The 2023 US Open continues Round 1 play on Tuesday, with 32 men’s matches slated for play. The first few days of a Slam are action-packed from sunup to sundown, and Day 2 in Flushing Meadows is no different. We at LWOT have analyzed the matches and provided our thoughts on all 32 matches. We split the 32 matches between eight articles. Our other articles feature Carlos Alcaraz vs Dominik Koepfer, Cameron Norrie vs Alexander Shevchenko, Alexander Zverev vs Aleksandar Vukic, Andy Murray vs Corentin Moutet, Gael Monfils vs Taro Daniel, John Isner vs Facundo Diaz Acosta, and Jannik Sinner vs Yannick Hanfmann. Predicting this set of matches are Damian Kust, Yesh Ginsburg, and Jordan Reynolds.
US Open Day 2 Men’s Predictions
Tallon Griekspoor vs Arthur Fils
Damian:
One of the matches of the round? Maybe. The bigger question mark is Fils, whose extremely heavy forehand is theoretically not as effective in these conditions. This could just be straight-up fireworks if both guys come out firing. A few early losses from Griekspoor don’t signify he’s out of form yet.
Prediction: Griekspoor in 5
Yesh:
Arthur Fils is making his name known on Tour. Griekspoor is playing well at the moment, but expect Fils to take some more steps forward this event.
Prediction: Fils in 4
Jordan:
This should be a fun match. Young star Fils is capable of explosive hitting off his forehand especially. Griekspoor can hit fairly hard, but also has the benefit of more variety in his game. Griekspoor has the better hard court form overall recently after an excellent run to the final in Washington. I think the Dutchman will edge a very close and entertaining encounter.
Prediction: Griekspoor in 5
Jack Draper vs Radu Albot
Damian:
Draper has just come back from one injury and he already suffers another scare, retiring in Winston-Salem. Can he beat Albot with sub-optimal match rhythm? That’s unclear, but if he’s healthy and able to execute his game at the highest level, it doesn’t seem like the Moldovan would be ready with the response.
Prediction: Draper in 4
Yesh:
Jack Draper is the next big thing in British tennis, and Albot is a career journeyman. Albot won’t roll over, but Draper should be the favorite here.
Prediction: Draper in 4
Jordan:
Draper recently returned for the first time since the French Open after an injury layoff. He had to retire in Winston-Salem a few days ago, but it seems he is okay for the US Open. Albot has largely been struggling for victories in recent times. Draper’s best level certainly beats Albot. But there is no guarantee he will find it with his body often playing tricks on him. My instinct is Albot to win a long match, with the recently returning Draper struggling to keep up physically.
Prediction: Albot in 5
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Ugo Humbert vs Matteo Berrettini
Damian:
Just nasty that these two have to play each other despite so few positions separating them in the rankings. Berrettini has that higher ceiling, but his warm-ups were just mediocre with nothing of note. But if he can channel that version of himself from this year’s Wimbledon, it’s the opponents who’ll be in trouble.
Prediction: Berrettini in 5
Yesh:
Matteo Berrettini looked like he could win the title in New York someday. Injuries may have changed that, but he should be the favorite here, even though he’s not the seed. His serve and forehand combo is nearly untouchable on this court. Humbert isn’t one of the few who can touch it.
Prediction: Berrettini in 4
Jordan:
Berrettini is still nowhere near his best after returning from injury, and that was seen in Toronto and Cincinnati. However he did somewhat unexpectedly raise his level at Wimbledon. He will need to do that against Humbert. The Frenchman has been on a very good run overall since Wimbledon, making semifinals and quarterfinals. This is hard to call. I feel Humbert on a hard night just be a little too sharp for Berrettini right now.
Prediction: Humbert in 5
Daniil Medvedev vs Attila Balazs
Damian:
This isn’t really a match. It’s impossible to condemn Balazs for his usage of protected ranking spots as everyone would be doing the same in his position. However, it’s getting pretty ridiculous. He’s barely been winning games this year. Medvedev won’t give him any space to have fun and likely score a very lop-sided win.
Prediction: Medvedev in 3
Yesh:
Daniil Medvedev is a former champion here and one of the favorites for the title. His game loves this court, and he should dominate everyone but the most elite.
Prediction: Medvedev in 3
Jordan:
2021 US Open champion Medvedev has gone somewhat under the radar. This is due to the hype of the Alcaraz vs Djokovic rivalry, and Medvedev failing to make a very deep run in Toronto or Cincinnati. A defeat here would be a massive shock. 34-year-old Balazs making the main draw of a Grand slam for the fifth time is a great achievement. But Medvdev’s skills on a hard court are simply far superior.
Prediction: Medvedev in 3
Main Photo Credit: Geoff Burke – USA TODAY Sports
