As always, we here at LWOT will be offering our predictions for every match, including Daniil Medvedev vs Sebastian Gorzny, Alexander Bublik vs Adrian Mannarino, and Carlos Alcaraz vs Jaime Faria.
US Open Day 4 PredictionsBen Shelton vs Hubert HurkaczZain: In the battle of big servers, Ben Shelton takes on Hubert Hurkacz, as both players enter this match off four-set wins.
Prediction: Shelton in 4Jim: Don’t expect many breaks of serve in this one with Shelton and Hurkacz two of the best servers in the men’s game.
Prediction: Shelton in 4Jiri Lehecka vs Toby SamuelZain: Both of these players are aggressive baseliners who rely on taking the racket out of their opponents’ hands.
Despite his confidence-inducing win, Tsitsipas’ backhand and return leave a lot to be desired nowadays.
There should be no shortage of entertaining tennis on day four at the US Open with 16 intriguing second-round matches on the schedule. As always, we here at LWOT will be offering our predictions for every match, including Daniil Medvedev vs Sebastian Gorzny, Alexander Bublik vs Adrian Mannarino, and Carlos Alcaraz vs Jaime Faria. But who will reach the third round in Flushing Meadows?
US Open Day 4 Predictions
Ben Shelton vs Hubert Hurkacz
Zain: In the battle of big servers, Ben Shelton takes on Hubert Hurkacz, as both players enter this match off four-set wins. Given how well each player serves, long sets are expected, with whatever chances are generated on return proving crucial. Hurkacz is still not quite at the level he was before his injuries. That regression, coupled with Shelton’s ability to rise behind a home crowd, makes me give the edge to the American.
Prediction: Shelton in 4
Jim: Don’t expect many breaks of serve in this one with Shelton and Hurkacz two of the best servers in the men’s game. But at the moment, Shelton offers rather more from the baseline than the Pole. Hurkacz’s variety and skill in the forecourt should help him keep it competitive, but in the end he is likely to be overpowered by the American.
Prediction: Shelton in 4
Steen: Hurkacz was menacing in his prime, that’s how he got to a top 10 ranking. He’s slowly working back to that, having won the Cancun Challenger 125 in August. Shelton is among the tournament favorites, and also a player with a heavy serve. Shelton’s level should be higher, but Hurkacz will make Shelton raise his level.
Prediction: Shelton in 4
Jiri Lehecka vs Toby Samuel
Zain: Both of these players are aggressive baseliners who rely on taking the racket out of their opponents’ hands. Toby Samuel has done well to make it this far from the qualifying round. If he serves well, he can find some success here. But ultimately, Jiri Lehecka is the much more well-rounded player. If the Czech plays his game and remains confident from the baseline, he should win comfortably.
Prediction: Lehecka in 3
Jim: Toby Samuel pulled out a surprise win in the first round, but Lehecka’s power and consistency from the baseline will almost certainly make this a challenge too far for the Briton. This may be rather one-sided.
Prediction: Lehecka in 3
Steen: Toby Samuel, 23, is a great story here. The Challenger Tour level player qualified and then beat Tomas Machac. Lehecka has 27 tour level wins this year though, and is knocking on the door of the top 15 depending on how he performs in New York. He should feel confident about his chances to reach round 3.
Prediction: Lehecka in 3
Stefanos Tsitsipas vs Lloyd Harris
Zain: Stefanos Tsitsipas had the result of the year in the first round when he took down an Arthur Fils many thought could win this US Open. Now he takes on Lloyd Harris, in a match where each player’s serving performance will be crucial. Despite his confidence-inducing win, Tsitsipas’ backhand and return leave a lot to be desired nowadays. That makes me think this can get close. But the Greek’s ceiling is still high enough to get through this round behind his serve and forehand weaponry.
Prediction: Tsitsipas in 4
Jim: Tsitsipas’ win over Arthur Fils in the first round at the US Open was his best for some time, but it remains to be seen whether he will be able to back it up against the big-hitting Harris. The South African looked very sharp in his opener and if he can maintain that, he might just have the beating of Tsitsipas.
Steen: The resurgence of Stefanos Tsitsipas in the win over Fils was fantastic to see, 30-22 on the season overall, Tsitsipas is mercurial but perfectly capable of beating a player like Harris in the second round of a Slam. Harris came through qualifying, but is still 100 places removed from his career best ranking. He did find form to reach the semifinals in Cancun and presents a challenge, but one Tsitsipas should rise to.
Prediction: Tsitsipas in 4
Arthur Rinderknech vs Jaume Munar
Zain: Both of these players have had seasons disrupted by physical issues, as they now look to turn a corner at this tournament. Jaume Munar had the comeback of the first round, overturning a two-set deficit to reach here. This match will be played mostly from the back of the court. Arthur Rinderknech will look to be the aggressor and serve big, while Munar will use his counterpunching skills. Rinderknech should be the fresher player entering this match. In a close contest, that could prove to be the difference.
Prediction: Rinderknech in 5
Jim: This is a match-up that should suit Rinderknech. The Frenchman will need to be patient at times, but his serve and forehand combination should give him too much for Munar to handle in favourable conditions at the US Open.
Prediction: Rinderknech in 3
Steen: Rinderknech has been solid to maintain a top 30 ranking but he’s still 18-21 on the year so no win is guaranteed. Munar is 14-17 on the season but much prefers clay and that puts him at a disadvantage here.
Prediction: Rinderknech in 3
Main photo credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images
