There are many attractive matches on the 5th day of US Open. By the end of the day, the second round will be full, and some big names – as well as some dark horses – will seek to make their movement. Here’s what we will see:
(1) Jannik Sinner (ita) vs Alexei Popyrin (by)
Alexei Popyrin has made a name for himself as a giant killer-he won two of his last three matches against Top-5 and 12 of his last 20 against Top-10. Let us not forget: it was the Popyr who rocked Novak Djokovic in the third round here in Ashe last year.
But now he faces Jannik Sinner, who is going through the draw as a bullet train. World No.1 owns a strong winning attack with 22 matches in Major and lost only four games in his first round victory over Vit Kopriva. Can it slow the population in New York?
(23) Naomi Osaka (JPN) Vs Hailey Baptist (USA)
Naomi Osaka looks more and more like her old self, and her difficult ancestry makes her dangerous. It holds a 2-0 record against Hailey Baptist, although both meetings are extended to three groups. Baptist, now in a high career No.47, has had a season of progress highlighted by a Roland-Garros run, and it has the means to postpone Osaka again. Question: Will Osaka’s renewed faith shine if the match goes to the distance?
Snowbirds in court 7
Canadian fans will have enough to cheer Thursday in New York. Denis Shapovalov gets Valentin Royer, France, while Gabriel Diallo fights Jaume Munar, Spain. Munar has made big steps in strong courts this year, but Diallo’s service and aggressive game can bypass the balance in his favor.
Felix in Focus
Felix Auger-Aliasim joins the Canadian charge in Court 5, where he will meet Roman Safiul. The safiul, who brought Gael Montfils in the first round, is always dangerous, but Auger-Aliasim is even more when he is hunting in all cylinders.
