We get the end of the third round of the US Open on Day 6, as the rest of the men’s Round of 16 will be finalized. Players are looking to book spots in a coveted “second week” of the year’s last Major. As always, we here at LWOT will share our thoughts on all of the matches with you. We split the day’s eight matches between this and a separate article. Predicting today’s matches are Jordan Reynolds, Damian Kust, and Jack Edward. Who do you think will advance.
US Open Day 6 Men’s Predictions
Stan Wawrinka vs Jannik Sinner
Jordan:
This match will be incredibly fun, regardless of how long it lasts. Wawrinka’s resurgence at the age of 38 has been quite inspiring to watch. But I do not believe he has any chance against Sinner. Not only is the younger man’s movement obviously better, but he is one of the few men who can hit the ball even harder than Wawrinka can.
Prediction: Sinner in 3
Damian:
When they played at the US Open four years ago, it already felt like a huge matchup. Now we’ve already seen how good Sinner can be and despite being 38, Wawrinka is actually firing his groundstrokes at the moment. The power of youth and more dynamic footwork are enough for the Italian to be the favorite and he crushed his opponent twice this year already.
Prediction: Sinner in 4
Jack:
Is this a rejuvenated Stan Wawrinka? Sorry to be the bearer of bad news but this trend isn’t new from the three-time Slam champion. Win a couple of matches before losing a slight spring in the step and falling to one of the top guys. Maybe he’ll light up for a set but actually beating Sinner feels like a step too far.
Prediction: Sinner in 4
Alex de Minaur vs Nicolas Jarry
Jordan:
Nicolas Jarry’s development outside clay this season has been very admirable. However, De minaur is perfectly suited to his game style. The Australian is one of the best at re-directing pace on hard courts. That is likely to blunt Jarry enough, although I do think the Chilean will take a set.
Prediction: De Minaur in 4
Damian:
Jarry is a very consistent force now, winning at least a match at all Slams and constantly producing results off-clay as well. He shouldn’t be without a shot here and the destructive power he brings to the table is an interesting contrast to de Minaur’s speed and court coverage. Very tough call.
Prediction: De Minaur in 5
Jack:
Both players are looking about as good as they’ve ever looked. It’s hard to see Nicolas Jarry winning a ton of the extended rallies with de Minaur in this mood, however. The Aussie can sometimes fatigue in the five-set format but Jarry’s style of play won’t cause him too many issues in that department.
Prediction: De Minaur in 4
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Matteo Arnaldi vs Cameron Norrie
Jordan:
Norrie has slipped under the radar so far. He had been struggling the last few months, but showed some of his best tennis in his two straight set wins so far. He is likely to be a particularly bad matchup for Arnaldi. The Italian has had a great run, but may be feeling it after his long five-set match with Arthur Fils. Norrie makes every contest very physical.
Prediction: Norrie in 3
Damian:
The slow and steady progress of Arnaldi has been amazing this year. He’s got a great hard-court game with the underrated first serve and scrambling that’s just as good as on clay. It seems like this will be a decent matchup for Norrie though and the Italian’s counter-punching might not be quite as effective as in the electric five-setter with Fils.
Prediction: Norrie in 5
Jack:
In a relatively disappointing season, it’s great to see Cam Norrie putting together two tidy wins at the last Slam of the year. Matteo Arnaldi has more than enough firepower to pose a serious threat but, now that Norrie’s got a bit of momentum, he’ll be comfortable executing his plan A—take the Italian’s legs from underneath him!
Prediction: Norrie in 5
Daniil Medvedev vs Sebastian Baez
Jordan:
Baez’s superb hard court form might be the development that has surprised me more than anything this season. He is now on a seven match winning streak on the surface. None of those wins came against a player of the class of Medvedev though. The 2021 champion will be able to redirect the pace from Baez’s powerful forehand to nullify the Argentine.
Prediction: Medvedev in 3
Damian:
It’s now 12 wins in a row for Baez and seven of them on hard courts, which is particularly surprising given the losing streaks that he would sometimes have on this surface. This is a completely new challenge, though, and the Argentinian would have to show a degree of controlled aggression that even his ultra-confident version probably doesn’t have.
Prediction: Medvedev in 3
Jack:
Sebastian Baez can’t stop winning… but this is probably too much to ask. He’s never met Medvedev on-court so a look at the Russian’s head-to-head against Diego Schwartzman, Baez’ compatriot with a similar game-style, could be used as a decent reference. Six meetings and six wins for Medvedev. Obviously Baez isn’t Schwartzman (the groundstrokes in particular can be a bit more vicious), but it still feels like there’s nowhere to hide.
Prediction: Medvedev in 3
Main Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
