Three matches from the US Open qualifying second round to get into today, and none of them look straightforward. Who do you think has the best chance of making it through?
US Open Qualifying Predictions
Nicolai Budkov Kjaer vs Christopher O'Connell
Head-to-head: First meeting
O'Connell is the higher-ranked player here and the more experienced on the big stages, but Budkov Kjaer at 149 in the world is no pushover and this is the kind of qualifying match that can go sideways fast on a bad day. O'Connell's hard-court game is solid and he's capable of hitting his way through opponents when he's on, but he hasn't been a particularly consistent presence on tour lately.
Still, the ranking gap is real and O'Connell should have enough to get through, even if it takes five sets, all things considered.
Prediction: O'Connell in 3
Henrique Rocha vs Lloyd Harris
Head-to-head: First meeting
Harris has had a rough stretch injury-wise and dropped well outside the top 100, but at his best he's a dangerous server on hard courts and this surface genuinely suits him. Rocha is ranked higher right now, which tells you something about how inconsistent Harris has been, and at 119 in the world Rocha clearly knows how to win matches at this level.
That said, Harris's serve alone can carry him through tighter moments, and I feel like he gets this one done in five sets.
Prediction: Harris in 3
Toby Samuel vs Billy Harris
Head-to-head: Samuel 1-0 Harris
Samuel holds the head-to-head lead and is ranked 50 spots above Billy Harris and on hard courts he's been playing some decent tennis. Harris at 161 in the world is fighting to stay relevant on tour right now, and hard to see this being competitive at all.
Prediction: Samuel in 3
For full predictions on ATP and WTA matches today, check out Uppset.
Credit Image: © Yannick Legare/ZUMA Press Wire