By Tony Fairbairn
- Ben Shelton [13] v Dominic Thiem
- Qinwen Zheng [7] v Amanda Anisimova
- Holger Rune [15] v Brandon Nakashima
NEW YORK, USA – Former US Open champion Dominic Thiem makes his last ever Grand Slam appearance when he takes on last year’s semi-finalist Ben Shelton on day one of the last Grand Slam of the season.
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Ben Shelton [13] v Dominic Thiem H2H & Match Fundamentals
| Ben Shelton [13] v Dominic Thiem | H2H: Tied at 1-1 |
| US Open 2024 | New York, USA |
| Hard (O) | Prize Money: $100,000 |
| First on Arthur Ashe Stadium (17:00 BST) | Sky/Now TV <- Subscription Required |
The energy and passion of Ben Shelton will start the day one hopes for the American contingent, which is kind of fitting considering he was the last male American standing last year. The 13th seed went to the semi-finals in New York last year only to be beaten by eventual champion Novak Djokovic. Since then Shelton has produced consistent performances as he has looked to continue his development on tour and enters his home Grand Slam having reached the semi-finals in Washington and the quarter-finals in Cincinnati. Now with ranking points to defend Shelton will hope to elevate his game when it really matters and avoid a massive rankings drop when the new rankings are released after this tournament.
It’s not an easy start to the tournament for Shelton though as he takes on former champion Dominic Thiem in the opening round. The Austrian competes in his last Grand Slam tournament of his career as he is set to retire with injuries plaguing the latter stages of his career. However the 2020 champion will hope to finish his career with a bang and bring back some of the tennis that took him to Grand Slam glory four years ago. The question is will his wrist be able to sustain one last vintage performance?
Shelton will implement his powerful serve as he will approach the net by firing the forehand across the court. Meanwhile Thiem will use the slice to mix up the tempo of the points while setting up backhand winners from inside the baseline. This will be an incredible way to kick off the US Open with Shelton ending the Austrian’s Grand Slam career in an entertaining four set match.
Prediction: Shelton in four sets.
Qinwen Zheng [7] v Amanda Anisimova H2H & Match Fundamentals
| Qinwen Zheng [7] v Amanda Anisimova | H2H: First Meeting |
| US Open 2024 | New York, USA |
| Hard (O) | Prize Money: $100,000 |
| First on Louis Armstrong Stadium (16:00 BST) | Sky/Now TV <- Subscription Required |
Olympic gold medallist Qinwen Zheng has had quite the storm of attention after her success in Paris. The Australian Open finalist went back to her home country for 48 hours to meet the president of China before rushing to Cincinnati to try and prepare for the US Open. Whether all the media attention and extra commercial commitments will hinder Zheng is another point but there is no doubt denying that Zheng’s confidence and momentum is at an all-time high at the moment. The next step for Zheng will be to capture a first Grand Slam title this season.
A very tough test awaits Zheng in the form of former Roland Garros semi-finalist Amanda Anisimova. After taking a mental health break last season, Anisimova has been refreshed and reenergised as she has been playing some aggressive tennis this season. Heading into the US Open, Anisimova is in good form having reached the final in Toronto beating Aryna Sabalenka along the way. Now with the courts playing fast, Anisimova looks to create more magic and make a deep run at the US Open.
Zheng will aim to serve consistently well as she will aim to force Anisimova behind the baseline and create some incredible angles with the backhand. Meanwhile Anisimova will aim to serve aggressively well and continue to dictate play with the forehand. It should be a cracking match but Anisimova’s recent form suggests she will expose Zheng’s lack of preparation coming into the US Open.
Prediction: Anisimova in three sets.
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Holger Rune [15] v Brandon Nakashima H2H & Match Fundamentals
| Holger Rune [15] v Brandon Nakashima | H2H: Nakashima leads 2-0 |
| US Open 2024 | New York, USA |
| Hard (O) | Prize Money: $100,000 |
| Fourth on Stadium 17 (Not before 22:00 BST) | Sky/Now TV <- Subscription Required |
It’s been a rollercoaster season for one of the brightest talents in men’s tennis in Holger Rune. However the Dane will be boosted by his run to the semi-finals in Cincinnati as he narrowly missed out on the final. Now having come through injuries and obstacles surrounding his coaching changes, Rune will hope for a big Grand Slam run before the season finishes.
A very tough opening round awaits Rune in the form of Brandon Nakashima, who has made big strides in the second half of the season. The American has won back-to-back matches at every US hard court event heading into the US Open having played some aggressive and proactive tennis. Now Nakashima looks to cause an upset at his home Grand Slam as he looks to put his hard work into action.
Rune will use the forehand to add depth as well as pace to the rallies as he looks to neutralize Nakashima’s baseline game. Meanwhile the American will aim to be aggressive and test Rune’s defensive skills with Nakashima looking to finish points off at the net. This will be a big test for Rune but the Dane should have enough quality to come through a tight opening round match.
Prediction: Rune in five sets.
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