Here at LWOT we will offer our predictions for 24 matches of the day, including Novak Djokovic v Damir Dzumhur, Denis Shapovalov v Sebastian Korda, Borna Coric v Pablo Andujar, Reilly Opelka v David Goffin and Alexander Zverev v Kevin Anderson. Former US Open quarterfinal Diego Schwartzman, meanwhile, kicks off this year’s tournament against Cameron Norrie as the US Open kicks off in New York. Our panel of Yesh Ginsburg and Damian Kust offer their predictions.
Diego Schwartzman versus Cameron Norrie
Damian: Norrie is a very solid contender but this is statistically Schwartzman’s best slam. The Argentine is twice quarter-final at the US Open and should be able to find a way out, even if Norrie’s style is a bit tricky to deal with. Schwartzman in 4
Yesh: Schwartzman didn’t look good on her return to the tour, but she is simply better than Norrie in every aspect of the game. He shouldn’t be too worried here. Schwartzman in 3
Stefanos Tsitsipas against Albert Ramos
Damian: We didn’t see Tsitsipas resisting many neutral rallies over the past week as he faced four of the biggest servers in the game. A little rust might still be the case for him then against an opponent who feels at home in spots that last longer than Tsitsipas wants them too. But the Greek has too much attacking power and will certainly have enough time to tune in. Tsitsipas in 3
Yesh: Tsitsipas looks in great shape, and this shouldn’t be a difficult match for him. Tsitsipas in 3
Pablo Carreno Busta against Yasutaka Uchiyama
Damian: There’s little Uchiyama with whom he should be able to hurt Carreno Busta. The Spaniard excels at methodical and clever background play and his first round opponent has no threats to force him out of his comfort zone. It should be a simple win for the suit. Carreno Envelope in 3
Yesh: Uchiyama isn’t used to playing at this level yet and shouldn’t have much to threaten Carreno Busta with here. Carreno Envelope in 3
Mohamed Safwat versus Gilles Simon
Damian: The Egyptian is still looking for his first Grand Slam win at 29 and his wait probably won’t end anytime soon. It would be a great story if Safwat took this win, but matching Simon’s recovery and counter-attack skills should be a little beyond his capabilities. Simon in 3
Yesh: Having already failed on two previous occasions, Safwat is still without a Grand Slam victory. Simon is well past his prime, though he can probably wear down the Egyptian. Simon in 5
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