US Open Day 2 Men’s Predictions Including Jack Draper vs Federico Agustin Gomez

The first round of the US Open continues on Day 2 on Monday. We’ll be treated to 24 great men’s matches as all of these players search for glory and history in New York. As always, we here at LastWordOnTennis share our thoughts on all of the matches. We split the day’s 24 matches between six articles. The other feature Carlos Alcaraz vs Reilly Opelka, Frances Tiafoe vs Yoshihito Nishioka, Holger Rune vs Botic van de Zandschulp, Sebastian Korda vs Cameron Norrie, and Andrey Rublev vs Dino Prizmic. Predicting this set of matches are Yesh Ginsburg, Zain Mustafa, and Ilemona Onekutu. Who do you think will advance?

US Open Day 2 Men’s Predictions

Karen Khachanov vs Nishesh Basavareddy

Yesh:
Khachanov looked great in Canada just a few weeks ago. Assuming he still has that rhythm, he should be a real threat to go deep here.
Prediction: Khachanov in 3

Zain:
Karen Khachanov opens against American youngster Nishesh Basavareddy, who will relish the chance to test himself on the big stage. Basavareddy’s fighting spirit could earn him a set, but Khachanov’s experience and firepower are likely to wear him down over time.
Prediction: Khachanov in 4

Ilemona:
Khachanov has been steady this year, using his big serve and flat groundstrokes to stay competitive in most matches. Basavareddy is still learning the ropes of the main tour, and a matchup like this is a steep test for him. Khachanov’s experience and physicality should prove decisive.
Prediction: Khachanov in 3

Mattia Bellucci vs Juncheng Shang

Yesh:
Shang has not achieved the heights we expected of him yet, and Mattia Bellucci has been impressive at times this year. Still, most of those times were on clay. The Chinese youngster should have the advantages here, as long as he’s healthy.
Prediction: Shang in 4

Zain:
Mattia Bellucci meets rising Chinese talent Shang Juncheng, who made a comeback on tour this North American swing after a six-month hiatus. If fitness were guaranteed, I would back Shang here, but that seems a bridge too far currently, as the Italian should win this one by grinding out his opponent.
Prediction: Belucci in 4

Ilemona:
Bellucci is more comfortable on slower courts, and hard courts haven’t yet brought out his best results. Shang, on the other hand, has been building confidence this season, showing that his quick footwork and aggressive baseline play work well on this surface. If he holds his nerve, Shang has the tools to take charge.
Prediction: Shang in 5

Gabriel Diallo vs Damir Dzumhur

Yesh:
Diallo is a rising potential star, while Dzumhur is a journeyman who is probably past his prime. I expect big things from the Candian, and they may start now.
Prediction: Diallo in 3

Zain:
Gabriel Diallo takes on Damir Dzumhur in a big serve vs counterpunching match-up. Dzumhur’s quickness and pace absorption can make him difficult to break down, but Diallo’s explosive serve and first-strike tennis should be enough to pull him through on a fast hard court.
Prediction: Diallo in 4

Ilemona:
Diallo’s serve and athleticism have helped him rise quickly, and he’s looked comfortable on North American hard courts. Dzumhur brings plenty of tour experience but hasn’t been able to find consistent form this season. The Canadian’s momentum could give him the upper hand in this clash.
Prediction: Diallo in 4

Jack Draper vs Federico Agustin Gomez

Yesh:
This will not be a particularly pretty welcome to the big stage for Federico Agustin Gomez. Draper is a second-level favorite here and is playing well. He should cruise.
Prediction: Draper in 3

Zain:
Jack Draper faces Federico Agustin Gómez in a match where the Brit’s power and athleticism should prove decisive. If Draper serves well and dictates with his heavy forehand, this contest should be straightforward.
Prediction: Draper in 3

Ilemona:
Draper will be playing his first match since the injury he sustained in the third round at Wimbledon, and his fitness will be under the spotlight. When healthy, his lefty power game is well-suited to hard courts, giving him a strong foundation in New York. Gomez hasn’t had much exposure at this level and will find it difficult to match Draper’s weapons over longer rallies. If the Brit settles in quickly, he should have the advantage.
Prediction: Draper in 3