Men’s Predictions for Day 5 at the US Open: Who to Watch

As the 2024 US Open kicks off its third round on Friday, Day 5, eight thrilling matches will determine which players advance to the second week. Our team at LWOT shares insights on all eight matchups, divided across two articles, with the other featuring Novak Djokovic vs. Alexei Popyrin. Predictions are provided by Manuel Traquete, Damian Kust, and Yesh Ginsburg. Who do you think will advance?

US Open Day 5 Men’s Predictions

Alexander Zverev vs. Tomas Martin Etcheverry

Manuel:
Etcheverry fought hard in their previous encounter at Roland Garros last year, but Zverev should have a clear advantage on a hard court, using his powerful serve and groundstrokes to overpower him.
Prediction: Zverev in 3

Damian:
Etcheverry has performed well in both hard court Grand Slams this year, but like in Australia against Djokovic, he might find himself facing an immovable opponent. He’s improved but still struggles against the elite.
Prediction: Zverev in 4

Yesh:
Etcheverry is a solid player on the rise and may capture some smaller titles in the future, but he won’t be able to compete with Zverev in a major event.
Prediction: Zverev in 3

Andrey Rublev vs. Jiri Lehecka

Manuel:
Both players have battled back from 0-2 deficits in the second round, fueling their motivation. While it should be a high-quality match, Rublev is generally more consistent and reliable.
Prediction: Rublev in 4

Damian:
Lehecka’s win against Krueger was unexpected, but his performance raises questions about his current form. Despite being high on him before the tournament, I’m uncertain now.
Prediction: Lehecka in 5

Yesh:
Neither player has shown strong form this week, but Rublev possesses a higher potential, making his current performance more favorable than Lehecka’s.
Prediction: Rublev in 4

Casper Ruud vs. Juncheng Shang

Manuel:
Ruud faced a tough four-set match against Monfils, while Shang had a challenging five-setter against Bublik. Shang has the tools to upset Ruud, but the latter’s consistency and experience should prevail.
Prediction: Ruud in 5

Damian:
A win for Shang would be a major milestone in his career. However, Ruud seems to be finding his form, and if it becomes a physical match, his endurance might outlast Shang’s.
Prediction: Ruud in 5

Yesh:
Having previously reached the finals here, Ruud is a highly underrated player in the sport. It would take a top contender to take him down, and while Shang has potential, he’s not quite there yet.
Prediction: Ruud in 3

LET'S PLAY!

Ben Shelton vs. Frances Tiafoe

Manuel:
This rematch of last year’s quarterfinal is expected to be closely contested. Tiafoe recently had a standout week in Cincinnati, but Shelton has proven to be a formidable server on big stages. I anticipate a tight match, but Shelton may edge it out again.
Prediction: Shelton in 5

Damian:
In their previous quarterfinal, Tiafoe seemed subdued, but his recent success in Houston and Cincinnati may boost his confidence. However, I’m sticking with Shelton for this one due to his higher potential.
Prediction: Shelton in 5

Yesh:
This match is difficult to predict. Tiafoe has been in better form lately, but Shelton has the advantage in this matchup and tends to perform well at the US Open. I’ll take a chance on Shelton upsetting Tiafoe.
Prediction: Shelton in 4

Source: https://lastwordonsports.com/tennis/2024/08/29/us-open-day-5-mens-predictions-shelton-tiafoe/