Day one has run its course at the U.S. Open but we’ve already seen a lot of drama unfold. That’s where we’ll pick up our tennis picks.
Two of the top 32 seeds have already crashed out. While Mikhail Youzhny swept aside Martin Klizan in straight sets, Great Britain’s Kyle Edmund sprung the surprise of the day, shock-upsetting World No.15 Richard Gasquet in the opening round. Gasquet was surprisingly flat in his opening match, failing to win more than three games in any set. He ended up losing in straight sets. One other mild upset was Thomaz Bellucci losing toe Andrey Kuznetsov. Bellucci was only able to win the second set and ended up losing in a fourth-set tiebreaker. The most entertaining match of the day probably goes to the Steve Darci-Jordan Thompson showdown. Three of the five sets required a seventh-game. Thompson was up two sets to none before losing the final three.
Will the seeds hold on day two? Here are the three intriguing encounters which can go either way. Here are our tennis picks for the day.
Andy Murray vs. Lukas Rosol
Murray leads the head-to-head record 2-0 but the moody Czech has caused Murray some headaches in both their encounters, with their clashes finishing in deciding sets. Their last face-off in Munich proved to be the most memorable, albeit for all the wrong reasons. Rosol bumped into Murray at the change of ends and it didn’t go down well with the Brit. The on-court microphones caught Murray’s response: “No one likes you on the tour. Everyone hates you.” Rosol will be fired up for this and would like to make a statement.
On the other hand, Murray is enjoying his best season on tour and is seen as a firm title contender. Rosol thrives playing on the big stage. Remember his Wimbledon epic against Rafael Nadal in 2012? However, this is Murray and currently he is the most in-form player. Unlike their previous two meetings, this should be routine for Murray, so go with him for your tennis picks.
Pick: Murray in four sets
Stan Wawrinka vs. Fernando Verdasco
Verdasco leads the head-to-head record 3-2 but in their only Grand Slam meeting, Wawrinka dismissed the Spaniard in straight sets. The last time they were pitted against each other, Verdasco emerged as the victor. It’s difficult to judge Wawrinka’s form and even more difficult is to judge his state of mind. The Swiss made the semifinals in Toronto, withdrew from Rio and exited early from Cincinnati. The majors are what he cares about and Verdasco is well aware of his success at Grand Slams and the danger he possesses.
Earlier this year in the Australian Open first round, in a giant-killing performance, Verdasco overcame Rafael Nadal in a five-set epic. The Wawrinka-Verdasco first round matchup promises to be a tasty affair of similar proportions. It’s hard to choose a winner, but you never bet against Wawrinka in the matches which are not best-of-three sets. Take him with your tennis picks.
Pick: Wawrinka in four sets
Feliciano Lopez vs. Borna Coric
Lopez and Coric have not yet faced each other on the professional tour. While one is a 34-year-old veteran, constantly present in the world’s top 20 and trying to defy odds, the other is a 19-year-old, the solid but fragile Croat, who is still trying to find his footing at the highest level. Although Coric is 41st in the ATP rankings, he has put up some mature displays over the last couple of months. His five-set Davis Cup victory against Jack Sock led Croatia to the semifinals, and on a more personal front, he reached the quarterfinals of the Cincinnati Masters.
Last year, Lopez surprised many and made an inspiring run to the quarterfinals. However, the Spaniard has failed to bring his Gstaad and Los Cabos form to hardcourt tournaments. Coric is young and fresh but Lopez is wily, crafty and experienced. It really is hard to choose between the two but if baby Djokovic stays injury free, he will win, so he’s the best bet for your tennis picks.
Pick: Coric in four sets
