US Open Day 2 Features Four Key Men’s Singles Showdowns with Day’s Predictions
The US Open’s opening rounds march on into Day 2, bringing a slate of 24 men’s matches in New York. Here’s a refreshed look at four notable early-round bouts and how a trio of LastWordOnTennis analysts see them unfolding. The panel—Yesh Ginsburg, Zain Mustafa, and Ilemona Onekutu—offers their thoughts alongside the predicted results.
Casper Ruud vs Sebastian Ofner
– Yesh: If Ruud is healthy and confident, he should take control and advance without too many hiccups.
– Prediction: Ruud in 3
– Zain: Experience and consistency should carry Ruud through, though Ofner’s occasional power can test him. Five sets could appear if Ruud isn’t at his best.
– Prediction: Ruud in 4
– Ilemona: Ruud’s hard-court form isn’t always pristine, but his baseline reliability should prevail against Ofner’s aggressive shotmaking.
– Prediction: Ruud in 3
Ugo Humbert vs Adam Walton
– Yesh: Walton has moments, especially on quicker surfaces, but Humbert’s game typically controls the match when he’s on.
– Prediction: Humbert in 3
– Zain: Humbert’s lefty serve and flat groundstrokes give him the edge to dictate play from the baseline.
– Prediction: Humbert in 4
– Ilemona: Humbert has shown flashes despite some inconsistency recent seasons; Walton is still relatively new at this level. If Humbert finds rhythm, he should advance.
– Prediction: Humbert in 5
Jan-Lennard Struff vs Mackenzie McDonald
– Yesh: McDonald thrives in front of a home crowd and against players who rely on power. Struff’s big game can backfire if his range isn’t there.
– Prediction: McDonald in 4
– Zain: It could become a physical, grind-heavy affair. McDonald’s speed and consistency keep him in rallies, but Struff’s serve and bigger groundstrokes may tilt the balance.
– Prediction: Struff in 5
– Ilemona: Struff’s power can overwhelm, but McDonald’s movement and counterpunching could stretch this to a long, attritional match.
– Prediction: McDonald in 5
Sebastian Korda vs Cameron Norrie
– Yesh: Korda looks to be hitting good form; if healthy, he should be tough for Norrie, who’s also finding his footing again.
– Prediction: Korda in 4
– Zain: A battle between two players aiming for sharper form. Korda’s cleaner ball-striking and shotmaking could swing the result in longer rallies.
– Prediction: Korda in 4
– Ilemona: Korda has built solid momentum on hard courts this summer; Norrie’s grinding style can still wear opponents down, but Korda edges ahead in a patience-versus-precision dynamic.
– Prediction: Korda in 3
What to watch and a hopeful tone
– The opening day’s deep field continues to unfold with these matchups highlighting a mix of veteran consistency and rising groundstrokes firepower. Expect long rallies and important serves to swing key points on the hard courts of Arthur Ashe Stadium.
– For fans, the themes to monitor are Ruud’s health and rhythm, Humbert’s ability to stabilize his game, Struff’s power-versus-pacing balance, and Korda’s ascent as he combats a red-hot field.
If you’re following Day 2 action, these four fixtures exemplify the mix of pressure, precision, and power that makes this first week of the Open so compelling. The outlook remains positive for exciting tennis in New York, with potential upsets and breakout performances on the horizon.