US Open Day 2 pits 24 men’s matches against each other as the second round gets underway in New York. LastWordOnTennis shares views from three contributors—Tope Oke, Zain Mustafa, and Ilemona Onekutu—on four noteworthy daytime clashes.
Francesco Passaro vs Flavio Cobolli
All-Italian affair sees Cobolli favored to advance. Tope notes Cobolli has been one of the standout players this season and believes Passaro’s solid qualifying form isn’t enough to blunt Cobolli’s momentum. Prediction: Cobolli in 4.
Zain argues Cobolli’s baseline stability and growing Slam experience—highlighted by his Wimbledon quarterfinal run—should prove too much for Passaro. Prediction: Cobolli in 3.
Ilemona adds that Cobolli’s sharper form on hard courts lately gives him the edge, while Passaro is more comfortable on clay. Prediction: Cobolli in 3.
Jenson Brooksby vs Aleksandar Vukic
Brooksby arrives back in regular competition with solid form, while Vukic sits just a couple of spots lower in the rankings and is a tough hard-court opponent. Tope believes Brooksby’s stronger return game should translate into more break chances and, with a steady serve, he’ll advance. Prediction: Brooksby in 4.
Zain views this as one of the tighter Day 2 duels, with Vukic’s big serve posing a threat on fast courts, but Brooksby’s overall game should prevail. Prediction: Brooksby in 5.
Ilemona notes Brooksby is still finding his rhythm after a hiatus, while Vukic’s steadiness gives him a chance to push the American, potentially going the distance. Prediction: Brooksby in 4.
Daniel Elahi Galan vs Raphael Collignon
Both players are outside the top 100 and not ideally suited to hard courts, with Galan having spent much of the season on clay and the lower tours. Tope picks the younger Belgian, Collignon, to come through on debut. Prediction: Collignon in 5.
Zain emphasizes Galan’s grinding baseline game against Collignon’s power, giving the nod to Collignon to grind out a win on experience on the big stage. Prediction: Collignon in 4.
Ilemona suggests Galan’s defensive skills give him a solid base, but Collignon’s flash and quicker surface adaptability could swing this one. Prediction: Galan in 4.
Frances Tiafoe vs Yoshihito Nishioka
Tiafoe carries form into a home-soaked night under the New York lights, while Nishioka has shown he can trouble big servers but has been inconsistent lately. Tope believes Tiafoe, despite fitness concerns, has the edge and should win in 3 sets. Prediction: Tiafoe in 3.
Zain echoes that perspective, stressing Tiafoe’s ability to dictate with his forehand and serve, especially in front of a supportive crowd at Arthur Ashe Stadium. Prediction: Tiafoe in 3.
Ilemona notes Tiafoe’s aggressive, varied game versus Nishioka’s movement and consistency, hinting that Tiafoe’s firepower could prove decisive. Prediction: Tiafoe in 3.
What to watch
– Cobolli’s improvement on hard courts versus Passaro’s clay-grounded game offers an intriguing contrast in an all-Italian opener.
– Brooksby’s return to form will be tested by Vukic’s serving power on a quick surface.
– Collignon’s big-hit potential against Galan’s steadier baseline play could hinge on who adapts fastest to New York’s speed and atmosphere.
– Tiafoe’s home-court advantage and serve-and-forehand pressure could be the deciding factor against Nishioka if he serves well and moves freely.
Summary and outlook
Day 2 of the US Open promises a mix of seasoned grit and rising talent as fans see how players handle the high-stakes environment in New York. The predictions suggest Cobolli and Tiafoe are favored in their respective matches, but Day 2’s outcomes often hinge on serving efficiency and the ability to adapt to the quick hard courts.
If you’re following along, these matches offer a glimpse at how up-and-coming talents and established players navigate the early rounds of a Grand Slam, with several matches potentially going the distance and offering late-night drama in the Queens heat. Positive note: the tournament’s energy and the players’ drive continue to highlight why the US Open is a premier stage for breakthrough performances and memorable moments.