Regardless of wet situations firstly of the 2026 US Open, the second spherical is scheduled to wrap up on Day 5 as 16 males’s matches get underway. No. 1 seed Alexander Zverev survived a Spherical 1 scare and can look to bounce again towards veteran Frenchman Quentin Halys. Zain Mustafa, Yesh Ginsburg, and Shane Black provide their insights. However who will advance?
US Open Day 5 Males’s Predictions
Jakub Mensik vs Jurij Rodionov
Zain
Coming all the way in which from the qualifying spherical, Jurij Rodionov has performed his lefty baseline recreation properly to date this event, and he now will get a step up in competitors towards Jakub Mensik. The Czech has the larger weapons on this match, and if he performs his recreation, it’s exhausting to see him not win, regardless of his underperformance on the Majors at instances.
Prediction: Mensik in 4
Yesh:
Rodionov has appeared so spectacular this event, and Mensik appeared very shaky closing out his opening match. If these nerves stay then Rodionov may punish him, however I feel the Czech is simply the higher participant proper now.
Shane
Mensik is a Combined Doubles Grand Slam champion. Will that assist him on the US Open? It undoubtedly can’t damage. Rodionov has impressively gained 4 matches in New York, however Mensik’s serve and first-strike tennis might be an excessive amount of for the Austrian.
Prediction: Mensik in 3
Learner Tien vs Gael Monfils
Zain
In doubtlessly his career-last match at a Main, Gael Monfils takes on Learner Tien in what might be a baseline battle. At his greatest, the Frenchman would have been favored to bodily win this match, however at this stage in each gamers’ careers, Tien ought to be capable to outlast Monfils, however not earlier than the Frenchman wins a few popcorn factors.
Prediction: Tien in 4
Yesh:
Learner Tien has performed in some huge matches in his younger profession to date, however nothing in any respect (not even the Next Gen Finals) could have ready him for what the environment might be like in New York for this one. Monfils will thrive off the group. Assuming he doesn’t get fatigued, he ought to journey a wave of emotion previous the American.
Prediction: Monfils in 4
Shane
This might be a enjoyable one. It’s Monfils towards arguably the very best younger American within the sport! What extra may you need? The Frenchman will push Tien early, however in the end the American ought to be capable to outhit and outlast Monfils.
Prediction: Tien in 4
Alejandro Tabilo vs Alexei Popyrin
Zain
Alexei Popyrin had a fairly strong exhibiting within the first spherical, gaining some momentum in what has been a subpar season to date. Towards Alejandro Tabilo, this match comes down as to whether the Aussie can take the racket out of Tabilo’s hand along with his huge serve and forehand. Tabilo is the extra constant participant right here, and if he performs as much as his degree, this needs to be an easy win for the Chilean.
Prediction: Tabilo in 4
Yesh:
Popyrin appeared actually sturdy towards Grigor Dimitrov, leaving the Bulgarian with no solutions for his highly effective baseline recreation. I can’t see Tabilo doing a lot towards him, both.
Prediction: Popyrin in 3
Shane
Each males appeared assured and poised of their Spherical 1 US Open wins. Tabilo is the seeded participant, however Popyrin, who has had some Grand Slam success, is the higher exhausting courtroom participant. Give me the Aussie in a decent one.
Prediction: Popyrin in 5
Alexander Zverev vs Quentin Halys
Zain
Alexander Zverev survived an enormous scare in his opener, as he continues to wrestle on the exhausting courts this summer time. Up subsequent might be Quentin Halys, a participant whose aggressive baseline fashion has troubled Zverev up to now. The German ought to nonetheless advance, however I feel this will get trickier for him than he would love.
Prediction: Zverev in 4
Yesh:
Zverev didn’t look good in his first match. He bought by way of, however he’ll must play higher to beat the Frenchman. He says he can do it, so who am I to disagree?
Prediction: Zverev in 4
Shane
Zverev left the court at 2 AM after his first-round five-setter. For some gamers, this can be a poor signal of issues to come back. Nevertheless, I feel that is simply the scare the German wanted. This US Open draw is open. He’ll advance by way of it.
Prediction: Zverev in 3
Important Photograph Credit score: Mike Frey – Imagn Photographs
