A blockbuster match is on the horizon in the second round, as the up and coming Jack Draper takes on the world No. 8 Felix Auger-Aliassime. Can the Brit hang with the quality that the Canadian is sure to produce?
At the same time, Nick Kyrgios will face off with Benjamin Bonzi. Kyrgios handled his friend Thanasi Kokkinakis with ease while Bonzi came through a battle with Ugo Humbert in five sets. Who will take control of this one?
Let’s dive in.
Note: Match times are subject to change. Read here for tips on viewing US Open matches.
Felix Auger-Aliassime (-275) vs. Jack Draper (+220)
1:30 p.m. ET
Draper dismissed of Emil Ruusuvouri in straight sets, an opponent who handled him comfortably earlier this summer. He dictated play from start to finish with his typical game, utilizing powerful groundstrokes and a killer lefty serve.
Draper produces easy power from both wings and can handle any pace thrown his way. He has no problem firing shots on the run and coming to the net. His game is extremely sound.
Even though he is currently ranked outside the top 50, he will break that soon and he is no stranger to facing top competition.
Auger-Aliassime has had himself a year, Reaching a ranking of No. 8 and winning his maiden ATP title. However, his last slam appearance was a first round exit at Wimbledon.
He did well to make it through his first round but the Canadian did drop a set. Draper will be a huge step up in competition and Auger-Aliassime will know this match will be far from easy.
Auger-Aliassime often keeps points short, hitting through his opponent with a powerful serve and excellent first ball.
Draper has been playing some excellent tennis and he seems to always show up when the stage is biggest. Auger-Aliassime has been playing at an elevated level this year, but is still susceptible to cold streaks and letting the pressure get to him.
As an underdog, expect Draper to come out firing and keep the pressure on the Canadian.
Pick: Draper +4.5 Games (-110 via FanDuel)
Nick Kyrgios (-1050) vs. Benjamin Bonzi (+640)
1:30 p.m. ET
Nothing can seem to stop Kyrgios’ serve when he is on and focused. He didn’t face a single break point in his first round and was landing 71% of his first serves in a terrifying display for any opponent.
Even when he finds himself in an extended point, he has the skill to rally with the best. If he is playing with patience, his consistency combined with power is a battle few can deal with.
Bonzi has had his best career year. Reaching his highest ranking of 44 in July, Bonzi’s steadiness has qualified him as a threat on tour.
He plays well in baseline rallies, keeping the ball low with pace and led by a backhand that rarely seems to breakdown.
Augmenting his game with powerful serves, Bonzi is a difficult man to break. He does not produce the weapons that Kyrgios does, but can his sturdiness cause the Australian problems?
We will see two extremely different personalities take the court. Kyrgios is extremely vocal while Bonzi never seems to lose his cool.
With the line sitting as high as it is and Bonzi’s powerful serve and consistency, I will trust him to keep this match close. I think 6.5 is simply too much for Kyrgios facing a mentally stable opponent with a reliable serve.
Trust the Frenchman to keep it close.
Pick: Bonzi +6.5 Games (-140 via FanDuel)
