Day one of the U.S. Open kicks off with an all-American clash featuring John Isner taking on young upstart Brandon Nakashima. Controversial Aussie Nick Kyrgios will also be in action on Monday, as well, when he goes up against Roberto Bautista Agut.
(19) John Isner vs. Brandon Nakashima
Coming into the summer North American hard court swing, John Isner was struggling mightily. The American veteran lost in the first round of Wimbledon and was at risk of not being seeded for the U.S. Open. Two months and several brilliant tournaments later, Isner finds himself with a tour title in Atlanta and a semifinal result at the Toronto Masters.
His first round opponent is one of the young stars of the summer. Brandon Nakashima reached two tour finals in a row, first in Los Cabos where he beat Isner in the semis, and then in Atlanta, where he lost to Isner in the final. The 20 year-old American is carving out a name for himself, but Isner is a tough first round match.
Experience is all on Isner’s side. Until 2021, Nakashima had been making his way on the Challenger circuit. The rigors of a Slam event with its best-of-5 format will likely take some adjusting. The youngster has made it much beyond qualifying at the majors so far.
Cheryl pick: Isner in 4
Ricky pick: Isner in 4
(18) Roberto Bautista Agut vs. Nick Kyrgios
Nick Kyrgios is holding onto a winning record in 2021, but only just barely. The Aussie has had a string of miserable results this summer; he won a single match in 3 tournaments coming into New York. The one-time world No. 13 has seen his ranking slip to No. 86. Speaking in Washington D.C. about his future on tour, Kyrgios said, “I feel vibes. Like every time I’m at a tournament, I feel like it could be my last time I’m ever going to be here. In Atlanta I felt the same way. Washington. I don’t know. I don’t know where I’m at. I feel weird. I feel strange about my career at the moment.”
Roberto Bautista Agut has also seen a notable drop in form of late (though admittedly not as pronounced as Kyrgios’s). The Spaniard had a poor clay season, though he performed well enough to reach the quarters in Toronto. While the U.S. Open hasn’t proven historically successful for Bautista Agut, Kyrgios will need to summon some resolve, as the Spaniard still puts in the hard work, even when his form isn’t cooperating with him.
Cheryl pick: Bautista Agut in 3
Ricky pick: Bautista Agut in 4
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Jim Morrison (The Doors) on Kyrios: “People are strange.”…..RBA in 3…..Big Dawg in 3.