Day 1 on the 2026 US Open sees the legendary Novak Djokovic take the court docket, together with rising Japanese participant Rei Sakamoto, who ended Kei Nishikori’s run in qualifying. Our panelists supply full previews and predictions for each spherical 1 matchup in New York Metropolis.
US Open Day 1 Predictions
Novak Djokovic vs Mariano Navone
Zain:
One other Slam begins with Novak Djokovic’s quest for a twenty fifth Main title on the road. The Serbian has come shut this yr however appeared like a participant a couple of steps away from successful a Slam in Cincinnati, the place he fell to Thiago Tirante. His opponent right here is much like that, as Mariano Navone is often a clay-court participant who likes to grind out matches. Whereas meaning Djokovic will possible must dig in bodily at occasions, he’ll nonetheless possible advance to the subsequent spherical.
Prediction: Djokovic in 4
Amanda:
For Djokovic, Grand Slam first rounds are likely to observe a script: he drops the primary or second set, then wins the match in 4. In opposition to Navone that sample might definitely maintain. Djokovic misplaced his solely match in Cincinnati, however non-Slam outcomes don’t maintain a lot weight for him anymore, as his consistency at Grand Slams is all that issues.
Prediction: Djokovic in 4
Jaime Faria vs Jenson Brooksby
Zain:
This matchup is fascinating stylistically, as Brooksby is extra of a defensive counterpuncher, whereas Faria is the extra attacking participant. Each these gamers met in Cincinnati simply over two weeks in the past, the place Faria swept Brooksby away in straight units. And whereas I feel Brooksby can have a greater displaying right here, Faria’s confidence may carry him by means of the match if it will get powerful.
Prediction: Faria in 5
Amanda:
Faria and Brooksby simply performed one another in Cincinnati, with Faria successful in two fast and straightforward units. It’s laborious to think about the consequence will likely be a lot completely different right here with such little time in between and Faria typically enjoying higher tennis than Brooksby proper now.
Prediction: Faria in 3
Aleksandar Vukic vs Rei Sakamoto
Zain:
Serving will likely be key on this match, as on a slick laborious court docket, each gamers will rely closely on their first serves to get free factors. Sakamoto reached the primary draw by ending Kei Nishikori’s US Open profession, and that can give him confidence. However Vukic, regardless of his poor season to this point, remains to be the general extra stable participant of the 2. In an extended match that is likely to be determined by a couple of key moments, I anticipate the Australian to return out on prime.
Prediction: Vukic in 5
Amanda:
Vukic has misplaced within the first spherical of each Grand Slam this yr, however that is definitely his finest likelihood to get a win. Sakamoto needed to come by means of qualifying and this will likely be simply his second-ever Grand Slam major draw. Nonetheless, nearly as good an opportunity that is for Vukic, additionally it is an excellent alternative for Sakamoto to get his first Grand Slam win, as he’s performed extraordinarily properly by means of qualifying and will take Vukic abruptly.
Prediction: Sakamoto in 4
Major Photograph Credit score: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Pictures
