US Open Day 4 Predictions Including Alcaraz vs Faria

After some early surprises, second-round action gets underway at the US Open on day four with 16 men’s singles matches on the slate in Flushing Meadows. As always, we here at LWOT will be offering our predictions for every match, including Daniiil Medvedev vs Sebastian Gorzny, Alexander Bublik vs Adrian Mannarino, and Ben Shelton Shelton vs Hubert Hurkacz. But who will book their spot in the last 32?

US Open Day 4 Predictions

Carlos Alcaraz vs Jaime Faria

Zain: Carlos Alcaraz looked very much like the player to beat this fortnight in his opening match, as he now takes on Jaime Faria, a player whose aggressive baseline game can be effective on these faster hard courts. If Alcaraz does not serve up to the mark, he can find himself in a match, but ultimately, the Spaniard showed more than enough in his first-round match for anything less than a win to be a shock here.

Prediction: Alcaraz in 4

Ateet: Defending champion Alcaraz looked as good as one could realistically expect given how long he’s been out. He didn’t look limited by any means and played a solid match to defeat a strong opponent. Alcaraz will face Faria, who is playing some of the best tennis of his career. However, Alcaraz is a big step up for the Portuguese, and I can’t see him winning three sets.

Prediction: Alcaraz in 4

Steen: We haven’t seen Alcaraz since April but he looked solid enough against Roman Safiullin. Jaime Faria upset American Jenson Brooksby and may be a level up in quality but Alcaraz is still an elite player even as he looks to find his footing at this year’s US Open.

Prediction: Alcaraz in 3

Valentin Vacherot vs Kamil Majchrzak

Zain: Valentin Vacherot looked quite good in his opening-round win at the US Open, despite entering the tournament with questions still surrounding his physical level. In this match against Kamil Majchrzak, it will come down to Vacherot’s attacking play up against the Pole’s counterpunching and defensive skills. In these conditions, Vacherot’s bigger serve might just prove to be the difference.

Prediction: Vacherot in 4

Ateet: Vacherot played his best match in months, defeating Aleksandar Kovacevic in straight sets. His serve was the big difference in the match, and Kovacevic wasn’t able to create any break points. Majchrzak will be a tougher opponent for the Monegasque, but if he can keep serving well, he will be in a great position to win.

Prediction: Vacherot in 5

Steen: Vacherot finally broke a three match losing streak and remains a player who can do damage at this year’s US Open. Majchrzak has struggled since reaching a grass-court final in June. I’ll back the higher ranked player.

Prediction: Vacherot in 4

Matteo Berrettini vs Mariano Navone

Zain: Mariano Navone had the result of his life in the first round when he took down Novak Djokovic in five at the US Open, as he now faces Matteo Berrettini, who himself reaches this match having ended Stan Wawrinka’s career at the Slam level. If Navone makes this match physical, he can get himself in a position to win, as Berrettini is never quite 100% physically. But on a hard court, the Italian has the bigger weapons, and if he uses them well, he should win this match.

Prediction: Berrettini in 4

Ateet: Navone got the biggest win of his career in the first round at the US Open, upsetting Novak Djokovic in the five gruelling sets. Djokovic was struggling the entire match, but Navone did a fantastic job of being ruthless and making Djokovic play a lot of rallies. Berrettini ended Stan Wawrinka’s Slam career with a solid performance. Navone recently defeated Berrettini in Montreal, and I think the Italian will be up for revenge.

Prediction: Berrettini in 4

Steen: Berrettini got the emotional win over Wawrinka in the first round and even at a later stage of his career he’s been solid in Grand Slams. Navone had the biggest win of his career over Djokovic, but that was a sick and ailing Djokovic, and this is still a hard court. Berrettini should have the edge at the US Open.

Prediction: Berrettini in 4

James Duckworth vs Wu Yibing

Zain: James Duckworth and Wu Yibing both had solid first-round showings at the US Open and now enter this match with a possibility of having a really successful tournament in New York. For me, this battle between two aggressive baseliners will come down to how well Wu can return Duckworth’s big serve. If Wu limits the number of free points for the Australian, he should have the advantage. I expect a back-and-forth battle, one in which Wu ultimately wins more of the important pressure points.

Prediction: Wu in 5

Ateet: Duckworth has been in impressive form this North American swing, and is playing with a lot of confidence. He was excellent after losing the first set against Matteo Arnaldi and sets up an intriguing clash against Wu, who easily defeated Adam Walton in the first round. Wu is a clean ball striker, and if he finds his rhythm, he will be hard to stop.

Prediction: Wu in 5

Steen: Wu was having a mediocre season but did come away with a first round victory. The veteran Duckworth has won multiple matches this summer, including a run to the Winston-Salem semifinals. If he’s fit, he can grind out a win.

Prediction: Duckworth in 4

Main photo credit: Taya Gray/The Desert Sun / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images