US Open 2024 day 5 predictions: Top five matches on August 30 featuring Novak Djokovic, Coco Gauff, Aryna Sabalenka & more

Defending US Open champions will be in action on day 5.

The day 5 of the US Open 2024 promises to be yet another day of gripping tennis action with several top seeds vying for a spot in the fourth round. The second round has now concluded with the reigning French Open and Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz being stunned by Botic van de Zandschulp in the third round in straight sets.

Stefanos Tsitsipas and Holger Rune were two of the top seeds to bow out earlier while the women’s singles event saw the elimination of reigning Wimbledon winner Barbora Krejcikova. The third round will bring a long plenty of drama and action, featuring the likes of Novak Djokovic, Coco Gauff, Aryna Sabalenka, Alexander Zverev and many more.

Without any further delay, let’s take a look at the top five matches on Day 5 of the US Open 2024.

US Open 2024 Day 5 (August 30) Predictions

5. Novak Djokovic vs Alexei Popyrin

Novak Djokovic will face his first real test at the 2024 US Open in the form of the Australian Alexei Popyrin who accomplished his biggest tennis feat recently by winning the Canadian Masters.

Djokovic defeated two qualifiers in straight sets in his first-round matches. However, the Serbian didn’t seem to be at his usual best, struggling with his serves and committing as many as 8 double faults in his second round.

Also read: Novak Djokovic creates a unique record at US Open 2024

The 24-time Grand Slam Champion, however, is no stranger to the big stage and is expected to improve as the tournament progresses. The 37-year-old leads 3-0 in head-to-head meetings with Popyrin, including wins at the Australian Open and Wimbledon earlier this year. The result is likely to be the same at the season’s final Grand Slam

Prediction: Novak Djokovic to win in four sets.

4. Alexander Zverev vs Tomás Etcheverry

Alexander Zverev won his second round against France’s Alexandre Müller in straight sets to make it to the third round of the 2024 US Open. Zverev’s best performance at the flushing meadows came back in 2020 when he reached the finals but ultimately lost to Dominic Thiem.

The German hasn’t been able to win a Grand Slam yet and will be desperate to get on board. However for that he needs to first evade the Tomás Etcheverry challenge, who’s coming off a marathon five setter victory against fellow Argentinian Francisco Cerundolo. While this clash promises to test the 4th seed, he is expected to win the match and proceed to the round of 16.

Prediction: Alexander Zverev to win in four sets.

3. Aryna Sabalenka vs Ekaterina Alexandrova

The 2023 US Open finalist, Aryna Sabalenka, achieved a resounding victory in her second round over Lucia Bronzetti, defeating the Italian in straight sets. After announcing her comeback in style by lifting the Cincinnati Open title, the 2nd seed will be eager to complete the task she left unfinished last year.

However, standing in her way is Ekaterina Alexandrova, against whom Sabalenka holds a 3-3 record. Their most recent meeting was at Wimbledon last year, where the Belarusian emerged victorious. On the hard courts of Miami, where she was a semifinalist, Alexandrova defeated two top-five players, including Iga Swiatek and Jessica Pegula, before running into eventual winner Danielle Collins.

However, considering the Russian’s early exit at the Canadian Open, as well as Sabalenka’s prowess on hard courts, the Belarusian is expected to advance to the fourth round

Prediction: Aryna Sabalenka to win in straight sets.

2. Ben Shelton vs Frances Tiafoe

A highly energetic and animated contest is on the cards in the men’s singles third-round clash between Ben Shelton and Frances Tiafoe. While it will be tough to predict which side the American crowd will be on, recent history suggests that whenever they face each other, we’re in for a real treat.

Shelton defeated former US Open winner Dominic Thiem in his first round, while Frances Tiafoe has had a relatively easy draw so far. The two faced off at last year’s US Open, where Shelton prevailed in an intense four-set match.

Prediction: Ben Shelton to win in four sets.

1. Coco Gauff vs Elina Svitolina

After a couple of straightforward victories, the defending champion will face her sternest test in the form of Elina Svitolina. The 29th seed had a decent run at the 2024 Wimbledon championship, reaching the semis where she was beaten by Elena Rybakina. She then competed at the Cincinnati Open losing to eventual winner Aryna Sabalenka in the round of 16.

The pair always dish out interesting match-ups each time they meet. The Ukrainian won the first set against the American when they met earlier this year, however conceded the next two. Their overall head-to-head is 1-1 with Svitolina’s only win against the American coming back in 2021.

Prediction: Coco Gauff to win in three sets.

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