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 taking part in the primary match in Arthur Ashe Stadium in the course of the afternoon session, whereas one other intriguing contest pits Holger Rune in opposition to 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 time in New York. A second-round assembly at Flushing Meadows resulted in a Thiem retirement on account 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 taking part in 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Though he’s simply 30 years outdated, Thiem is retiring at residence in Austria (Vienna) on the finish of this season. He has been unable to get better 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 At 21 years outdated the American has already climbed to thirteenth within the rankings.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 match in 2020, however the 2020 model of Thiem ain’t walkin’ by way of that door.
Decide: Shelton in 3
(15) Holger Rune vs. Brandon NakashimaRune and Nakashima might be dealing with 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 a large stoop once they squared off final fall, however he’s taking part in properly 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 exhibiting in Cincinnati.
Nakashima is in high-quality type, 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 significant solely as soon as (2022 Wimbledon fourth spherical). Then again, 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.
Decide: Rune in 4
Ricky contributes to 10sballs.com and in addition maintains his personal tennis web site, The Grandstand. You may comply with him on Twitter at @Dimonator.
