US Open 2024 Day 4 predictions: Top five matches on August 29 featuring Carlos Alcaraz, Iga Swiatek, Jannik Sinner & more

Both the top seeds will be in action on Day 4 of the US Open.

The third day at the US Open 2024 witnessed incredible drama and action, as top seeds faced intense challenges, testing their resilience and determination. Records were shattered as the tournament saw its longest ever match in the history of US Open between Daniel Evans and Karen Khachanov, lasting an astonishing 5 hours and 35 minutes long. More of the same is to be expected on Day 4 of the US Open 2024 which will officially witness the closure of the singles’ second round.

A star-studded lineup including the likes of world number #1 Iga Swiatek and Jannik Sinner along with reigning French Open and Wimbledon winner Carlos Alcaraz will be on display.

Without further ado, let’s take a look at five of the most intriguing battles on display on Day 4 of the US Open 2024:

US Open 2024 Day 4 (August 29) Predictions

5. Carlos Alcaraz vs Botic van de Zandschulp

Carlos Alcaraz became the second youngest player to have achieved 60 Grand Slam singles victories, one more than John McEnroe who achieved the feat in 69 matches. The Spaniard though didn’t exactly enjoy a smooth ride as he was matched against a spirited Li Tu who made Alcaraz fight hard for the win.

Up against him in the second round will be Netherland’s Botic van de Zandschulp who defeated Dennis Shapovalov in his round one. The Dutch missed out on both the Canadian and the Cincinnati Open. The 4-time Grand Slam winner is not only superior in terms of skills but also demonstrates an exceptional ability to perform under pressure making him a major favorite heading into this clash.

Prediction: Carlos Alcaraz to win in straight sets

4. Elena Rybakina vs Jessika Ponchet

Elena Rybakina entered US Open 2024 seeded fourth despite skipping the Paris Olympics and the Canadian Masters. The Kazakh reached the semifinals of the 2024 Wimbledon championship and had won the Stuttgart Open earlier this year. However she hasn’t particularly enjoyed a lot of success on hard courts this year and would be desperate to turn things around.

Jessika Ponchet, who earned her spot in the main draw through the qualifiers and then secured a victory over Zheng Saisai of China, now faces a much tougher opponent. Rybakina, with her extensive experience in high-profile matches and a seasoned campaigner, is likely to advance to the third round.

Prediction: Elena Rybakina to win in straight sets

3. Daniil Medvedev vs Fabian Marozsan

The man for the big stages Daniil Medvedev will be hoping to win his second US Open title but will be vary of the challenges he might have to contend with in the opening rounds, thereby not making the error of taking any of his initial rounds lightly will be crucial for Russian. Against Lajović in round one, the Russian lost the second set before claiming the next two to avoid any further trouble.

Medvedev will now take on Fábián Marozsán from Hungary in his second round. Marozsán stunned Grigor Dimitrov in the Cincinnati Open and does have what it takes to beat the top seeds. However given Medvedev’s track record on hard courts and particularly in New York, the Russian enters the match as the player to beat.

Prediction: Daniil Medvedev to win in four sets

2. Jannik Sinner vs Alex Michelsen

Jannik Sinner faced a tough start at the Arthur Ashe Stadium, overcoming a challenging first-round match where he initially lost the first set. Despite early struggles, Sinner managed to bounce back and secure a victory against Mackenzie McDonald. The Italian, who is the top seed, showed signs of rust in the opening set but gradually found his rhythm as the match progressed.

In the second round, Sinner will face another American, Alex Michelsen, currently ranked 60th in the world. Michelsen, who recently lost to Sinner in Cincinnati, advanced to the second round by defeating fellow American Eliot Spizzirri. With the home crowd likely to support Michelsen, Sinner will need to maintain his focus as he aims for a spot in the third round.

Prediction: Jannik Sinner to win in four sets

1. Iga Swiatek vs Ena Shibahara

World No. 1 Iga Swiatek is aiming to overcome her challenges on non-clay courts by adding another US Open title to her 2022 triumph. While Swiatek has dominated on clay, her performances on grass and hard courts have been less consistent, as seen in her early exit at Wimbledon. With key rivals like Coco Gauff not at their peak and Aryna Sabalenka returning from injury, this year’s US Open presents a strong opportunity for the Polish star.

In her first-round match against Russian Kamilla Rakhimova, Swiatek encountered some difficulty, failing to close out the match initially and being broken in the 12th game, which led to a tiebreak. Despite this, she kept her cool, saved a set point, and won in straight sets.

Looking ahead to the third round, Swiatek will face Japan’s Ena Shibahara, a qualifier who earned her spot by defeating Australia’s Daria Saville in the first round

Prediction: Iga Swiatek to win in three sets

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