US Open 2024 Day 3 predictions: Top five matches on August 28 featuring Novak Djokovic, Aryna Sabalenka, Coco Gauff & more

Novak Djokovic and Coco Gauff will look to keep their hopes of defending their crown alive.

The US Open 2024 is in full swing as we officially enter Day 3. The men’s and women’s singles second round begins today, with the race to the top heating up.

Stars like Novak Djokovic, Alexander Zverev, Coco Gauff, and Aryna Sabalenka will be in action as they look to advance to the third round. Meanwhile, the highly anticipated doubles events are set to kick off, promising an exhilarating day of tennis action.

Without further ado, let’s take a look at five of the most intriguing battles on display on Day 3 of the US Open 2024:

US Open 2024 Day 3 (August 28) Predictions

5. Novak Djokovic vs Laslo Djere

The defending champion, Novak Djokovic, won his first-round match comfortably, defeating Radu Albot 6-2, 6-2, 6-4. Djokovic will hope to continue his winning ways as he faces fellow Serbian, Laslo Djere. Djere has had a disappointing lead-up to the US Open, with several early exits in the past few tournaments.

In contrast, despite not winning a single Grand Slam this year, Djokovic has added the only medal missing from his illustrious cabinet—the Olympic Gold. Given the second seed’s current form and confidence, he is likely to advance to the third round.

Prediction: Novak Djokovic to win in straight sets.

Also read: Novak Djokovic’s projected path to US Open Finals

4. Coco Gauff vs Tatjana Maria

Much like Djokovic, the women’s singles defending champion is off to a great start at the 2024 US Open. Coco Gauff, who is looking to retain her title, demolished Gracheva in the first round and will now face Germany’s Tatjana Maria.

Maria defeated Sierra in her first-round match, but her recent track record hasn’t been the strongest, with several first-round exits. Maria and Gauff have met just once before, with the American winning the contest comfortably. Coco Gauff is expected to emerge victorious over her German counterpart as she aims to secure back-to-back US Open titles.

Prediction: Coco Gauff to win in straight sets.

3. Alexander Zverev vs Alexandre Müller

Alexander Zverev will aim to maintain his unbeaten streak at the 2024 US Open as he faces off against France’s Alexandre Müller in the second round. The fourth seed has enjoyed a strong year, boasting a 53-16 win-loss record, though it has yielded only one title so far.

In his opening match against Marterer, Zverev had to dig deep, eventually securing a win in a challenging four-set battle. Muller on the other hand, has had a poor season with a 14-15 record, reflecting a rather lackluster performance. Given Zverev’s form and pedigree, he’s expected to comfortably advance to the third round.

Prediction: Alexander Zverev to win in straight sets.

2. Aryna Sabalenka vs Lucia Bronzetti

The 2023 US Open finalist Aryna Sabalenka faces a stern challenge as she takes on Lucia Bronzetti in the second round. The Italian made headlines after stunning the Lulu Sun in the first round. Meanwhile, Sabalenka too began her campaign in convincing fashion against Australia’s Hon.

As one of the top contenders, Sabalenka will have to contend with the burdens of hopes and expectations. Making her comeback from a gruesome shoulder injury, the Russian announced her arrival in style by winning the Cincinnati Open and would look to extend her dominance in New York by qualifying for the third round.

Also read: Aryna Sabalenka projected path to US Open 2024 finals

Prediction: Aryna Sabalenka to win in straight sets.

1. Taylor Fritz vs Matteo Berrettini

Arguably the most high profile round two clash which is set to prove to be a gripping contest, home-town favourite Taylor Fritz will be taking on 2021 Wimbledon finalist Matteo Berrettini. Fritz who has had a decent 2024 Wimbledon, enters the US Open on the back on early exits at the Canadian Masters and the Cincinnati Open.

Despite disappearing from tennis for a few months due to injury and subsequently facing a drop in the rankings, the Italian has had an incredible comeback in recent months, winning both the Swiss and Austrian Opens. However, disappointment followed at Cincinnati with a first-round exit at the hands of Holger Rune.

Fritz enters the second round after a dominant straight-sets victory over Argentina’s Carabelli, while Berrettini had to fight hard in the first set, which went into a tiebreak, before clinching the next two sets against Spain’s Vinolas

Prediction: Matteo Berrettini to win in five sets

More matches:

Gael Monfils vs Casper Ruud

France sensation Gael Monfils, who is probably playing his final Grand Slam will take on Casper Ruud in the second round. This promises to be a closely fought encounter with both opponents having plenty of experience at their disposal.

Monfils had earlier electrified the Cincinnati Open by shocking the reigning French Open and Wimbledon champion, Carlos Alcaraz. Meanwhile, Ruud had a rather disappointing campaign with early exits at both the Canadian Open and Cincinnati.

Prediction: Gael Monfils to win in four sets

Ben Shelton vs Roberto Bautista Agut

Home favourite Ben Shelton defeated 2020 US Open winner Dominic Thiem in the first round, marking an emotional end to the Austrian’s US Open campaign. Shelton continued his march into the second round, where he will face Spain’s Roberto Bautista Agut.

However, the Spaniard enters this match with a less-than-inspiring recent record, having suffered a disappointing round of 64 exit against Rune at the Canada Masters and failing to qualify for the Cincinnati Open

Prediction: Ben Shelton to win in straight sets

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