Rafael Nadal kicks off his 2019 U.S. Open campaign against John Millman–who upset Roger Federer last year–on Tuesday. Alexander Zverev may have a tougher test on has hands as he faces unseeded Moldovan Radu Albot.
(2) Rafael Nadal vs. John Millman
In 2018, John Millman made headlines at the U.S. Open by taking out Roger Federer in the fourth round before going out in straight sets to Novak Djokovic in the quarterfinals. He was ranked No. 55 at the time. This year he comes into the U.S. Open ranked No. 60 in the world, due in part to a lackluster 2019 season which has seen him forced to qualify in Montreal…and this year’s U.S. Open draw did him no favors. In 2018, his first-round opponent was Jenson Brooksby, a player ranked No. 1229 in the world (yes, you read that correctly). This year, he faces none other than Rafael Nadal in his opener.
Nadal heads to the Big Apple as well-rested and confident as he could have hoped. The Spaniard defended his Wimbledon semifinal points and then defended his Canadian Open title rather easily three weeks ago. As he often does, Nadal withdrew from Cincinnati citing fatigue following his Montreal title. And while Millman has proven that he knows how to win in Flushing Meadows, it seems unlikely that he will pose much threat to an energized, in-form Rafael Nadal.
Cheryl pick: Nadal in 3
Ricky pick: Nadal in 3
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(6) Alexander Zverev vs. Radu Albot
Not that long ago, Alexander Zverev was expected to be the heir apparent to the Big Three. However, his continued difficulties at the majors have seen attention focus on Zverev’s contemporaries Daniil Medvedev and Stefanos Tsitsipas. The German, who was the world No. 3 as recently as this April, has never gotten past the quarterfinals at a slam. Indeed, his most recent major result was a miserable first-round exit at Wimbledon. Unfortunately for the Zverev camp, his poor form bled into the North American hard-court swing.
Zverev’s second-round match against Miomir Kecmanovic in Cincinnati featured listless tennis on his part–and perhaps more alarming was notable difficulty with his service motion, as he struggled with the yips. The poor performance may well follow him to New York City…and Radu Albot is a tricky opening opponent.
Albot has had decent results this summer. The Moldovan made the semis in Los Cabos and he won his first-round matches in Montreal and Cincinnati. The world No. 41 isn’t usually a threat to No. 6, but in this case Albot has a real chance. Zverev looks particularly vulnerable headed into this fortnight, and Albot has enough hard-court game to pocket the upset if Zverev’s woes continue.
Cheryl pick: Zverev in 5
Ricky pick: Albot in 5
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I think Tsitsipas is dealing with the increased attention and pressure and expectations that come with rising in the ranks. Being in the top ten with such a quick rise in the rankings has not been a good thing for him. I thought he was mature for his age, but now he is showing a petulant side to him that is very unattractive. Going after the chair umpire like that was just petty. It’s not his fault that Tsitsipas started cramping. Let him work on his fitness.
I dislike the entitled attitude of some of these young guys. Zverev started acting like a diva and then he got into a real slump. We all know about Kyrgios. Now it’s Tsitsipas having meltdowns. He does not seem happy these days and it is showing in his matches.
Its this ‘Next Gen’ thing that’s not helping . Hyping players up when they’re still really only children, then they cant cope with the reality of life on the tour.
I agree. The hype is really toxic. I think that is exactly the problem Tsitsipas is having. He said that he doesn’t feel motivated. It does appear that the reality if life on the tour is difficult. Tsitsipas seemed to come out of nowhere. Too fast. I think he is the real thing, but needs to get his attitude straightened out. He needs perspective and to see the big picture. I hope he works it out. I don’t want to see him go into a slump.