Alex Eala vs Iva Jovic round three? These potential week one matches at the US Open could be pivotal.
Chris OddoAugust 27, 20263 minute read
The US Open draws were revealed on Thursday, giving us all a moment to reflect on the popcorn clashes to come. Now that we know where the big names sit, let’s have a look at some of the big clashes that could materialize during week one, and why those matchups might have the potential to rock the draw.
First, let’s start with a first-round clash that is sure to be unforgettable.
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Stan Wawrinka vs Matteo Berrettini, Round 1
Stan Wawrinka will face Matteo Berrettini in the opening round in New York, in a weird twist. The pair met in round one at Wimbledon, and played a classic as Berrettini sent the Swiss packing with a victory played out in four tiebreak sets.
No matter who wins, this match will be a joyous celebration of two adored champions. 2016 US Open Wawrinka, 41, found his way into the main draw after initially being denied a wild card, while Berrettini, 30, is hoping to continue his solid Grand Slam season, which saw him reach the quarters at Roland Garros and the third round at Wimbledon.
Iva Jovic vs Alexandra Eala, Possible Third Round
Alexandra Eala will be backed by the screaming support of her passionate fan base in NY, and if she can advance to the third round, she could find herself involved in a clash of rising forces, as 18-year-old Iva Jovic is her potential round of 32 opponent.
Eala will be looking for revenge as Jovic has defeated her twice already this year, both times in straight sets.
Novak Djokovic vs Stan Wawrinka or Matteo Berrettini, Possible Second Round
Novak Djokovic will look to get his feet beneath him with a first-round clash with Mariano Navone of Argentina. Though the four-time US Open champion lost his only hard court match this spring, expect him to be in far better shape than he was in Cincinnati, where he lost to Thiago Augustin Tirante in three.
Could we see a rematch of the 2016 men’s singles final in round two. Or how about a rematch of the 2021 Wimbledon final? Either way, it will be a sentimental journey.
Amanda Anisimova vs Lilli Tagger, Possible Second Round
Assuming that Anisimova can handle hard-hitting Ashlyn Krueger in her first-round match, Austrian talent Lilli Tagger could be her second-round opponent. It could be a great chance for Tagger, who won her maiden WTA title on the hard courts of Prague in July, to play on Ashe, against a former finalist who is starting to return to form after a rough patch and a wrist injury this spring.
If not Ashe – it’s never a guarantee – then surely Armstrong or Grandstand.
Arthur Fils vs Jiri Lehecka, Possible Third Round
Fils vs Stefanos Tsitsipas in the first round is already a lot to get excited about. There is Tsitsipas’ 7-8 career record in Flushing to consider, but there’s something so alluring about the Greek’s game and personality. Fils, the Cincinnati champion, has never been beyond the second round in New York, and only reached the second week once in his first nine Grand Slam appearances. If he gets to round three and faces Lehecka, the clash would be one to look forward to.
Fils recently beat Lehecka in a grueling three-setter in Cincinnati, and has won four of six vs the talented Czech.
Naomi Osaka vs Elise Mertens, Possible Third Round
Osaka, currently placed as the fourth most likely to win the title by oddsmakers, has lost three of nine matches to the consummate pro from Belgium. It’s a test she should pass, but Mertens, fresh off a Wimbledon quarterfinal this summer, presents problems with her diversity and all-court cleverness.