US Open Day 2 Men’s Predictions Including Tiafoe vs Nishioka

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, Jack Draper vs Federico Agustin Gomez, Holger Rune vs Botic van de Zandschulp, Sebastian Korda vs Cameron Norrie, and Andrey Rublev vs Dino Prizmic. Predicting this set of matches are Tope Oke, Zain Mustafa, and Ilemona Onekutu. Who do you think will advance?

US Open Day 2 Men’s Predictions

Francesco Passaro vs Flavio Cobolli

Tope:
Francesco Passaro looked solid in qualifying but unfortunately his compatriot will be a bar too high for him. Cobolli has been one of the standout players this season and he will advance to the second round.
Prediction: Cobolli in 4

Zain:
In an all-Italian affair, Francesco Passaro did well to come through qualifying and reach the main draw. However, Flavio Cobolli’s baseline stability and growing Slam experience, highlighted by his Wimbledon quarterfinal run, should prove too much here.
Prediction: Cobolli in 3

Ilemona:
Both Italians are still trying to establish themselves at Tour level, but Cobolli has looked the sharper of the two on hard courts lately. Passaro has mostly built his success on clay and hasn’t had the same impact on faster surfaces. Unless he adapts quickly, Cobolli should have the edge in this matchup.
Prediction: Cobolli in 3

Jenson Brooksby vs Aleksandar Vukic

Tope:
Jenson Brooksby has reached two ATP Tour finals this year, after coming back from a long hiatus. Aleksandar Vukic, who sits just two spots lower in the rankings is always a tough opponent on hardcourts. That being said, the American is likelier to create break chances thanks to his stronger return game. Assuming he maintains consistency in his serve, he should win.
Prediction: Brooksby in 4

Zain:
Jenson Brooksby meets Aleksandar Vukic in one of the popcorn matches of the opening round. Vukic’s serve is a dangerous weapon on fast hard courts, but Brooksby is the more complete player overall. Expect a tight battle that the American narrowly edges.
Prediction: Brooksby in 5

Ilemona:
Brooksby has just returned to regular competition and is still rediscovering his rhythm, but his awkward style of play can frustrate opponents. Vukic has been steadier throughout the season, backing up his strong serve with solid baseline play. This one feels like it could go the distance if Brooksby finds his range.
Prediction: Brooksby in 4

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Daniel Elahi Galan vs Raphael Collignon

Tope:
Both players currently ranked outside the Rop 100, and neither is particularly well-suited to this surface, having spent much of the season playing on clay and in the lower tours. All in all, I’ll back the younger Belgian to advance on his debut.
Prediction: Collignon in 5

Zain:
Daniel Elahi Galan takes on Raphael Collignon in what represents a big opportunity for both players. Galan will aim to grind out points with his consistency, while Collignon brings the bigger weapons and shot-making ability, which gets the nod.
Prediction: Collignon in 4

Ilemona:
Galan’s baseline consistency and defensive skills give him a good foundation, but his hard-court record hasn’t been strong recently. Collignon doesn’t yet have much experience on the biggest stages, but he’s shown flashes of promise on quicker surfaces. It may come down to who adapts better under the New York lights.
Prediction: Galan in 4

Frances Tiafoe vs Yoshihito Nishioka

Tope:
While Frances Tiafoe may have some concerns about his fitness heading into this match, his Japanese opponent has more problems to resolve–having not won in the last five matches after a long break away from the sport, battling injuries and fitness. This is a good spot for the American.
Prediction: Tiafoe in 3

Zain:
Frances Tiafoe faces Yoshihito Nishioka, who can be dangerous in the right conditions. But this is New York, under the lights of Arthur Ashe Stadium, against Tiafoe. The match will likely hinge on how well the American serves and dictates with his forehand. Expect him to rise to the occasion.
Prediction: Tiafoe in 3

Ilemona:
Tiafoe has had a mixed summer but his aggressive game and shot variety usually hold up well on North American hard courts. Nishioka, meanwhile, thrives on consistency and quick movement, though he hasn’t been able to string together many wins this year. If the rallies get physical, this could get interesting, but Tiafoe’s firepower may prove decisive.
Prediction: Tiafoe in 3

Main Photo Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports

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