The 2024 U.S. Open will get underway on Monday, when Novak Djokovic, Aryna Sabalenka, and Coco Gauff are amongst these in motion. Ben Shelton and Dominic Thiem are enjoying the primary match in Arthur Ashe Stadium through the afternoon session, whereas one other intriguing contest pits Holger Rune towards Brandon Nakashima.
Listed here are my picks for 2 of Monday’s finest matchups.
(13) Ben Shelton vs. (WC) Dominic ThiemShelton and Thiem are successfully ending what they began final summer season in New York. A second-round assembly at Flushing Meadows resulted in a Thiem retirement because of sickness with Shelton main 7-6(1), 1-0. Their solely different showdown got here final spring on the Estoril Open, the place Thiem was enjoying on his most well-liked clay-court floor and cruised 6-2, 6-2.
Though he’s simply 30 years outdated, Thiem is retiring at dwelling in Austria (Vienna) on the finish of this season. He has been unable to recuperate absolutely from 2021 wrist surgical procedure. From a relative standpoint, Shelton’s profession is simply now chickening out. At 21 years outdated the American has already climbed to thirteenth within the rankings. His Grand Slam acumen already features a quarterfinal on the 2023 Aussie Open and a semifinal on the 2023 U.S. Open. Thiem gained this event in 2020, however the 2020 model of Thiem ain’t walkin’ via that door.
Choose: Shelton in 3
(15) Holger Rune vs. Brandon NakashimaRune and Nakashima will likely be going through one another for the third time of their careers. Nakashima has gained each of their earlier tilts; on the 2021 NextGen ATP Finals (4 units) and on the 2023 Shanghai Masters (straight units). Rune was in an enormous droop after they squared off final fall, however he’s enjoying effectively proper now. The world No. 15 has gained a number of matches at 4 straight tournaments, together with a round-of-16 effort on the All-England Membership and a semifinal displaying in Cincinnati.
Nakashima is in effective kind, too, having reached the Cincinnati Masters third spherical as a qualifier (defeated Denis Shapovalov and Tommy Paul earlier than succumbing to Andrey Rublev). Nevertheless, the world No. 48 has superior previous the third spherical of a serious solely as soon as (2022 Wimbledon fourth spherical). Alternatively, Rune is a three-time slam quarterfinalist and has reached fourth rounds three different instances. Search for Rune to pocket his first win on this matchup.
Choose: Rune in 4
Ricky contributes to 10sballs.com and likewise maintains his personal tennis web site, The Grandstand. You’ll be able to comply with him on Twitter at @Dimonator.
