How about this for an opener? Andy Murray and Nick Kyrgios, two of the world’s best tennis players, will collide in a mouth-watering first-round clash at Flushing Meadows next week. Read on below as we dissect this blockbuster showdown. To make it worth your while, we also broke down the opening-round matchup between Kei Nishikori and Benoit Paire.
If you’re still looking for more US Open news, check out our predictions for this year’s tournament, as well as our sleeper picks for the men’s and women’s singles events.
Andy Murray had his eight-match unbeaten run snapped last week with a straight-sets defeat in the semifinals of the Cincinnati Masters. He lost 6-4, 7-6 (6) to to eventual champion Roger Federer in a match that lasted one hour and 37 minutes. The result was somewhat of a surprise considering Murray has been in excellent form this season. He has already won 56 matches this year, the most in the ATP Tour this campaign.
[sc:Other240banner ]He will have his work cut out for him quickly in the US Open as he will face the ever-dangerous Nick Kyrgios in the opening round. The Australian is a big-time player, already having beaten the likes of Federer and Nadal before.
That being said, Murray will fancy his chances against the controversial Aussie, as he has fared extremely well against him in the past. He is 3-0 in his career against Kyrgios. Murray has played Kyrgios twice in Grand Slams this year, winning in straight sets at both the Australian and French Opens.
Murray is 8-2 in his last 10 matches, while Kyrgios is 6-4 in his last 10 outings.
Writer’s Prediction
Murray (-1,200) edges past Kyrgios in four tough sets.
Another player who’s having an excellent 2015 season is Kei Nishikori. The Japanese star has already won three ATP Tour titles this year, including the Citi Open last month. He defeated the big-serving John Isner in the final, 4-6, 6-4, 6-4. Thanks to his incredible form this year, Nishikori has climbed up to fourth in the world tennis rankings. He is pegged at +1,200 to win the US Open this year.
Next up for Nishikori is a first-round showdown with Benoit Paire. He is unbeaten in two career meetings against Paire. They have met each other in a Grand Slam tournament once before, with Nishikori beating Paire in the 2013 French Open, 6-3, 6-7, 6-4, 6-1. Paire is coming off a disappointing 6-1, 6-4 loss to Hyeon Chung in the second round of the Winston-Salem Open. Still, Paire is a solid 17-12 at the ATP level for his 2015 campaign.
Nishikori is 8-2 in his last 10 outings, while Paire is 6-4 in his last 10 matches.
Writer’s Prediction
Nishikori (-1,200) breezes past Paire in straight sets.
