US Open Predictions Including Auger-Aliassime vs Khachanov

Despite rainy conditions at the start of the 2026 US Open, the second round is scheduled to wrap up on Day 5 as 16 men’s matches get underway. In one of the best matches of the US Open second round, No. 3 seed Felix Auger-Aliassime squares off against former semifinalist Karen Khachanov. Zain Mustafa, Yesh Ginsburg, and Shane Black offer their insights. But who will advance?

US Open Day 5 Men’s Predictions

Flavio Cobolli vs Tristan Schoolkate

Zain

Tristan Schoolkate had a good run in qualifying and made the most of it in the first round with a confident performance. Flavio Cobolli, on the other hand, had to come back from two sets down in his opening match to reach here. But in this matchup, he has the edge in most departments. If the Italian keeps his composure and does not overcommit on his forehand, he should reach the third round.

Prediction: Cobolli in 4

Yesh

I still don’t understand Cobolli’s game, but it’s effective on all surfaces now. He’s rightfully earned his place near the elites of the game, and has given no sign of losing this early in a Major.

Prediction: Cobolli in 3

Shane

Although I believe Cobolli is vulnerable in these early US Open rounds, I don’t think Schoolkate is the one to knock him off. The Aussie doesn’t have a weapon that will give the Italian fits.

Prediction: Cobolli in 4

Francisco Cerundolo vs Jan-Lennard Struff

Zain

This match sees a battle of forehands, as Francisco Cerundolo’s topspin game takes on the more flat and aggressive playstyle of Jan-Lennard Struff. Having each won their first-round matches in straight sets, both players will look to make a deep run in this year’s open tournament. Ultimately, Struff has a considerable serving advantage, and in a match that should be close, that could be the deciding factor on a fast hard-court surface.

Prediction: Struff in 5

Yesh

Struff should be a lot better than he is. Somehow, he never quite puts it all together. That’s good news for his opening, who has sneakily become a solid hard court player.

Prediction: Cerundolo in 4

Shane

Looking for a match between two big hitters? You found it, as both Cerundolo and Struff mash their forehands. The German will look to get to the net early and often, which can throw off an opponent. But I think Cerundolo is fully equipped to handle the net pressure.

Prediction: Cerundolo in 4

Arthur Gea vs Zachary Svajda

Zain

Entering the main draw as a lucky loser, Arthur Gea took full advantage of his second chance, securing a five-set victory in the first round on the back of his aggressive play. Now he faces Zachary Svajda, a player who relies on baseline consistency and counterpunching pace. I think this matchup suits Svajda better, and behind a home crowd, don’t be surprised if he makes the third round.

Prediction: Svajda in 4

Yesh

Svajda has a lot of talent and finally looks like things might be clicking. I don’t expect him to start winning tournaments quite yet, but he’s due for a solid run here and has the draw to allow it.

Prediction: Svajda in 3

Shane

Svajda has been grinding through the Challenger Tour for years. Now it’s the 23-year-old’s opportunity to make a big splash. He has been playing with confidence and should use the backing of the home crowd to cruise into the US Open third round.

Prediction: Svajda in 4

Felix Auger-Aliassime vs Karen Khachanov

Zain

Felix Auger-Aliassime will consider himself unlucky to have to play Karen Khachanov in the second round of a Major as the third seed, as the Russian has had quite competitive matches with the Canadian in the past. But this year, Khachanov has looked to regress, and if Auger-Aliassime serves well, he should get more than enough chances to win what should still be a closely contested match.

Prediction: Auger-Aliassime in 5

Yesh

This match is absolutely an upset alert. Auger-Aliassime looked shaky in his opener against Rinky Hijikata, while Karen Khachanov absolutely dominated Roman Andres Burruchaga. The pressure is intense on the Canadian, who likely sees this as his best opportunity to win a Major. I think he’ll go home disappointed.

Prediction: Khachanov in 4

Shane

In arguably the most exciting match of the US Open second round, the No. 3 seed gets a brutal draw against former semifinalist Karen Khachanov. The latter lost just four games in his one-hour and 35-minute first-round match. Call me crazy, but I still don’t trust Auger-Aliassime in big matches. This one will come down to the margins, where I favor Khachanov.

Prediction: Khachanov in 5

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