By Tony FairbairnAlexander Zverev [1] v Lorenzo SonegoIva Jovic [14] v Magdalena FrechRafael Jodar [12] v Thanasi KokkinakisNEW YORK, USA – Alexander Zverev will begin his US Open campaign against Lorenzo Sonego as the first round matches conclude in New York.
Alexander Zverev [1] v Lorenzo Sonego H2H & Match FundamentalsAlexander Zverev [1] v Lorenzo SonegoH2H: Zverev leads 6-0US Open 2026 New York, USA Hard (O)Prize Money: $140,000Fourth on Arthur Ashe Stadium (01:30 BST)Sky/Now TV <- Subscription Required
It’s been one incredible year for Alexander Zverev. The German achieved his Grand Slam breakthrough at least after claiming the Roland Garros crown before pushing Jannik Sinner to his limits in the Wimbledon final. That has resulted in Zverev being the number one seed at the US Open with the German having pressure on his back. History says that Zverev isn’t good at dealing with pressure and that has once again showed in Canada and Cincinnati. There is no better place to turn history on its head then at the US Open as he searches for a first title in New York.
The first test for Zverev is Lorenzo Sonego who is a former Grand Slam quarter-finalist. Since that quarter-final at the Australian Open last year, Sonego’s form has derailed as he now finds himself at 89 in the world. Only 12 wins for Sonego this year but the Italian has produced three of those wins in this US hard court season. That will be a big confidence boost for Sonego who will be hoping he can play with freedom as he looks to secure a big win in New York.
Zverev will use the backhand to put Sonego on the backfoot and will look to take the second serve return early. Meanwhile, Sonego will aim to be explosive on the serve and will look to set up the dangerous forehand. This will be a good opening test for Zverev but the German is expected to come through fairly comfortably.
Prediction: Zverev in straight sets.
Iva Jovic [14] v Magdalena Frech H2H & Match FundamentalsIva Jovic [14] v Magdalena Frech H2H: First Meeting US Open 2026 New York, USA Hard (O)Prize Money: $140,000Third on Grandstand (20:00 BST)Sky/Now TV <- Subscription Required
Iva Jovic is one of the most talented players on the WTA tour and is showing no signs of slowing down. The American’s baseline quality mixed with tactical intelligence has made her a big threat over the last 12 months. It’s been an incredible season for Jovic who has adapted to every surface and produced some big performances. That will hope to continue for Jovic with the American looking to raise her level on home soil at the US Open with an exciting third round match with Alexandra Eala potentially ahead.
Next up for Jovic is Magdalena Frech who will be hoping to join Iga Swiatek and Maja Chwalinska as the top Polish players on the WTA tour. That is quite the list of names to join though but Frech has shown that she has a varied yet powerful game style. The Pole has climbed up to 41 in the world and will be boosted by a recent win over Jelena Ostapenko in Cincinnati. Now, Frech hopes to take the next step in her career and claim a big upset at the US Open.
Jovic will use the backhand to keep Frech on the run as she looks to hit easy winners into the open court. Meanwhile, Frech will aim to be aggressive on serve and put Jovic’s return game under pressure. This is an awkward opening round for Jovic but the American should have enough quality in order to prevail here.
Prediction: Jovic in straight sets.
Rafael Jodar [12] v Thanasi Kokkinakis H2H & Match FundamentalsRafael Jodar [12] v Thanasi Kokkinakis H2H: First Meeting US Open 2026 New York, USA Hard (O)Prize Money: $140,000Third on Stadium 17 (19:00 BST) Sky/Now TV <- Subscription Required
It’s been quite the season for Rafael Jodar who is on the verge of the world’s top ten. The Spaniard has been on a tear this season producing consistently good results at big events. That form hasn’t stopped in the US hard court season as he reached the final in Washington before backing that up with a semi-final result in Montreal. That is a good platform for Jodar to build momentum as the Spaniard will aim to continue his form at the US Open and make another historic run.
A tough first test awaits Jodar in the form of Thanasi Kokkinakis with the powerful Australian having the type of game to test anyone on his day. It’s been another testing time for Kokkinakis who was on the verge of quitting the sport after suffering another major injury last year. However, the 30 year-old hasn’t quit and has returned to the sport hoping to produce some more magical moments. The question is does Kokkinakis have the consistency to still test the best players in the world?
Jodar will be aggressive on the first serve and will use the backhand to dictate play from the baseline. Meanwhile, Kokkinakis will take the forehand early and will need to be aggressive on return. This will be a decent test for Jodar but the Spaniard should have too much physicality for the Australian.
Prediction: Jodar in four sets.
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