? With Rinky Hijikata seemingly in the form of his life, quite possibly not enough.
Prediction: Hijikata in 4
Novak Djokovic vs Laslo Djere
Jack:
Laslo Djere is rarely a pushover but his solid tennis is at its most effective on a clay court. He’s won one of his eleven Top 20 meetings on a hard court. Still, I think it’ll take a little while for Novak Djokovic to find his range against Djere’s wall.
Prediction: Djokovic in 4
Damian:
Djere pushed Djokovic extremely close in Belgrade last year, but that was with the 23-time Grand Slam champion building up his stamina for the next events and definitely not in his strongest patch. The underdog seems like one of the players who could frustrate Djokovic and keep it close for a set or two, but ultimately has a very slim chance of progressing.
Prediction: Djokovic in 3
Jim:
A great experience for Djere, but not a great draw by any stretch of the imagination. It’s difficult to see how he can hurt his august countryman and he will also need to contend with the occasion. All of which points to a comfortable Djokovic win.
Prediction: Djokovic in 3
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
