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
Andrey Rublev vs Arthur Rinderknech
Jordan:
Rublev is usually so solid in the early rounds of Grand Slams, and is showing it again. Frenchman Rinderknech is capable of some big hitting off his forehand especially when he finds his range. But getting to this stage via a retirement from Matteo Berrettini does not make me convinced that a big upset is on the cards.
Prediction: Rublev in 3
Damian:
Rinderknech benefitted from Berrettini’s retirement, but was pretty much in best match of the season territory until the ankle roll of his opponent. Rublev’s draw is opening up now and from a tricky set of opponents that was initially projected for him, it’s looking like he might be the big favorite to make the quarterfinals after all.
Prediction: Rublev in 4
Jack:
What very easily could have been Ruusuvuori-Monfils-Berrettini/Humbert has turned into Cazaux-Monfils-Rinderknech for Andrey Rublev. For all his supposed shortcomings at the Slams, he’s been very good at taking care of business against “the players he’s supposed to beating.” He’ll take this opportunity with open arms.
Prediction: Rublev in 3
Alexander Zverev vs Grigor Dimitrov
Jordan:
Zverev has dismantled Dimitrov twice this year, in what has otherwise been such a good season for the Bulgarian. Andy Murray struggled with Dimitrov’s slice in the previous round. But it plays right into the hands of Zverev, who prefers having extra time on his shots. Unfortunately I struggle to make a case for Dimitrov, who I feel does deserve a deep Grand Slam run.
Prediction: Zverev in 4
Damian:
This would be an extremely exciting third-round matchup, but their two most recent clashes (both this year) were total beatdowns. Zverev demolished Dimitrov at Roland Garros and in Cincinnati. The last time the Bulgarian managed to take him down was their very first meeting, in Basel 2014, when the German was just 17. This trend could continue here.
Prediction: Zverev in 4
Jack:
The head-to-head generally speaks for itself here. Zverev leads Dimitrov 5-1, having defeated him as recently as Cincinnati for the loss of four games. Dimitrov can match Zverev for rally temperament but the scales tip due to the backhand as a weapon vs slice dynamic and the difference in first serves.
Prediction: Zverev in 3
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Jack Draper vs Michael Mmoh
Jordan:
This is a golden opportunity for both players to reach a first Grand Slam fourth round. Draper’s straight sets win against Hubert Hurkacz was slightly more impressive than Mmoh’s comeback against the retiring Isner. But I am backing the American. Mmoh’s superb athleticism can draw unforced errors from Draper. The Briton may then run out of steam in a long match so soon after returning from injury.
Prediction: Mmoh in 5
Damian:
A healthy Draper is a massive threat and that’s obvious. He mostly had to stay solid in the second round with Hurkacz’s viral illness, but he executed that gameplan well. Mmoh is a tough competitor who will make him work hard for this win. Ultimately, he doesn’t quite have the ceiling of the Brit though.
Prediction: Draper in 4
Jack:
Was Draper playing phenomenally or was Hurkacz off-colour? It looked to be a bit of both but I’d still consider Draper the favourite in this match-up against Michael Mmoh. The American has been inspired by the crowd this week, however, and could force a bit of fatigue from an injury-prone Draper. I’m tempted to side with Mmoh as he’s well-suited to making this match a slog.
Prediction: Mmoh in 5
Carlos Alcaraz vs Dan Evans
Jordan:
A healthy Draper is a massive threat and that’s obvious. He mostly had to stay solid in the second round with Hurkacz’s viral illness, but he executed that game plan well. Mmoh is a tough competitor who will make him work hard for this win. Ultimately, he doesn’t quite have the ceiling of the Brit though.
Prediction: Alcaraz in 3
Damian:
This has been a nightmare matchup for Evans and Alcaraz generally eats up slices for breakfast. Is there a universe where the Brit plays an extremely smart match and the World No. 1 gets tense trying to hit through him? Maybe, but the outcome that’s way more likely is just another relatively comfortable win for the Spaniard.
Prediction: Alcaraz in 3
Jack:
Dan Evans at least presents a game that could be troublesome at its peak for Carlos Alcaraz. Slices and scrappy defence could ruffle the Spaniard’s feathers in full flow. It’s a stretch too far to suggest he reaches that peak to win more than a set, however.
Prediction: Alcaraz in 4
Main Photo Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
