Young Americans take center stage on day 2 of the US Open. Frances Tiafoe looks to pull off the upset of the decade against Roger Federer, while wild card Taylor Fritz is looking for the start of a solid run in New York. Steen Kirby, Yesh Ginsburg, and Brett Margolies are on hand to offer their previews, with predictions.
(27)Pablo Cuevas vs. Damir Dzumhur
Steen: Cuevas is 0-5 in his recent matches, Dzumhur is 12-3 and is coming off the final in Winston-Salem. The Bosnian keeps improving and is playing the best tennis of his career. He should defeat Cuevas unless fatigue is a factor, the veteran is not solid on hard courts this year. Dzhumur in 4
Yesh: Dzumhur is a young journeyman with a bit of potential, and Cuevas isn’t always comfortable on hard courts. Still, Cuevas has far more talent and should win this unless he’s having a horrible day. Cuevas in 4
Brett: Fresh off the finals appearance in Winston-Salem, Damir Dzumher will be looking to be looking to reach the 2nd round of the US Open for the second time in his career. He’s seems to be playing the better tennis of the two at the moment and I expect him to continue the success from Winston-Salem and upset Pablo Cuevas. Dzumhur in 4
(15)Tomas Berdych vs. Ryan Harrison
Steen: Berdych is 3-0 against Harrison and has beaten him twice this year. He’s lost two straight matches though, and really needs to regain form if he’s going to make a run in New York. Harrison will have home support, and he’s had a solid year, but Berdych looks superior. Berdych in 4
Yesh: Ryan Harrison is slowly and steadily improving his career, while Berdych is not at 100% right now. The American will make Berdych run and will wear him down in an upset. Harrison in 5
Brett: After knocking off Milos Raonic in US Open, American Ryan Harrison is looking to send another seeded player home early in New York. He hasn’t matched up well in the past against Berdych and I don’t think anything will change any time soon. Berdych’s last match ended with a 6-0 loss in the third to Juan Martin Del Potro but I can’t see Harrison having enough to pull off the upset. Berdych in 4
Marcos Baghdatis vs. (WC)Taylor Fritz
Steen: Fritz is 10-4 in his recent tournaments, he was struggling to start the year but the summer seems to have kicked him into form. The American young gun will have home support and although Baghdatis isn’t in terrible form, he’s been in a clear decline this season. Baghdatis is a good ball striker but Fritz should outwork him. Fritz in 5
Yesh: This is Taylor Fritz’s chance to break out at a Slam, and he gets to play a far-past-his-prime Baghdatis. Baghdatis should be able to win this, but the crowd will give the American a chance. Baghdatis in 4
Brett: 11 years after the classic match with Andre Agassi at the US Open Marcos Baghdatis will play a different role as he faces young next gen star Taylor Fritz. The crowds always seem to love watching Baghdatis and he’ll most likely make it entertaining so this match has potential to be fun. Look for the wildcard Taylor Fritz to kick off his US Open with a big win over the veteran Marcos Baghdatis. Fritz in 5
Donald Young vs. (Q)Max Marterer
Steen: Donald Young has had a poor summer, but one of his best seasons on tour overall. He also tends to play some of his best tennis in New York. All of that said, Marterer is a quickly rising young gun. He came through qualifying and is nearing a real breakthrough on the ATP tour. I have him upsetting Young and pulling off a minor surprise. Marterer in 4
Yesh: I’ve given up on predicting Donald Young’s matches. He is getting more consistent, except when he’s not. If he’s having an off day, Marterer might be good enough to take advantage. Maybe. Young in 3
Brett: Maximillian Marterer managed to come through qualifying on Friday upsetting the #1 seed Leonardo Mayer. He’s not a qualifier most players would like to draw, but Donald Young typically plays well at the US Open. Even in matches where he’s not playing his best he’s relied on the crowd (mostly on court 17) and they’ve helped him pull through. It wouldn’t surprise me if something similar happened on Tuesday. Young in 4
(3)Roger Federer vs. Frances Tiafoe
Steen: Tiafoe simply isn’t playing well enough to upset Federer. Barring an injury, Federer will win this match in a competitive, but not particularly close three sets. Look for Federer to try to preserve himself and get off court quickly. Federer in 3
Yesh: If Federer’s back isn’t 100%, then this might be Tiafoe’s chance to show the world that he’s arrived. He’s not there yet, though. He’ll make one or two sets exciting, but he’s a year away from winning a big match at a Slam. Federer in 3
Brett: It’s a shame that Frances Tiafoe has to play Federer in the first round as he seems to be playing some of the best tennis of his young career. After upsetting Alexander Zverev in Cincinnati he’ll have to play even better to beat Roger Federer in a best of five match. I think the moment might be too big for Tiafoe in his young career but will definitely be a good experience. Federer in 3
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