US Open action kicks off on Sunday with a bevy of intriguing matches on both the men’s and women’s sides. Four-time US Open Champion Novak Djokovic gets his campaign underway on Arthur Ashe against Learner Tien. As always, we at LWOT provide the preview and prediction for all matches on the slate, with Ateet Shrivastava, Damian Kust, and Tope Oke offering their insights.<\/p>\n
Our other prediction pieces feature Ben Shelton vs Ignacio Buse<\/a>, Taylor Fritz vs Emilio Nava<\/a>, Daniil Medvedev vs Benjamin Bonzi<\/a>, and Jakub Mensik vs Nicolas Jarry<\/a>. But who will advance?<\/p>\n Ateet<\/strong> Damian<\/strong> Tope<\/strong> Ateet<\/strong> Damian<\/strong> Tope<\/strong>US Open Day 1 Men’s Predictions<\/h2>\n
Alejandro Davidovich Fokina vs Alexander Shevchenko<\/h4>\n
\nThese two have never faced off, but Alejandro Davidovich Fokina is the heavy favourite to win this match based on his superior form and ranking. Shevchenko gained some much-needed momentum at the Sumter Challenger but had to retire in the final due to health issues. If the Spaniard plays close to his best, he will take this.
\nPrediction: Shevchenko in 4<\/em><\/p>\n
\nBig resurgence for Davidovich Fokina this season, three ATP Tour finals with chances to win two of them, and a Top 20 debut. He\u2019s managed to limit his instability and usually gets the job done in matches like this now. Shevchenko hasn\u2019t proven he can be a mainstay on the ATP circuit yet and is a little outmatched here.
\nPrediction: Davidovich Fokina in 4<\/em><\/p>\n
\nAlexander Shevchenko made some progress after reaching the final of the Sumter Challenger Tour last week, but he had to retire in the middle of his match against Mattia Bellucci. Alejandro Davidovich Fokina also retired in his most recent match in Toronto against Andrey Rublev and had to do the same in the second round of Cincinnati against Joao Fonseca. However, he has had almost a fortnight of rest to prepare for this event, and if he is fit, there is only one outcome.
\nPrediction: Davidovich Fokina in 4<\/em><\/p>\nTomas Machac vs Luca Nardi<\/h4>\n
\nInjuries have derailed Tomas Machac\u2019s season, and he\u2019s finding it hard to get back to his desired level, losing 4 of his last 5 matches. However, there\u2019s no denying his quality when he is playing well, and his serve and aggressive style should keep this close. Nardi is without doubt in much better form, and I expect him to get his first US Open win.
\nPrediction: Nardi in 5<\/em><\/p>\n
\nNardi hasn\u2019t won a Grand Slam main draw match yet (0-6), and the streak might continue. Machac\u2019s level is still very strong, but the frequent fitness issues are taking a toll on him. He probably wins this match unless he ends up retiring with something again. The Italian will also feel like he desperately wants to get this win right now, maybe too much.
\nPrediction: Machac in 4<\/em><\/p>\n
\nLuca Nardi has struggled for form all season but suddenly burst into life in Cincinnati, winning three matches in the main draw to reach the fourth round, before losing to eventual champion Carlos Alcaraz. The Italian will take plenty of confidence from that run as he prepares for the US Open. In contrast, Machac has been in poor form of late, currently on a three-match winless run and has not picked up a victory since the first round of Wimbledon. Nardi seems to be peaking at the right time and has already shown in the past that he can beat higher-ranked players. Set the upset bells off.
\nPrediction: Nardi in 5<\/em><\/p>\n