Monday at the 2025 US Open brings two appealing men’s singles tests: Holger Rune against Botic van de Zandschulp, and American Sebastian Korda versus Cameron Norrie.
Holger Rune vs Botic van de Zandschulp
– Form and context: Denmark’s Rune is navigating another coaching change, this time adding Andre Agassi to his team in the weeks leading into New York. Rune has already experienced a mixed but improving run with the new setup, advancing to the round of 16 and then a quarterfinal at his recent events.
– Opponent’s recent form: Van de Zandschulp, who reached the Winston-Salem final, is ranked well below his career high after a difficult period, currently sitting in the low 70s. The Warwick of fatigue and inconsistencies over the past year makes this a favorable matchup on paper for Rune.
– Head-to-head and surface notes: Rune holds a 2-0 lead in their career series against van de Zandschulp. Each player brings different rhythm and momentum into the match, but Rune’s recent improvements and Agassi’s presence add a layer of intrigue.
– Prediction and outlook: With Rune’s current edge and the Dutch veteran’s recent form, Rune is favored to advance. The matchup could lean toward straight sets if Rune continues to ride his momentum, but van de Zandschulp has shown he can push and grind out long rallies.
– Takeaway: Expect Rune to push the pace from the baseline and look to impose variety, while van de Zandschulp will try to disrupt rhythm and extend rallies to test Rune’s consistency.
Sebastian Korda vs Cameron Norrie
– Context for Korda: The American has endured a challenging year marked by injuries and a shin stress fracture, followed by illness that interrupted his Winston-Salem run. After a long layoff, he returned to competition and looked solid before an illness halted his progress again. His ranking has slipped into the mid-70s, reflecting the time away and the tough road back.
– Context for Norrie: Nigel 2025 has been more up than down for the Brit, who surged into the Wimbledon quarterfinals in a late-career resurgence but has not carried that same momentum through the summer hard-court swing.
– Head-to-head and current form: Korda leads Norrie 3-1 in their direct encounters, a notable mental edge given the head-to-head history. Korda has shown bursts of aggression and resilience in Winston-Salem, while Norrie has had to recalibrate after a strong 2023–24 run.
– US Open history: Norrie has had more consistent results at the event historically, but Korda’s recent comeback form and comfort on big-match stages offer real danger for the home favorite.
– Prediction and outlook: This is a high-variance match with swingy momentum. Korda’s edge in the head-to-head and his current sense of comeback resilience give him a real shot to push Norrie deep, potentially to five sets. Norrie’s steadier baseline game and improvement on hard courts mean he remains dangerous, particularly if his serve and depth hold up under pressure.
– Takeaway: The outcome hinges on Korda’s health and sharpness after his long layoff, plus whether he can execute the aggression that sparked his Winston-Salem run. If he does, he can frustrate Norrie and tilt the match toward a five-set thriller.
What to watch for
– Coaching impact: Rune’s collaboration with Andre Agassi adds an extra layer of anticipation around his tactical adjustments and mental approach on big stages.
– Injury comebacks: Korda’s health will be a key storyline. If he’s physically solid, his firepower and early break opportunities could tilt the match in his favor.
– Momentum vs. resilience: Rune appears primed to capitalize on momentum against a fading Van de Zandschulp, while Korda faces a stern test against a resilient Norrie who has shown the ability to bounce back from dips mid-season.
Bottom line
Two compelling Monday matches sit at the start of a potential breakthrough stretch for Rune and a significant test for Korda as he looks to prove that his health and form can translate into a deep US Open run. Expect tactical diversity, explosive shot-making, and plenty of momentum swings as these players chase a strong opening week in Flushing Meadows.
If you’re drafting plans for the day, keep an eye on Rune’s rhythm against van de Zandschulp and how Korda handles the pressure moments against Norrie. Both matches have the potential to set the tone for what could be a memorable run through the first week of the Open.