There should be no shortage of entertaining tennis matches on the fourth day in US Open With 16 exciting second round matches on the schedule. As always, we here at LWOT will provide our predictions for each match, incl Daniil Medvedev vs. Sebastian Gorzny, Alexander Bublik vs. Adrian Mannarinoand Carlos Alcaraz vs. Jaime Faria. But who will make it to the third round at Flushing Meadows?
US Open Day Forecast 4
Ben Shelton vs. Hubert Hurkacz
Zane: In the big server battle, Ben Shelton takes on Hubert Hurkacz, with both players entering this match having won in four sets. Given how well each player serves, long sets are to be expected, where the chances created on the return are crucial. Hurkacz still isn’t at the level he was before his injury. This decline, coupled with Shelton’s ability to rise behind a local audience, makes me give the edge to the American.
Prediction: Shelton at 4
Jim: Don’t expect a lot of breaks in this match as Shelton and Hurkacz are two of the best serves in the men’s game. But for now, Shelton offers more than a baseline from the pole. Hurkacz’s versatility and skill in the front court should help him remain competitive, but in the end the American is likely to get the better of him.
Prediction: Shelton at 4
Steen: Hurkacz was dangerous in his prime, which is how he reached the top 10 rankings. He’s slowly working on it, having won the Cancun Challenger 125 in August. Shelton is among the tournament favorites and is also a big-serving player. Shelton’s level is supposed to be higher, but Hurkacz will make Shelton raise his level.
Prediction: Shelton at 4
Jerry Lehica vs. Toby Samuel
Zain: Both players are aggressive players who rely on grabbing the racket from their opponents’ hands. Toby Samuel did well to stay out of the qualifying round. If he serves well, he could have some success here. But at the end of the day, Jiri Lehica is the more experienced player. If the Czech plays his game and remains confident from the baseline, he should win comfortably.
Prediction: Lehika at 3
Jim: Toby Samuel pulled off a surprise win in the first round, but Lehica’s strength and consistency from the baseline will make this a very difficult challenge for the Briton. This may be somewhat one-sided.
Prediction: Lehika at 3
STEIN: Toby Samuel, 23, great story here. The Challenger Tour level player qualified and then beat Tomas Machak. Lehecka has 27 wins on tour this year and is knocking on the door of the top 15 based on his performance in New York. He should feel confident about his chances of making it to the third round.
Prediction: Lehika at 3
Stefanos Tsitsipas vs Lloyd Harris
Zane: Stefanos Tsitsipas had the result of the year in the first round when he knocked out Arthur Fels who many thought could win the US Open. He now faces Lloyd Harris, in a match where each player’s serving performance will be crucial. Despite his confidence-inspiring victory, Tsitsipas’s backhand and rose kicks leave a lot to be desired these days. This makes me think this could come close. But the Greek’s ceiling is still high enough to get through this round behind his serve and forehand.
Prediction: Tsitsipas at 4
Jim: Tsitsipas’ win over Arthur Fels in the first round of the US Open was his best in some time, but it remains to be seen whether he can back it up against the hard-hitting Harris. The South African looked very sharp in the opener, and if he can maintain that, he may be able to beat Tsitsipas.
Steen: It was great to see the comeback of Stefanos Tsitsipas in the win over the Phils, 30-22 on the season Overall, Tsitsipas is mercurial but fully capable of beating a player like Harris in the second round of a Grand Slam. Harris qualified, but is still 100 places away from the best ranking of his career. He has found the right form to reach the semi-finals in Cancun and is a challenge, but Tsitsipas must live up to it.
Prediction: Tsitsipas at 4
Arthur Rinderkneich vs Jaume Munar
Zain: Both players suffered off-seasons due to physical problems, and they are now looking forward to crossing a stage in this tournament. Jaume Munar came back from the first round, overturning a two-set deficit here. This match will be played mostly from the back of the field. Arthur Rinderkneich will look like the aggressor and serve heavily, while Munar will use his counter-punching skills. Rinderknech should be the newest player to enter this match. In a close competition, this could be the difference.
Prediction: Rinderknech at 5
Jim: This is a match that should suit Rinderknech. The Frenchman will need to be patient at times, but the combination of his serve and forehand should give him too much for Munard to handle in favorable conditions at the US Open.
Prediction: Rinderknech at 3
Steen: Rinderknech has been solid in maintaining the top 30 rankings, but is still 18-21 this year, so no win is guaranteed. Munnar is 14-17 this season but prefers clay a lot and that puts him at a disadvantage here.
Prediction: Rinderknech at 3
Main image credit: Eric Bolte-Imagine images
