Regardless of wet situations at first of the 2026 US Open, the second spherical is scheduled to wrap up on Day 5 as 16 males’s matches get underway. In top-of-the-line matches of the US Open second spherical, No. 3 seed Felix Auger-Aliassime squares off towards former semifinalist Karen Khachanov. Zain Mustafa, Yesh Ginsburg, and Shane Black provide their insights. However who will advance?
US Open Day 5 Males’s Predictions
Flavio Cobolli vs Tristan Schoolkate
Zain
Tristan Schoolkate had run in qualifying and made probably the most of it within the first spherical with a assured efficiency. Flavio Cobolli, however, needed to come again from two units down in his opening match to achieve right here. However on this matchup, he has the sting in most departments. If the Italian retains his composure and doesn’t overcommit on his forehand, he ought to attain the third spherical.
Prediction: Cobolli in 4
Yesh
I nonetheless don’t perceive Cobolli’s sport, however it’s efficient on all surfaces now. He’s rightfully earned his place close to the elites of the sport, and has given no signal of shedding this early in a Main.
Prediction: Cobolli in 3
Shane
Though I imagine Cobolli is weak in these early US Open rounds, I don’t suppose Schoolkate is the one to knock him off. The Aussie doesn’t have a weapon that may give the Italian matches.
Prediction: Cobolli in 4
Francisco Cerundolo vs Jan-Lennard Struff
Zain
This match sees a battle of forehands, as Francisco Cerundolo’s topspin sport takes on the extra flat and aggressive playstyle of Jan-Lennard Struff. Having every gained their first-round matches in straight units, each gamers will look to make a deep run on this yr’s open event. Finally, Struff has a substantial serving benefit, and in a match that ought to be shut, that could possibly be the deciding issue on a quick hard-court floor.
Prediction: Struff in 5
Yesh
Struff ought to be rather a lot higher than he’s. By some means, he by no means fairly places all of it collectively. That’s excellent news for his opening, who has sneakily grow to be a stable laborious court docket participant.
Prediction: Cerundolo in 4
Shane
On the lookout for a match between two large hitters? You discovered it, as each Cerundolo and Struff mash their forehands. The German will look to get to the online early and sometimes, which might throw off an opponent. However I believe Cerundolo is totally geared up to deal with the online strain.
Prediction: Cerundolo in 4
Arthur Gea vs Zachary Svajda
Zain
Coming into the primary draw as a fortunate loser, Arthur Gea took full benefit of his second likelihood, securing a five-set victory within the first spherical on the again of his aggressive play. Now he faces Zachary Svajda, a participant who depends on baseline consistency and counterpunching tempo. I believe this matchup fits Svajda higher, and behind a house crowd, don’t be shocked if he makes the third spherical.
Prediction: Svajda in 4
Yesh
Svajda has numerous expertise and at last seems to be like issues is likely to be clicking. I don’t anticipate him to start out profitable tournaments fairly but, however he’s due for a stable run right here and has the draw to permit it.
Prediction: Svajda in 3
Shane
Svajda has been grinding via the Challenger Tour for years. Now it’s the 23-year-old’s alternative to make an enormous splash. He has been taking part in with confidence and will use the backing of the house crowd to cruise into the US Open third spherical.
Prediction: Svajda in 4
Felix Auger-Aliassime vs Karen Khachanov
Zain
Felix Auger-Aliassime will take into account himself unfortunate to should play Karen Khachanov within the second spherical of a Main because the third seed, because the Russian has had fairly aggressive matches with the Canadian previously. However this yr, Khachanov has regarded to regress, and if Auger-Aliassime serves properly, he ought to get greater than sufficient probabilities to win what ought to nonetheless be a intently contested match.
Prediction: Auger-Aliassime in 5
Yesh
This match is completely an upset alert. Auger-Aliassime regarded shaky in his opener towards Rinky Hijikata, whereas Karen Khachanov completely dominated Roman Andres Burruchaga. The strain is intense on the Canadian, who possible sees this as his best opportunity to win a Major. I believe he’ll go house dissatisfied.
Prediction: Khachanov in 4
Shane
In arguably probably the most thrilling match of the US Open second spherical, the No. 3 seed will get a brutal draw towards former semifinalist Karen Khachanov. The latter misplaced simply 4 video games in his one-hour and 35-minute first-round match. Name me loopy, however I nonetheless don’t belief Auger-Aliassime in large matches. This one will come all the way down to the margins, the place I favor Khachanov.
Prediction: Khachanov in 5
Principal Picture Credit score: Frank Bowen IV/The Enquirer/USA TODAY NETWORK by way of Imagn Pictures
