By Tony FairbairnElena Rybakina [2] v Jessica Bouzas ManeiroLearner Tien [14] v Gael Monfils [WC]Coco Gauff [4] v Paula BadosaNEW YORK, USA – Elena Rybakina will continue her comeback from an injury scare in Cincinnati when she takes on Jessica Bouzas Maneiro at the US Open.

 

 

Elena Rybakina [2] v Jessica Bouzas Maneiro H2H & Match FundamentalsElena Rybakina [2] v Jessica Bouzas ManeiroH2H: Rybakina leads 1-0US Open 2026   New York, USA   Hard (O)Prize Money: $190,000Fourth on Louis Armstrong Stadium (02:30 BST)Sky/Now TV <- Subscription Required

There were injury doubts heading into the US Open for Elena Rybakina who had a bad injury in Cincinnati. Somehow, Rybakina has made a recovery for New York and looked impressive against wildcard Thea Frodin. However, Rybakina’s movement wasn’t tested too much and that will change as the tournament goes on. This is a big tournament for Rybakina who is chasing the sweep of hard court Grand Slam titles this year and has another big goal in mind. A second Grand Slam title this year could mean that Rybakina will be the new world number one after the US Open but does the Kazakh have the physicality to achieve that goal.

That will be put to the test against Jessica Bouzas Maneiro. The Spaniard has a powerful baseline game and has scored some big upsets in her career at Grand Slam level. Although Bouzas Maneiro hasn’t been in the best form recently, the Spaniard has the type of game that can test Rybakina’s movement. Now, Bouzas Maneiro will aim to put her powerful game together and cause a big upset in New York under the lights.

The serve will be key for Rybakina as she looks to dominate on the forehand side. Meanwhile Bouzas Maneiro looks to be aggressive on the backhand side and will capitalise on any short baseline rallies. This will be a tough match for Rybakina and if she doesn’t play at 80% of her capable level then she could be in trouble in this contest.

Prediction: Bouzas Maneiro in three sets.

 

Learner Tien [14] v Gael Monfils H2H & Match FundamentalsLearner Tien [14] v Gael Monfils    H2H: Tien leads 1-0US Open 2026   New York, USA  Hard (O)Prize Money: $190,000Third on Louis Armstrong Stadium (Midnight BST)Sky/Now TV <- Subscription Required

It’s been quite the year for Learner Tien who continues to develop in one of the most consistent American players on the tour. The 14th seed is a constant presence in the latter stages of tournaments and Tien’s mix of consistency, variety and power is a dangerous proposition. However, Tien won’t be settling for less and would love nothing more than to put his form together and seal a deep run at his home Grand Slam. Now Tien has the chance to do that as he looks to go one step closer towards his dream.

One of Tien’s childhood heroes and inspirations is Gael Monfils and that’s who Tien is up against the second round. The Frenchman is playing his final year of his illustrious career and has had some incredible moments under the lights in New York. There is more memories still to be made for Monfils who is still producing entertaining and tennis as well as making incredible highlights. Now, Monfils will be aiming to create more moments in what could be his final US Open match of his career.

Tien will aim to serve aggressively as well as using the backhand to create ridiculous angles on the court. Meanwhile Monfils will use the forehand to create power and force Tien into high-risk shots. This will be an entertaining contest with Monfils expected to make this a competitive contest but Tien should have too much consistent quality for the Frenchman.

Prediction: Tien in four sets. 

 

 

Coco Gauff [4] v Paula Badosa H2H & Match FundamentalsCoco Gauff [4] v Paula BadosaH2H: Badosa leads 5-3                                                     US Open 2026   New York, USA  Hard (O)Prize Money: $190,000Third on Arthur Ashe Stadium (Midnight BST)Sky/Now TV <- Subscription Required

It was a good start to her US Open campaign for Coco Gauff who is looking for her second US Open title. The fourth seed soared past Zeynep Sonmez and has form on her side as she entered the US Open having won Cincinnati. The defensive shot selection and incredible movement from Gauff makes her a threat and will believe that if she can be consistently aggressive then she can go all the way. The question is does she have the consistency in big moments to achieve that?

That will be put to the test in the next round as she faces Paula Badosa. The Spaniard came through against Daria Kasatkina over two days to book the showdown against Gauff. Despite the setbacks and injuries, Badosa has never given up on her dreams and has showcased her talent, resilience and potential. Now, Badosa will aim to save her best tennis for New York as she looks to shake up the draw and cause a big upset at the US Open.

Gauff will look to dictate play with the backhand and be aggressive on the second serve return. Meanwhile Badosa will look to be aggressive on serve and will aim to set up the forehand. This will be a big battle under the lights with tight margins deciding who wins this match. The home crowd could sway the match in Gauff’s in what could be one of the best matches of the tournament so far.

Prediction: Gauff in three sets.

 

 

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