Three matches to get through from the US Open third round today, and honestly it's a pretty compelling set of picks. Tien and Mensik is the one I keep coming back to, two young guys who have both been swinging freely this year. Who do you think makes the fourth round?
US Open Predictions
Jakub Mensik vs Learner Tien
Head-to-head: Mensik 0-1 Tien
Tien got the only previous meeting between these two, and both players have been climbing fast enough this year that it's hard to use ranking as a real guide here. Mensik has the bigger serve and can go through phases where he's almost unplayable, but Tien has looked composed and steady at this tournament so far and hard courts in New York suit his flat, direct hitting style really well.
This feels like a five-setter waiting to happen, and I think Tien's consistency from the baseline is just enough to see him through when it matters most late in the match.
Prediction: Tien in 3
Taylor Fritz vs Francisco Cerundolo
Head-to-head: Fritz 1-0 Cerundolo
Fritz has already beaten Cerundolo once before and, on a fast hard court in front of a home crowd, this really isn't a tough one to call. Cerundolo is a legitimate clay threat but he's never quite found the same level on hard courts, and Fritz at Flushing Meadows, where the crowd seems to genuinely carry him through tight moments, is a different animal than Fritz anywhere else. The crowd lifts him, the surface suits him, and he's been hitting the ball cleanly this fortnight.
Prediction: Fritz in 3
Alexander Blockx vs Flavio Cobolli
Head-to-head: Blockx 1-1 Cobolli
The H2H is level but Cobolli is the better player right now and has been for most of this season. He's become really good at not panicking in long rallies, grinding out points that looked like they were going against him, and that kind of patience tends to pay off on US Open hard courts. Hard to see Blockx making this truly competitive given the gap in consistent results at this level, and Cobolli's ranking advantage reflects that.
That said, a split H2H always adds a little uncertainty, and Cobolli can go cold at the worst moments. I'd still back him to come through, probably after dropping a set along the way.
Prediction: Cobolli in 3
For full predictions on ATP and WTA matches today, check out Uppset.
Credit Image: © PI via ZUMA Press Wire