Day 2 on the US Open options one other compelling slate of first-round males’s matches, together with the ultimate Grand Slam look of three-time main champion Stan Wawrinka and several other intriguing hard-court matchups. Our writers break down the motion and supply their predictions for the 2026 US Open.
US Open Day 2 Predictions
Matteo Berrettini vs Stan Wawrinka
Zain:
In his last-ever look on the US Open, Stan Wawrinka takes on Matteo Berrettini in a repeat of a match the 2 performed just some months in the past at Wimbledon. A lot has been fabricated from the wildcard saga surrounding Wawrinka right here, however in the end, he’ll wish to exit on a excessive. Accidents look to have lastly hampered Berrettini to the purpose the place he’s not the participant he as soon as was, however on a quick courtroom, if he serves effectively and makes use of his forehand aggressively, he ought to win this match.
Prediction: Berrettini in 4
Ilemona:
Matteo Berrettini and Stan Wawrinka performed a memorable match at Wimbledon simply two months in the past, with Berrettini edging it in 4 tie-break units. Wawrinka is taking part in in his closing Grand Slam event after receiving a late wildcard, and the 2016 champion will wish to produce yet one more massive second in New York. Berrettini’s serve and forehand mixture proved an excessive amount of for Wawrinka on the All England Membership, and Berrettini will look to repeat that formulation on the onerous courts.
Prediction: Berrettini in 5
Brandon Nakashima vs Sebastian Baez
Zain:
Brandon Nakashima has had a stable North American hard-court swing to this point, and to begin the massive one, he faces Sebastian Baez, a participant who employs a conventional clay-court playstyle. Baez will look to bodily take a look at the American right here, however Nakashima is taking part in a few of the greatest tennis of his profession. If he maintains that degree, he ought to win this comfortably.
Prediction: Nakashima in 3
Ilemona:
Brandon Nakashima has the clear ball-striking and massive serve that make him a risk on onerous courts, and he has been a constant presence within the prime 20 this season. Sebastian Baez is a clay-court specialist who has labored to adapt his recreation to quicker surfaces, however he’s nonetheless extra comfy on grime than on cement. That is their first profession assembly, and Nakashima’s recreation model ought to match up effectively towards Baez’s counter-punching.
Prediction: Nakashima in 3
Matteo Arnaldi vs James Duckworth
Zain:
Each of those gamers haven’t fairly had the seasons they’d have hoped for therefore far, as they enter this match trying to achieve some momentum. This match shall be performed from the baseline, as each gamers like to take a seat again and counterpunch. Matteo Arnaldi continues to be the extra steady participant off each wings, and if he maintains his composure throughout the strain factors, I can see him profitable this one.
Prediction: Arnaldi in 4
Ilemona:
Matteo Arnaldi has the sort of all-court recreation that may be efficient on onerous courts when he’s wholesome. James Duckworth is an skilled competitor who is aware of the best way to play in Grand Slams, although he has spent a lot of 2026 outdoors the primary tour highlight. Arnaldi will must be sharp after retiring in Washington not too long ago, whereas Duckworth will look to check his health early on this first-ever assembly.
Prediction: Arnaldi in 5
Valentin Royer vs Dalibor Svrcina
Zain:
Each of those gamers have confronted off on the Challenger degree a number of occasions and have additionally performed doubles collectively, as they now face off for the primary time on the primary tour. Valentin Royer will look to be the aggressor on this match, whereas Dalibor Svrcina will depend on his counterpunching abilities. The Czech confirmed a stable degree within the qualifying stage, and that have of figuring out the circumstances may show to be the distinction.
Prediction: Svrcina in 5
Ilemona:
Valentin Royer has been climbing the rankings steadily and has the aggressive baseline recreation that may hassle opponents who should not used to his tempo. Dalibor Svrcina is a prospect who has proven promise on the Challenger degree and shall be trying to make an announcement in his Grand Slam main-draw debut. That is their first assembly, and each gamers shall be wanting to seize a first-round win and construct some momentum.
Prediction: Royer in 4
Primary Photograph Credit score: Mike Frey-Imagn Pictures
