US Open day 7 has arrived, and the men’s singles draw features some intriguing third-round matchups. Our panelists offer their predictions for every match on Saturday.
Daniel Altmaier vs Alex De Minaur
Jordan: Altmaier got a terrific win against Stefanos Tsitsipas in the last round. However, this will be a very different challenge. De Minaur’s relentless consistency is a more difficult matchup for the German. Prediction: De Minaur in 3
Nurein: Altmaier deserved a lot of acclaim after battling two five-set marathons and saving a match point in shocking Stefanos Tsitsipas. But the margin of sustaining that level for one more round is thin. And up against the tour’s most relentless baseliner, his chances are slim. Prediction: De Minaur in 3
Tope: De Minaur has been one of the leading players on the ATP tour this season and has progressed through two matches without dropping a set. Consequently, he is expected to secure a commanding win against Altmaier, who will likely come into the match fatigued after going the distance in his two encounters. Prediction: De Minaur in 3
Damian: Tough to say if de Minaur will be happy that Tsitsipas went out. On the one hand he has a horrible record against the Greek (2-13), but it’s also clear that he’s the better player at this point in time. That said, it’s time to look ahead and while Altmaier clearly has some hard-court game, de Minaur just so rarely loses matches like this. Prediction: De Minaur in 4
Kamil Majchrzak vs Leandro Riedi
Jordan: This is a golden opportunity for both men to reach a Grand Slam fourth round. Majchrzak’s win from two sets down against Karen Khachanov was an incredible effort, but it might have taken a lot out of him. I expect Riedi, even though he also won in the last round in five sets, to be slightly fresher since his match had fewer intense rallies. Prediction: Riedi in 4
Nurein: Majchrzak is slowly climbing the rankings after a few personal setbacks in recent years and it’s great to see him successfully relaunch his career. And reaching the second week of a Grand Slam would put the finishing touch on this resurgence. This feels like a coin-toss territory having to pick a winner in what is a 50/50 matchup, but I’ll give the energetic Pole the edge. Prediction: Majchrzak in 5
Tope: This match features two players who have gone against the odds to reach this stage, making this contest brimming with excitement and uncertainty, especially as both players are one win away from their deepest run in any Major. Despite Riedi’s exuberance, I’ll take a stab on Majchrzak, to go through especially after his demanding yet impressive win against ninth seed Karen Khachanov. Prediction: Majchrzak in 3
Damian: What a wonderful chance for both players after they pulled off wins from 0-2 in sets. Majchrzak has a bit more experience playing at these stages and produced something special to save 5 match points against Khachanov. Riedi might have more potential in the long run, but for now the gut feeling is to side with the Pole and his shovel backhand. Prediction: Majchrzak in 5
Jannik Sinner vs Denis Shapovalov
Jordan: I do not think anyone outside Carlos Alcaraz can beat Sinner at the US Open. Shapovalov always has his moments during matches that entertain the crowd. They will not be enough to stop the world No. 1. Prediction: Sinner in 3
Nurein: This could well be Jannik Sinner’s first test of the tournament. The same was said in the last round before he dismantled Alexei Popyrin in straight sets. While Shapovalov has the firepower to trouble the Italian occasionally, he doesn’t quite have the elite baseline attack to do it consistently. Prediction: Sinner in 4
Tope: The defending champion remains the clear frontrunner to win the title once more. Since last year’s edition, he has been on an impressive run, dropping only two sets in nine matches and is now renowned for his straightforward and ruthless performances. Given Shapovalov’s inconsistency and his shaky form this week, we can expect this match to conclude swiftly. Prediction: Sinner in 3
Damian: Sinner just tied the head-to-head with Popyrin, now he’ll do it to Shapovalov. The reality is these matches from 2021 don’t mean much as back then, the Italian was nowhere near the cold-blooded machine he is right now. Shapovalov at least you always have the chance that he’ll peak like crazy to blast somebody off the court, but over three sets it will be difficult. Prediction: Sinner in 3
Tommy Paul vs Alexander Bublik
Jordan: Paul is the kind of solid and tough opponent Bublik often struggles against. None of the Kazakhstani’s antics or shot-making will phase him. That is a crucial part of beating Bublik. Prediction: Paul in 4
Nurein: This could be the most interesting match of the day. Bublik didn’t make most of the draw projections of making it this far after his absence in all warm-up events before the US Open, but the Kazakh is not to be underestimated as he can pull off almost every shot in the book and beat his opponents with efficiency. Paul might need to bring his steadiness and rally tolerance on show to get it done. Prediction: Paul in 5
Tope: For the second consecutive match, Bublik was not broken on his serve against debutant Tristan Schoolkate, winning emphatically in straight sets. He has now won his last ten matches overall and has not lost a set in his last six encounters. Next, he will face Tommy Paul, who managed to fend off a comeback from Nuno Borges in a thrilling five-set match that lasted four hours and 25 minutes. Despite having a 3-0 advantage in their ATP head-to-head meetings, Paul will need to up his game to stand a chance against the Kazakh, who is serving exceptionally well and is experiencing the best form of his career over the past three months. Riding with Bublik in this one. Prediction: Bublik in 3
Damian: Bublik’s composure so far this event is impressive, he’s really flipped a switch mentally this year. While the pressure after winning Halle got to him at Wimbledon, now is where he seems back in his element again. He’s locked in and will be determined to get that Sinner clash in the fourth round. The American had a tiresome second round as well. Prediction: Bublik in 4
Main Photo Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
