A few matches to dig into from the US Open today, and there's at least one genuine surprise lurking in the picks. Let's get into it.
US Open Predictions
Tommy Paul vs Carlos Alcaraz
Head-to-head: Paul 2-6 Alcaraz
Paul's won two of those eight, which sounds respectable until you realize both came before Alcaraz really hit his stride on the tour. The last few meetings have been pretty one-sided, and on a hard court at a Slam, there's no reason to think this is different. Hard to see this being competitive at all. Alcaraz's ability to change pace and direction mid-rally makes him almost impossible to outgrind, and grinding is essentially what Paul does.
Alcaraz wins this comfortably.
Prediction: Alcaraz in 3
Francisco Cerundolo vs Alexander Blockx
Head-to-head: Cerundolo 0-1 Blockx
This is the interesting one. Blockx leads the H2H, and while one match doesn't tell you everything, Cerundolo has looked shaky this season outside of clay. Blockx is young and has been hitting the ball cleanly and on a fast hard court he's got the game to push anyone. Cerundolo will want to slow things down and build points, but that's harder to do here than it is in Buenos Aires or Roland Garros.
I think Blockx follows up that earlier win and takes another tight one.
Prediction: Blockx in 3
Ben Shelton vs Stefanos Tsitsipas
Head-to-head: Shelton 0-1 Tsitsipas
Tsitsipas is ranked 53rd right now, which still feels strange to type. His season has been rough, and while he can still play at a high level on his day, the consistency just hasn't been there. That said, Shelton is right at home in Flushing. His serve, which has been one of the most difficult reads on tour this year, is a nightmare to read indoors or out, and the crowd lifts him in a way that visibly affects his tennis. Tsitsipas leads the H2H but that was a different version of both players.
Shelton should be too much here, all things considered.
Prediction: Shelton in 3
For full predictions on ATP and WTA matches today, check out Uppset.
Credit Image: © Sonia Moskowitz Gordon/ZUMA Press Wire