Round three heats up at the U.S. Open with an all-American showdown between Ben Shelton and Frances Tiafoe on Friday. Another American, the in-form Brandon Nakashima, is taking on Lorenzo Musetti.
(13) Ben Shelton vs. (20) Frances Tiafoe
It’s a rematch of the 2023 U.S. Open quarterfinals, but this time Ben Shelton comes in with some expectations hanging over him. Last year Shelton was still something of an unknown a surprise semifinalist who delighted New York crowds with his booming first serve and big stage charisma. Less delighted was Novak Djokovic, who apparently wasn’t impressed with Shelton’s “hang up the phone” routine.
Both Shelton and Frances Tiafoe are playing well. Tiafoe, whose ranking has slipped just a bit from his high point to No. 20 in the world, managed to make his way all the way to the final of Cincinnati a couple weeks ago. He ultimately lost in the final to a hobbled Jannik Sinner, but it was his best result of the year by a lot. Interestingly, his only other appearance in a final in 2024 was in Houston–a loss to none other than Shelton.
Shelton looked confident in his second-round, straight-set win over Roberto Bautista Agut on Wednesday. The 21-year-old made the quarterfinals in Cincy, where he was just edged out by Alexander Zverev–which suggests that he is well-positioned for his impending battle against Tiafoe on Friday.
Shelton holds a 2-0 record over Tiafoe, but the older American made him work for it in both matches. Look for this to be Friday’s marquee match. With both men in stellar form and having a history of close matches, expect more of the same. Shelton’s serve is likely to be the differentiator again.
Cheryl pick: Shelton in 5
Ricky pick: Shelton in 4
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Brandon Nakashima vs. (18) Lorenzo Musetti
On paper, Italy’s Lorenzo Musetti is the favorite to win this third-round contest against Brandon Nakashima. The 22-year-old has had a fantastic season, including a bronze-medal run at the Paris Olympics. But this is one to keep an eye on for a potential upset due to several factors.
First, Nakashima is simply playing great hard-court tennis right now. The American absolutely dismantled Holger Rune in the first round and did the same thing to French opponent Arthur Cazaux in the second. Next, Musetti comes into this match off a brutal five-set match against Miomir Kecmanovic on Wednesday–so fatigue may well play a factor.
Given the kind of tennis Nakashima has shown, he has an excellent chance to make his way to the round of 16. Should Nakashima win, it will probably be considered an upset–but it shouldn’t surprise anyone.
Cheryl pick: Nakashima in 4
Ricky pick: Nakashima in 5
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Musetti struggled in last match, not as good on hard. Naka in 4
Shelton in 4; Naka in 4