US Open Day 2 Men’s Predictions Including Tsitsipas vs Kokkinakis

The first round of the US Open concludes on Day 2 with 32 men’s matches scheduled for Tuesday. There’s sure to be some incredible action in New York, and – as always – we here at LastWordOnTennis will be sharing our thoughts on each match. We’re splitting the day’s 32 matches across eight articles. The other articles include Carlos Alcaraz vs Li Tu, Jannik Sinner vs Mackenzie McDonald, Tommy Paul vs Lorenzo Sonego, Denis Shapovalov vs Botic van de Zandschulp, Hubert Hurkacz vs Timofey Stakov, Daniil Medvedev vs Dusan Lajovic and Arthur Fils vs Learner Tien. Damian Kust, Yesh Ginsburg and Ateet Shrivastava are making their predictions for this round of matches. Who do you think will go through?

US Open Day 2 Men’s Predictions

Borna Coric vs. Adrian Mannarino

Damien:
Mannarino has won one match since mid-March, that’s how far it has come for the Frenchman. He still has points for two ATP 250 titles on his ranking and they keep him high, but he is losing to literally everyone at the moment. I’m not sure if this situation against Coric will change here.
Prediction: Coric in 4

Sure:
Coric won Cincinnati two years ago and hasn’t really banked on it since. Mannarino is still a solid player, but he’s not at his best right now. If Coric can find some consistency, he should win. But that’s a big if.
Prediction: Coric in 4

Eat:
Borna Coric is slowly coming into form and this match could not have come at a better time for him. Coric has lost all four matches against Mannarino but the Frenchman is in the worst form of his career and has lost 10 matches in a row. This is Coric’s best chance to win against Mannarino.
Prediction: Coric in 4

Sebastian Korda vs. Corentin Moutet

Damien:
Korda, who won the Washington title, will have some expectations of him at this Grand Slam, but we know how that has gone in the last two Wimbledon appearances. The opponent is also tough and you never know what kind of ball you will get from Moutet. The American will probably get through it, but he now has something to prove in terms of his ability to step up in big events.
Prediction: Korda in 4

Sure:
Sebastian Korda always seems to fail at the Majors. He finally seems healthy and is playing really well. How far can he go in New York?
Prediction: Korda in 3

Eat:
Sebastian Korda has shown great consistency in the past month and is a big favorite to win this match. Moutet can be a tricky player with his variety and defense, but he is not in good shape and without confidence he is not the same player. I still expect the Frenchman to take a step forward in this match. Their only meeting was a thrilling five-setter at the 2022 Australian Open, which Korda won in a tiebreak in the fifth set. However, I predict that the American player will win more easily this time.
Prediction: Korda in 4

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Matthew Forbes vs. Roman Safiullin

Damien:
Forbes was a surprise winner at the USTA U18 National Championship and with just five professional matches in February earlier this year, it’s hard to say exactly what he’ll bring to the court. The reality is that Safiullin, while one of the more volatile players in the draw, should still be far too good for the wildcard after capturing the Cary title.
Prediction: Safiullin in 4

Sure:
Roman Safiullin hasn’t maintained his early 2023 form, but he’s still consistently competitive. I can’t imagine Matthew Forbes can keep up his pace, but if the crowd gets Safiullin fired up, the American might have a chance.
Prediction: Safiullin in 3

Eat:
Forbes is an 18-year-old American wildcard who will be playing his first ever Grand Slam match. It is a historic moment for the Michigan State University freshman, as he became the first Spartan to ever qualify for the tournament. Safiullin lost to an American last week and will once again face the crowd. But he is the better player and should get the job done.
Prediction: Safiullin in 3

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Stefanos Tsitsipas vs. Thanasi Kokkinakis

Damien:
Tsitsipas has never made it past the third round in New York and with his hardcourt game we’ve reached a point where even matches like this seem pretty tough for him. After all, Kokkinakis has the tools to throw everything he’s got at the Greek’s backhand. Let’s be classy here and try to call an upset.
Prediction: Kokkinakis in 5

Sure:
What a first round match this should be. The Australian’s attempts to restart his career continue to be met with bad luck and poor draws. This is another one.
Prediction: Tsitsipas in 4

Eat:
A tasty clash between two players who struggle with consistency. Tsitsipas is a much higher ranked player, but his weakness on this surface makes this match a bit more equal. Kokkinakis certainly has a chance here, but I’m not willing to take a risk on him.
Prediction: Tsitsipas in 5

Main photo credit: Danielle Parhizkaran-USA TODAY Sports