US Open third-round preview: Rublev vs Wong and Paul vs Bublik
The US Open’s third round wraps up Saturday at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, with two intriguing men’s matches that could fuel upsets amid a loaded field. On one court, 21-year-old Coleman Wong of Hong Kong is aiming to extend his shock run as he takes on Andrey Rublev. On another, American Tommy Paul seeks to steady his form against Kazakhstan’s Alexander Bublik.
Rublev vs Wong: Rublev’s big-serving edge meets Wong’s rising momentum
Odds put Rublev as a heavy favorite, with Wong being the clear underdog as their clash at the end of the day’s session looms. Wong has quietly built momentum through the qualifying rounds and early main-draw appearances, including wins over Kovacevic and Walton after a run through Cincinnati qualifying. His serve has shown bite and his forehand has the power to threaten, while his returns have been especially impactful in the last round, where he disrupted opponents’ first- and second-serve points.
Rublev, by comparison, brings a bigger serve and a more aggressive baseline game but has shown vulnerability on his second serve in recent matches. In a recent outing against Tristan Boyer, Rublev struggled to win a high percentage of second-serve points and fought to hold his own on serve. If Wong can reproduce the patience and aggression he’s demonstrated lately, he could pressure Rublev’s second serve and create chances to swing the match in a lengthy, physically demanding battle.
Two factors to watch:
– How Wong handles the pressure and nerves of a big Grand Slam moment against a top-50 opponent, and whether his high-intensity style can force Rublev into mistakes on critical points.
– Rublev’s ability to tighten up second-serve points and convert break opportunities early, avoiding a potentially costly slow start.
Prediction takeaway: This one has “tournament upshot” potential. Expect Wong to push Rublev in the early stages, but Rublev’s steadier baseline tools and higher-level consistency give him the edge in a likely multi-set encounter.
Paul vs Bublik: Paul’s versatility tested by Bublik’s unpredictability
The Paul-Bublik matchup presents a clash of Paul’s steady, even-keeled game against Bublik’s serve-and-flick brand of tennis. Paul’s recent form has been a pattern of sporadic bursts—he’s shown resilience and the ability to dig out tight matches, including a late comeback against Nuno Borges in a recent round. Yet questions persist about how much energy Paul has left for a big, late-night showdown against a crafty shot-maker like Bublik.
Bublik brings a mix of touch, deceptive serves, and wide-ranging creativity, which can disrupt Paul’s rhythm. Paul has sometimes struggled to find his best level across long, tense matches at this tournament, and fatigue or lapses in focus could open the door for Bublik to seize momentum.
Two factors to watch:
– Paul’s stamina and mental composure in a match that could swing on a few pivotal service games, especially if Bublik flips the switch with an aggressive run of games.
– Bublik’s ability to vary pace and placement, testing Paul’s movement and consistency from the baseline.
Prediction takeaway: This one feels like a grueling test for Paul. If he can keep rallies manageable, mix up his own pace, and avoid getting dragged into long, unproductive exchanges, he has a puncher’s chance. Otherwise, Bublik’s capricious but effective toolkit could tilt the balance in a few crucial moments.
What to expect and why it matters
– These matches highlight the depth and drama of the US Open’s men’s draw, where veterans, rising stars, and players fighting to secure footing at the Tour level converge.
– Wong’s run is a reminder that the Challenger-to-Grand Slam bridge can produce compelling shocks, especially when a young player leverages speed, tenacity, and a fearless approach against more established names.
– Paul’s ongoing uncertainty underscores the grind of late-season slams for players who have shown ceiling moments but struggle with consistency in the big arena.
Summary
The third round at the US Open offers a pair of compelling tests: Coleman Wong aiming to keep his rapid ascent alive against Andrey Rublev, and Tommy Paul seeking to stabilize his results against Alexander Bublik. Expect long rallies, momentum shifts, and a couple of unexpected twists as the night session unfolds in Queens.
Positive note: Even in matches with betting odds that favor the seeded players, the Open’s atmosphere and the players’ drive can spark upsets and memorable moments, keeping fans hopeful for dramatic, feel-good finishes.