The US Open kicks off on Monday, setting the stage for exhilarating tennis action.
As the world's top players converge on the iconic courts, there are two matchups where I see the most betting value. These are the match between Felix Auger-Aliassime and Mackenzie McDonald and the intriguing clash between Pedro Cachin and the rising American star Ben Shelton. Dive in with me as I analyze what I foresee happening in these matches.
Note: Match times are subject to change. Read here for tips on viewing US Open matches.
Auger-Aliassime (-140) vs McDonald (+115)
3:30 p.m. ET
It's no secret that Auger-Aliassime has been on a rocky journey since his return to the ATP Tour. With just a couple of wins post-Miami Masters, the once dominant player seems almost disoriented on the court. Every swing and every move was a stark contrast to the young prodigy we were so accustomed to seeing. Players of his caliber do, often enough, find their way back into form, but it’s a challenging route with uncertainties galore.
Enter McDonald. 2023 has been nothing short of remarkable for him. He's not only clinched significant victories but also ascended to a personal career-high ranking. What stands out when you watch McDonald is his consistency. He doesn't just play; he plays smart. His returns are impressive, posing a challenge even for players with world class serves.
With the Canadian's current form, McDonald’s style can prove to be a nightmare matchup. For Auger-Aliassime to make a dent, he'll need to inch closer to those lines, pushing his limits — a strategy that will likely backfire given the shakiness of his recent performances.
So, while many may be holding their breath for a Felix turnaround at the US Open, the cards seem to be in McDonald's favor. The bet? McDonald might just edge out Auger-Aliassime in their upcoming clash. Trust the American underdog to show up at his home slam.
Pick: McDonald ML (+115 ML via DraftKings)
Shelton (-630) vs Cachin (+440)
11 a.m. ET
Cachin is not a name you would think of when referencing hard court players, but he’s no stranger to surprises. Last year's US Open saw him navigating his way into the third round, a noteworthy feat considering his relative inexperience on the surface.
With a clay court skillset in his arsenal, the challenge for Cachin lies in adapting and translating those skills onto the hard courts. His 2023 track record on the surface might boast only a single win, but one can't ignore the potency in his serve and the resilience he brings to the table, especially in the grueling best-of-five format.
On the other side of the net stands Shelton, touted to be America's next tennis sensation. Shelton’s game is undoubtedly an imposing one, and the weight of his lefty serve has made the likes of even Carlos Alcaraz sit up and take note. With a power game that's arguably one of the hardest in the circuit, he's a dreaded opponent.
However, it’s essential not to overlook a chink in Shelton’s armor: his returning. Among the top 100, his return statistics don't inspire confidence. He may be distant from being labeled a “serve bot,” but his numbers are edging uncomfortably close.
Given the 6.5-game spread expected for this match, the real question is can Shelton leverage his powerful game to overshadow his returning deficiencies?
While most are banking on a Shelton victory for his US Open debut, Cachin's tenacity combined with Shelton's returning challenges suggest this could be a much closer match than anticipated. The verdict? Expect Shelton to clinch the win, but don’t be too surprised if Cachin ensures it's hard-fought.
Pick: Cachin +6.5 games (-128 via FanDuel)
