US Open 2024: Top five matches on August 26, predictions featuring Novak Djokovic, Coco Gauff, Holger Rune & more

Novak Djokovic will start his title defense at US Open 2024 against Radu Albot.

The last Grand Slam of the year, the US Open 2024, will begin at Flushing Meadows on August 26. Despite being the first day, multiple high-profile matches await tennis enthusiasts at the Arthur Ashe Stadium. Defending champion Novak Djokovic, former winner Dominic Thiem, Home Hope Ben Shelton, Frances Tiafoe, and Brandon Nakashima will be in action in New York, among several other top-ranked stars.

On the women’s front, Coco Gauff, Aryna Sabalenka, Qinwen Zheng, and more will aim to get a winning start at the US Open. Thus, let’s look at the top five matches on Day 1 of US Open 2024 without further ado.

US Open 2024 Day 1 (August 26) Predictions

5. Novak Djokovic vs Radu Albot

Serbian tennis star and defending champion Novak Djokovic will commence his campaign at Flushing Meadows against Moldova’s Radu Albot. Djokovic skipped the Canadian Open and the Cincinnati Masters after he won the much-awaited gold medal at the Paris Olympics 2024. He will enter the US Open without playing competitive tennis on hard courts for months.

Also Read: Novak Djokovic’s projected path to US Open 2024 final

Nevertheless, the Serb has enough experience to turn the odds in any match. Radu Albot has made his way into the main draw after winning three qualifying matches. He reached the third round of the US Open in 2017, his best finish at Flushing Meadows. Interestingly, he played in the men’s doubles semi-finals of the Grand Slam in 2017.

Prediction: Novak Djokovic to win in straight sets

4. Coco Gauff vs Varvara Gracheva

Defending champion Coco Gauff will face France’s Varvara Gracheva in the first round of US Open 2024, and the match is expected to be a tough battle for multiple reasons. Gauff is not in her top form, suffering second-round and third-round exits in Cincinnati and Canada, respectively. Meanwhile, Varvara Gracheva gave a gritty performance against WTA World No. #1 Iga Swiatek in the second round in Cincinnati, despite being bagaeled in the first set.

Also Read: Coco Gauff’s projected path to US Open 2024 final

She won the second set 6-7 (8-10) against Swiatek, who has an 11-1 head-to-head against Coco Gauff. Gracheva’s game has improved drastically in the past few months, as she reached the fourth round of the French Open. Thus, the American tennis star will have to run for the win. The two have faced each other once on the tour and the match ended in Gauff’s favour, 6-1, 6-1.

Prediction: Coco Gauff to win in three sets.

3. Ben Shelton vs Dominic Thiem

The 2020 US Open champion, Dominic Thiem, will commence his last Grand Slam campaign at Flushing Meadows against last year’s semifinalist, Ben Shelton. The Austrian is playing the last few matches of his professional career. However, Ben Shelton has been constantly improving his baseline game and serve power.

Thiem will face a huge challenge as Shelton will constantly attack from the baseline with his groundstrokes. After playing nine matches on the tour, Thiem has won only two in 2024. On paper, the match seems like an easy win for the American tennis star. The two have faced each other twice on the tour and won once each.

Prediction: Ben Shelton to win in straight sets

2. Holger Rune vs Brandon Nakashima

Brandon Nakashima defeated compatriot Taylor Fritz in a controversial match in the first round of the Cincinnati Masters, earlier this month. He lost to Andrey Rublev in the third round; however, much like every time, he didn’t fail to impress the tennis world with his efforts. Even at the 2024 Canadian Open, he defeated Tommy Paul and Denis Shapovalov before crashing out against Andrey Rublev.

Also Read: Top five title favourites in men’s singles at the US Open 2024

Nakashima is desperate for a Grand Slam breakthrough, and with decent form, he is expected to challenge Holger Rune in the first round. However, after a dismal start, Holger Rune has started catching up with the pace as she reached the semifinals in Cincinnati. However, the 21-year-old has constantly struggled with fitness concerns and form.

Prediction: Brandon Nakashima to win in four sets.

1. Lorenzo Musetti vs Reilly Opelka

Lorenzo Musetti performed exceptionally at the 2024 Wimbledon Championships and the Paris Olympics. However, his form has dipped on the hard court. He lost to America’s Frances Tiafoe in straight sets in the second round in Cincinnati. Seeded 18th, he will face America’s Reilly Opelka in the first round of the US Open.

Opelka is trying to make a successful return but is struggling to capture victories. Meanwhile, Musetti is yet to get past the third round in Flushing Meadows. Thus, the match is expected to have everything from spectacular net coverage to astounding groundstrokes.

Prediction: Loreno Musetti to win in four sets.

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