Novak Djokovic returned to North America for the first time since the lifting of the restrictions on the COVID vaccine. He has a tough opener against in-form Spaniard Alejandro Davidovich Fokina. Daniil Medvedev will also be in action against Lorenzo Musetti.
(2) Novak Djokovic vs. Alejandro Davidovich Fokina
Novak Djokovic’s quest for a calendar year Grand Slam was cut short at Wimbledon by world No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz. Djokovic cut short his US Open preparations to Cincinnati. He has not played on hard courts since Dubai at the end of February. Indeed as one of the greatest hard-court players of all time, No. 2 in the world does not need much to find his form, but it could represent an opportunity for the field this week.
World No. 23 Alejandro Davidovich Fokina had a smooth straight-set victory over Tomas Martin Etcheverry in the first round. The Spaniard played lights-out tennis in Toronto last week to reach the quarterfinals. It is likely that at some point this week fatigue will creep into the Spaniard’s game, but he still needs to be fresh to make it an entertaining game on Wednesday.
Djokovic will have to shake off some stubborn rust on the court, and he will face an in-form opponent. However, this is Novak Djokovic on hard court. Expect the Serb to come.
Cheryl picks: Djokovic at 3
Ricky picks: Djokovic at 3
(3) Daniil Medvedev vs. Lorenzo Musetti
Daniil Medvedev and Lorenzo Musetti just played last week in Toronto in the round of 16. That Musetti ran into Medvedev so early in the draw this week can only be considered bad luck. The Italian did poorly against the Russian a few days ago, as Medvedev won 6-4, 6-4.
Medvedev has had an incredible year – everywhere but the Grand Slams, that is. He made the semifinals at Wimbledon last month, but otherwise it was a disappointment at the majors. He bowed out of the Australian Open in the third round, and even worse was a surprise first-round exit at Roland Garros. The US Open has generally been his most successful major and hard courts his most successful surface by some margin.
This one need not be complicated for Medvedev. He won this event in 2019 and will do it again this year.
Cheryl picks: Medvedev at 2
Ricky picks: Medvedev at 2