As we move into the third round of the US Open, the excitement is palpable.
Frances Tiafoe, with the roar of the home crowd behind him, is set to clash with the ever-so-crafty Adrian Mannarino. Meanwhile, Benjamin Bonzi and the rising star Dominic Stricker are gearing up for what promises to be a strategic battle.
With so much at stake and stories unfolding, these matchups are garnering quite the buzz. Let's dive deeper into the matchups and see what they have in store for us in our US Open best bets.
Note: Match times are subject to change. Read here for tips on viewing US Open matches.
Stricker (-140) vs Bonzi (+115)
2:15 p.m. ET
A talent I've long admired, Stricker recently etched a monumental victory into his resume by toppling Stefanos Tsitsipas. Navigating a grueling five-setter, Stricker had his showing of nerves but kept his cool just enough enough to eke out a win.
Similarly, Bonzi carved a path for himself by taming the big-serving American, Chris Eubanks. Notably, since his comeback from injury, Bonzi's form has been inconsistent. Yet, his performance against Eubanks served as a reminder of the Frenchman's capabilities. Eubanks, known for his airborne game and aggressive serves, found himself neutralized by Bonzi's strategic gameplay.
I'm inclined to back Bonzi. His tennis blueprint seems tailor-made to control powerful servers. He boasts enough firepower to comfortably hold his serve and possesses a deft block return, limiting his opponents' typical aggressive stance. Additionally, Bonzi’s track record against left-handed players is commendable. With Stricker possibly facing an emotional hangover after his career-defining win over Tsitsipas, this match might tilt in Bonzi’s favor.
Pick: Bonzi ML (+115 via DraftKings)
Tiafoe (-330) vs Mannarino (+260)
1:30 p.m. ET
All eyes are on Tiafoe, the American sensation, as he steps into round 3. 'Big Foe' has been in scintillating form, playing bold tennis without conceding a set. It's clear – he's here to make a statement – similarly to when he made the semifinals last year.
Enter Mannarino, a crafty Frenchman with a knack for absorbing and redirecting pace. Thanks to his unique low string tension, Mannarino's become somewhat of a master in turning his opponent's power against them. It's a dance of finesse, and he's led many powerful players around the court with his slick counterpunching.
Yet, I will not be trusting his counterpunching abilities tomorrow. With the electric energy of the home crowd behind him, I reckon Tiafoe's power-packed game will be too much for Mannarino to handle. The setting is perfect for Tiafoe to bulldoze his way to victory, keeping his dream alive. The path looks promising, and with the draw unfolding favorably, he must sense the golden opportunity ahead.
Bottom line? If you're looking for an outright favorite, trust in Tiafoe. I'm betting on the American to seal the deal without much fuss. The stage is set; now let's watch the action unfold.
Pick: Tiafoe -5.5 games (-105 via DraftKings)
