Three big matches to get through from the US Open today, and honestly the draw is starting to thin out in really interesting ways. Who do you think makes it to the next round?
US Open Predictions
Daniil Medvedev vs Frances Tiafoe
Head-to-head: Medvedev 6-2 Tiafoe
Tiafoe has never really solved Medvedev, and that 6-2 record, which if anything understates how one-sided the dynamic has been, isn't just a number, it reflects how uncomfortable that deep, flat ball off the baseline makes Frances look when he can't dictate early. Tiafoe is at his best when he's swinging freely and the crowd is behind him, and Flushing Meadows gives him both of those things, so this won't be a walk.
That said, Medvedev at a Slam is a different animal, and he's proven over and over that he doesn't panic in long matches even when the crowd is against him. I think he gets through this, but it goes the distance.
Prediction: Medvedev in 3
Tommy Paul vs Carlos Alcaraz
Head-to-head: Paul 2-6 Alcaraz
Paul is one of the better hardcourt Americans on tour and he'll make this uncomfortable at times, but Alcaraz on a big stage is a different problem entirely. That 2-6 head-to-head tells the real story and most of Paul's wins came before Alcaraz became the player he is now.
Hard to see this being competitive at all.
Prediction: Alcaraz in 3
Alexander Zverev vs Alejandro Tabilo
Head-to-head: Zverev 2-0 Tabilo
Tabilo had a brilliant run earlier this season in Rome and showed he can beat elite players, but Zverev is a completely different matchup on hard courts, and the conditions here don't do Tabilo any favors. He relies on getting into long, physical rallies and Zverev's serve takes that option away almost entirely.
Zverev is playing some of the cleanest tennis of his career right now and I feel like this one wraps up quickly, all things considered.
Prediction: Zverev in 3
For full predictions on ATP and WTA matches today, check out Uppset.
Credit Image: © PI via ZUMA Press Wire