US Open Day 3 Matches to watch

Thiem vs Shelton

I’m not exactly convinced Thiem is back. He’s certainly on the up compared to where he was six months ago.

Shelton made the AO quarters this year. A fiercely popular player competing in front of his home crowd is going to have all the support he could want. And Thiem, the 2020 champion is very beloved in New York. So, this match is going to give fans the feels whoever wins.

Personally, I think Shelton takes it. He’s just been having a better year and is entering his prime.

Ruud (5) vs Zhang

Zhang gave Ruud a mighty headache in their RG match this year.

Ruud fought past qualifier Nava in four sets (Nava’s forehand is my favorite shot this USO – think young del Potro). He’s looking a little vulnerable.

Zhang redeemed himself for his massive choke in last year’s first round when he lost to Van Rijthoven. Again, he watched his two sets to love lead fall away, this time to Wolf, as the American leveled the match at 2-2.

This time, though, Zhang took the fifth set 6-4, the same score he lost it last year.

Zhang could win this one if he wants and if he has the mental toughness.

A great test for both players.

Mannarino (22) vs Marozsan

Marozsan may be the party spoiler in this section of the draw.

He just about survived Gasquet in the first round, winning the first two sets only for the Frenchman to level the match.

An upset of Mannarino is definitely possible for Marozsan. Remember that this guy beat Alcaraz earlier this season.

I wouldn’t bet my house on it or anything. Mannarino is a veteran and has plenty of smarts and Maroszan is still inexperienced at this level.

However, the Hungarian can be quite brutal and brave and he won’t be afraid to send Mannarino to join Gasquet in first class back to France.