US Open Day 6 PredictionsCarlos Alcaraz vs Wu YibingNurein: Carlos Alcaraz’s four-set win over Jaime Faria at the US Open suggests he is not quite there yet as far as match sharpness goes, but the Spaniard should be pleased with the level he’s demonstrated in the first two rounds.
Prediction: Alcaraz in 3Zain: After dropping a set in his second-round match, Alcaraz looked back near his best from the baseline for the rest of the match.
Prediction: Alcaraz in 4Harsh: Alcaraz should be the favourite despite Wu playing lights out against Rafael Jodar in the second round at the US Open.
Up next is Jiri Lehecka, a player whose aggressive baseline and big-serving style is exactly the type of player Tsitsipas has struggled against in recent years.
Prediction: Tsitsipas in 5Alex Michelsen vs Daniel MeridaNurein: Daniel Merida Aguilar is having a tremendous breakout season, but a win over Alex Michelsen will take him to new heights.
With a number of star names set to be in action on day six at the US Open, there should be plenty of entertaining tennis at the US Open. As always, we here at LWOT will be offering our predictions for every match on the slate, including Ben Shelton vs Denis Shapovalov, but who will secure their spot in the second week?
US Open Day 6 Predictions
Carlos Alcaraz vs Wu Yibing
Nurein: Carlos Alcaraz’s four-set win over Jaime Faria at the US Open suggests he is not quite there yet as far as match sharpness goes, but the Spaniard should be pleased with the level he’s demonstrated in the first two rounds. His forehand and movement are a class above Wu Yibing.
Prediction: Alcaraz in 3
Zain: After dropping a set in his second-round match, Alcaraz looked back near his best from the baseline for the rest of the match. His serve, though, is not yet quite up to par, and against the offensive package of Wu, that can be a cause for some concern. I expect this to be a test for what is to come ahead for Alcaraz, but ultimately, the Spaniard should prevail as he continues to return to his best.
Prediction: Alcaraz in 4
Harsh: Alcaraz should be the favourite despite Wu playing lights out against Rafael Jodar in the second round at the US Open. Alcaraz should have the firepower to progress to the second week.
Prediction: Alcaraz in 3
Stefanos Tsitsipas vs Jiri Lehecka
Nurein: Stefanos Tsitsipas was not a name I expected to see in the third round of this tournament, but after that shocking win over Arthur Fils, he is a rejuvenated player. Maybe he will finally break his duck and make the fourth round of the US Open, but Jiri Lehecka brings heavier returning and fresher legs and that should worry Tsitsipas.
Prediction: Lehecka in 4
Zain: Stefanos Tsitsipas has already surprised many by reaching this far at a tournament he even at his best used to struggle at. Up next is Jiri Lehecka, a player whose aggressive baseline and big-serving style is exactly the type of player Tsitsipas has struggled against in recent years. In what should be an exciting encounter, Tsitsipas’ run comes to an end here.
Prediction: Lehecka in 4
Harsh: Interesting matchup. Tsitsipas has played refreshingly well and Lehecka should be a good test for him. Expect a very tight battle but it looks like Tsitsipas may just edge this one with his variety.
Prediction: Tsitsipas in 5
Alex Michelsen vs Daniel Merida
Nurein: Daniel Merida Aguilar is having a tremendous breakout season, but a win over Alex Michelsen will take him to new heights. That said, Alex Michelsen continues to enjoy an excellent North American hard-court stretch and just took out an in-form Brandon Nakashima. Michelsen is the aggressor here and that’s why I’m leaning toward him to edge this.
Prediction: Michelsen in 4
Zain: Daniel Merida has backed up his solid season so far this tournament with some great showings. Now he faces Alex Michelsen in what will be the pair’s third meeting so far this year. Michelsen’s style of play can be pretty effective in the faster New York conditions, but Merida is the player who has improved every tournament this year. In what will likely be a match determined by the baseline duel, I expect the more consistent counterpuncher and returner to come out on top.
Prediction: Merida in 5
Harsh: Both players have taken out higher ranked players in the second round and this one should be tight again. Michelsen is definitely more aggressive and that should be the differentiator.
Prediction: Michelsen in 4
Frances Tiafoe vs Valentin Vacherot
Nurein: Frances Tiafoe hasn’t quite dealt well with the pressure and expectations of competing on home soil in recent seasons, but he’s been playing well enough to emerge as dark horse this year. His ability to produce spectacular offense should be too much over five sets.
Prediction: Tiafoe in 5
Zain: Frances Tiafoe showed in his second-round match why many think he can make a deep run at this tournament with a complete performance. He now faces Valentin Vacherot, a player whose aggressive style of play can cause damage on the faster hard courts. If he has a great serving day, Vacherot can really make things difficult for Tiafoe, whose return is still suspect. But ultimately, at the US Open, the American is known to raise his game, and if he plays his best tennis, he should be winning this match.
Prediction: Tiafoe in 4
Harsh: Exciting matchup. Tiafoe enters in fine form while Vacherot is peaking at the right time. Expect Tiafoe to continue his fine form with Tiafoe using his baseline game to wrestle control.
Prediction: Tiafoe in 4
Main photo credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
