Three first-round picks from Flushing Meadows to get into today, and honestly there's a lot to talk about. Djokovic returning to the US Open, a head-to-head that's becoming a bit of a storyline, and a rematch between two players going in very different directions. Who do you think makes it through cleanly?
US Open Predictions
Mariano Navone vs Novak Djokovic
Head-to-head: First meeting
Djokovic is back at the US Open and this is about as manageable a first-round draw as he could have hoped for. Navone is a solid clay-court player who's had a decent year, but hard courts are a different conversation entirely and Djokovic at a Slam on this surface is still a different level from almost anyone in the game.
The only reason this goes five is if Djokovic is managing something physically or goes through a rough patch in the middle sets, which isn't impossible given he hasn't had the most consistent year. But Navone isn't the type to punish him for it. Djokovic gets through.
Prediction: Djokovic in 3
Nuno Borges vs Learner Tien
Head-to-head: Borges 0-2 Tien
Tien has beaten Borges both times they've met and he's been one of the more exciting young players to watch this season, already ranked 15th, which is remarkable at just 20 years old, at just 20 years old. Borges is a capable player and he's had a solid year himself, but that 0-2 record tells you something about how this matchup plays out, and hard courts suit Tien's aggressive game much better than they suit Borges.
I think this goes three sets because Borges won't just fold, but Tien should have enough to close it out, all things considered.
Prediction: Tien in 3
Stefanos Tsitsipas vs Arthur Fils
Head-to-head: Tsitsipas 0-5 Fils
Five from five. That's not a head-to-head, that's a problem. Fils has been so good at not letting Tsitsipas settle into his preferred patterns, and the Frenchman's speed and aggression on hard courts make it nearly impossible for Tsitsipas to dictate the way he wants to. To make things worse, Tsitsipas has been genuinely struggling this season and comes in ranked 53rd, his lowest position in years.
Fils wins this comfortably and I'd be surprised if Tsitsipas takes a set.
Prediction: Fils in 3
For full predictions on ATP and WTA matches today, check out Uppset.
Credit Image: © Yannick Legare/ZUMA Press Wire