US Open men’s first day predictions, including Borna Coric vs Pablo Andujar

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, Reilly Opelka v David Goffin, Stefanos Tsitsipas v Albert Ramos and Alexander Zverev v Kevin Anderson. Americans Steve Johnson and John Isner will make an all-American start at the 2020 US Open in New York. Yesh Ginsburg and Damian Kust offer their predictions.

Steve Johnson vs John Isner

Yesh: This former college champion battle might be fun, but it’s hard to face Isner in launch matches. Isner in 4

Damian: It’s a very rare thing to say, but in the battle of these two Americans, it’s actually Isner who has the better backhand. Johnson moves better but his serve is far less deadly and there should be a lot more play on his delivery. Isner clearly likes the faster conditions here and can have a good run at the US Open this year. Isner in 3

Borna Coric against Pablo Andujar

Yesh: Borna Coric is the best player right now, but he can be inconsistent. However, on a faster pitch I think he has the advantage over Andujar. Coric in 4

Damian: Neither of them are really at their best at the moment, but Coric should be much more ready for hard court matches. Andujar played mostly on clay during the pandemic, while the Croatian lost a fairly tight match against David Goffin last week. Coric is expected to win this match which will most likely be a basic grindfest. Coric in 4

Dusan Lajovic against Egor Gerasimov

Yesh: Lajovic is riding his ranking earned on clay over a year ago. Does Gerasimov have the game to beat him? Not sure, but I expect a tight one. Lajovic in 5

Damian: Dusan Lajovic is heavily overwhelmed at the moment after last year’s clay court season. The Serbian is a fairly solid bottom player, but a tough one awaits here. Gerasimov has grown over the past two years (second in Pune in February) and should feel comfortable on medium-fast courts. Gerasimov in 5

Christian Garin against Ulises Blanch

Yesh: Garin is the best player and he should do it quite easily. Garin in 3

Damian: The American wildcard will make his main tour debut here, having achieved some success on the lower tours. Anyone who is rusty could help Blanch close here, although the home ground aspect won’t be of much help as the tournament is played without crowds. But Garin still looked decent enough to Bedene last week to make me believe he’ll make it, but it won’t be easy. Garin in 4

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