Expect plenty of entertaining tennis on day three at the US Open with 20 intriguing matches on the slate in New York. As always, we here at LWOT will be offering our predictions for every match on the slate, including Jannik Sinner vs Vit Kopriva, Alexander Zverev vs Alejandro Tabilo, Tommy Paul vs Elmer Moller, and Gael Monfils vs Roman Safiullin. But who will book their spot in the second round?
US Open Day 3 Predictions
Lorenzo Musetti vs Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard
Tope: This matchup is likely to be one of the most competitive contests of the opening round. Musetti has struggled with his form recently, and his opponent who has been involved in thrilling matches this year will be keen to capitalize on this. Still, the Italian is more reliable on experienced.
Prediction: Musetti in 4
Damian: Musetti was heading for an ATP Finals campaign not that long ago, but needed to keep his form up on hard courts. That’s been difficult since his injury at Roland Garros and he comes into this one very cold. His block return was a major asset for him against Mpetshi Perricard on grass last year and he’ll still have it here, but he’s just tough to trust right now.
Prediction: Mpetshi Perricard in 5
Nurein: This has an upset written all over it. Mpetshi Perricard might be unfortunate to draw a seed in another first-round match in a Grand Slam, but he’ll fancy his chances of progressing in this one if he keeps his service games tidy. And on this court, it will be genuine weapon.
Prediction: Mpetshi Perricard in 4
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Alex de Minaur vs Christopher O’Connell
Tope: These two were actually set to meet last month in the Toronto third round, but Chrisopher O’Connell had to withdraw from the event. A well-rested Alex de Minaur will come out guns blazing and is expected to have a quick victory in the battle of the Aussies.
Prediction: de Minaur in 3
Damian: De Minaur just suffered an early loss to Reilly Opelka in Cincinnati, but it’s probably not a major concern for the Australian about as it came against a much more dangerous opponent. The Washington champion is still as consistent as ever and it will take a lot of quality to knock him out of this event. O’Connell, in this form, just doesn’t have it.
Prediction: de Minaur in 3
Nurein: De Minaur will have a clear physical edge over O’Connell who will need to slice and dice to defend himself. The Australian might not be the most attacking-minded player, but he’s relentless on the baseline and that will reflect on the score.
Prediction: de Minaur in 3
Alexander Bublik vs Marin Cilic
Tope: Inactive since his stunning Wimbledon run, Marin Cilic is back at the site of his greatest career success, which occurred 11 years ago when he secured his first and only Grand Slam. On his day, he is capable of defeating anyone but a long break and possible lack of fitness might tilt the outcome towards one of the most outstanding players of the season. Let the Alexander Bublik season roll on.
Prediction: Bublik in 4
Damian: Bublik sat out the last month or so after all the winning on clay and grass, let’s see what sort of attitude he comes back with. Form has been unreal and he shouldn’t be feeling the pressure like he did at Wimbledon. Considering Cilic hasn’t played since the grass, it seems like it’s a potentially tricky draw that might turn out not as dangerous as expected.
Prediction: Bublik in 4
Nurein: It’s questionable if Bublik is Slam ready after missing all warm-up tournaments in the build up to the US Open. Sacrificing that swing to play on clay last month might ultimately cost him a potential deep run at the US Open. Cilic hasn’t played on a hard court since Dubai making this one a very unpredictable. Bublik’s success here hinges on discipline which he has shown in abundance in the last few months.
Prediction: Bublik in 4
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Quentin Halys vs David Goffin
Tope: Both players arrive in horrendous form, winless in their last five matches. While Quentin Halys has shown a bit of fight-winning at least a set in some of his matches, David Goffin has lost in straight sets in his last four. Regardless, the Belgian has a knack for producing shock upsets and on the basis of that, I’ll back him to produce another one against another player in the same boat.
Prediction: Goffin in 5
Damian: Both players are really out of form, so it’s a tough one to predict. Halys hasn’t won on hard courts in North America yet, Goffin’s last couple of performances didn’t make it seem like he was ready for this tournament at all. The Frenchman has that bigger serve that maybe he can rely on even when the rhythm isn’t fully there.
Prediction: Halys in 4
Nurein: Goffin is no longer the force he once was, but time and again, he can produce a spectacular result out of nowhere. But this lowkey match favours Halys who will likely take time away from the Belgian with his supreme serve.
Prediction: Halys in 4
Main photo credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
