With a number of star names taking part on day six of the US Open, there should be plenty of entertaining tennis matches at the tournament. US Open. As always, we here at LWOT will be providing our predictions for every matchup on the roster, including Ben Shelton vs. Denis Shapovalov, but who will be guaranteed a spot in Week 2?
US Open Day Forecast 6
Carlos Alcaraz vs Wu Yiping
Noreen: Carlos Alcaraz’s four-set win over Jaime Faria at the US Open suggests he’s not there yet in terms of match precision, but the Spaniard should be happy with the form he showed in the first two rounds. His forehand and movement are higher than Wu Yiping.
Prediction: Alcaraz in 3
Zayn: After dropping a set in his second round match, Alcaraz looked near his best from the baseline for the rest of the match. However, his serve is not up to par yet, and unlike Wu’s offensive package, that could be a cause for some concern. I expect this to be a test of what’s to come for Alcaraz, but in the end, the Spaniard must prevail as he continues to return to his best.
Prediction: Alcaraz on 4
Tough: Alcaraz should be the favorite despite Wu playing out of the spotlight against Raphael Godard in the second round of the US Open. Alcaraz should have the firepower to advance to Week 2.
Prediction: Alcaraz in 3
Stefanos Tsitsipas vs Jiri Lehecka
Noreen: Stefanos Tsitsipas was not a name I expected to see in the third round of this tournament, but after this upset win over Arthur Fels, he is a resurgent player. Maybe he will finally break his champion and reach the fourth round at the US Open, but Jiri Lehica brings a heavier return and fresher legs and that should worry Tsitsipas.
Prediction: Lehika at 4
Zane: Stefanos Tsitsipas has already surprised many by making it this far in a tournament where even at his best he was struggling. Next up is Jiri Lehica, a player whose aggressive baseline and powerful serving style is exactly the type of player Tsitsipas has struggled against in recent years. In a thrilling encounter, Tsitsipas’ career ended here.
Prediction: Lehika at 4
Harsh: Interesting match. Tsitsipas has played well and Lehica should be a good test for him. Expect a very tough fight but it looks like Tsitsipas may come out on top with his versatility.
Prediction: Tsitsipas in fifth place
Alex Michelsen vs. Daniel Merida
Noreen: Daniel Merida Aguilar is having a great season, but a win over Alex Michelsen will take him to new heights. However, Alex Michelsen continues to enjoy excellent form on the hard courts in North America, and has just beaten the in-form Brandon Nakashima. Michelsen is the aggressor here and that’s why I’m rooting for him to get the better of this one.
Prediction: Michelsen at 4
Zayn: Daniel Merida has backed up his strong season so far at this tournament with some great performances. He now faces Alex Michelsen in the third meeting between the duo so far this year. Michelsen’s game can be very effective in New York’s faster conditions, but Merida is a player who has improved in every tournament this year. In what will likely be a match determined by basic dueling, I expect the most consistent counter-puncher and returner to come out on top.
Prediction: Merida at 5
Tough: Both players took out higher ranked players in the second round and this should be a close round again. Michelsen is definitely more aggressive and that should be the difference.
Prediction: Michelsen at 4
Frances Tiafoe vs. Valentin Vacherot
Noreen: Frances Tiafoe has not dealt well with the pressure and expectations of competing at home in recent seasons, but he has played well enough to emerge as a dark horse this year. His ability to produce an amazing attack should be more than five combinations.
Prediction: Tiafoe at 5
Zane: Frances Tiafoe showed in his second round match why many believe he can make a deep run in this tournament with a complete performance. He will now face Valentin Vacherot, a player whose aggressive playing style can cause damage on faster hard courts. If he has a great service day, Vachero could make things really difficult for Tiafoe, whose return remains in doubt. But at the end of the day, at the US Open, the American is known to raise his game, and if he plays his best, he should win this match.
Prediction: Tiafoe at 4
Harsh: Exciting match. Tiafoe comes in well while Vacherot peaks at the right time. Expect Tiafoe to continue his good form with Tiafoe using his basic control wrestling game.
Prediction: Tiafoe at 4
Main image credit: Jeff Burke-Imagine images
