The long wait is almost over! In just a couple of days’ time, the US Open will finally make its much-awaited return to the sporting calendar. The world’s top tennis players will converge at Flushing Meadows for a chance to win the year’s final Grand Slam. Read on below as we break down the first-round clash between Roger Federer and Leonardo Mayer, as well as the opening-round showdown between American John Isner and Malek Jaziri.
While you’re at it, you can also check out the five greatest moments in US Open history.
Roger Federer will head to the US Open with momentum on his side after winning the Cincinnati Masters title in spectacular fashion last week. The Swiss maestro defeated world No. 1 Novak Djokovic, 7-6, 6-3, in the finals to capture his record seventh Cincinnati crown. It was a morale-boosting victory for Federer, who avenged his Wimbledon final loss to Djokovic last month.
[sc:Other240banner ]Next up for Federer is a first-round clash with Leonardo Mayer. He has a 1-0 record against the Argentinian, with their lone meeting coming at the Shanghai Masters last year. Federer defeated Mayer in the round of 32 in three tough sets, 7-5, 3-6, 7-6 (7).
That battling performance will give Mayer the belief that he can stun Federer in the opening round. However, he is fresh off a first-round exit at the Cincinnati Masters, losing 7-6(5), 3-6, 6-1 to Kevin Anderson.
Federer is 9-1 in his last 10 matches while Mayer is 4-6 in his last 10 outings.
Writer’s Prediction
Federer (-5,000) eases past Mayer in straight sets.
What in the world is happening to John Isner? The big-serving American suffered a surprise first-round exit in his last tournament, losing 6-3, 7-6 (3) to compatriot Sam Querrey. He will look for a much better performance in the opening round of the US Open where he will face the talented Malek Jaziri. Isner is 1-0 lifetime against the Tunisian, beating him in the Olympics back in 2012. The American won in straight sets in that contest, 7-6 (1), 6-2.
For Isner to duplicate that feat this week, he needs to continue his excellent service form. Isner is second in the ATP Tour in aces this season with 946 to his name. He is also second in the tour in first serve percentage with a mighty 71% clip. Isner is 7-3 in his last 10 outings, while Jaziri is 6-2 in his last eight matches.
Writer’s Prediction
Isner (-900) records a comfortable straight-sets win.
