By Tony FairbairnBen Shelton [8] v Denis ShapovalovKarolina Muchova [7] v Emma Navarro [26]Jiri Lehecka [18] v Stefanos TsitsipasNEW YORK, USA – Ben Shelton’s US Open title chances will have to go through a severe test when he takes on Denis Shapovalov in the third round.

 

 

Ben Shelton [8] v Denis Shapovalov H2H & Match FundamentalsBen Shelton [8] v Denis ShapovalovH2H: Shelton leads 4-0US Open 2026   New York, USA   Hard (O)Prize Money: $290,000Fourth on Arthur Ashe Stadium (01:30 BST)Sky/Now TV <- Subscription Required

Opportunity awaits for Ben Shelton at this year’s US Open. The highly talented American will feel this is his best chance yet to reach a Grand Slam final as Jannik Sinner is absent while Novak Djokovic suffered a shock exit in the opening round. So far in New York Shelton has had to overcome two severe tests against Tallon Griekspoor and Hubert Hurkacz to reach the third round. The eighth seed is battle-tested but will be searching for more efficient results as he bids to conserve as much energy as possible heading into the final stretch of the tournament. Does Shelton have what it takes to go all the way at the US Open?

The next test for Shelton will be another tricky test in the form of Denis Shapovalov. The Canadian has been a former Grand Slam semi-finalist and has all the potential to achieve big things in the sport. However, the consistency hasn’t been there for Shapovalov who has been too streaky and has lacked substance to his play. Now, Shapovalov will be hoping he can gain some sternness about his play as he looks to derail the Shelton train in New York and finally get a win over the American.

Shelton will aim to be aggressive on the first serve, using the forehand to push Shapovalov behind the baseline. Meanwhile Shapovalov will use the backhand to open up Shelton’s game and will approach the net to finish off points efficiently. This will be another tough battle for Shelton but the American should have too much consistent firepower for Shapovalov.

Prediction: Shelton in four sets.

 

Karolina Muchova [7] v Emma Navarro [26] H2H & Match FundamentalsKarolina Muchova [7] v Emma Navarro [26]H2H: First MeetingUS Open 2026   New York, USA  Hard (O)Prize Money: $290,000Third on Grandstand (20:00 BST)Sky/Now TV <- Subscription Required

Good luck to anyone attempting to stop Karolina Muchova over the fortnight. The Wimbledon finalist has been in ruthless form so far and only dropped one game against Katie Boulter. The seventh seed is a former semi-finalist in New York and has the perfect match of variety and power in her game. In the past, Muchova has failed to be health and fit but that doesn’t seem to be a problem now as she is taking the tour by storm. These quick matches will certainly play into Muchova’s hands as the tournament goes and she looks to continue that streak going.

A former US Open semi-finalist now stands in her way in the form of Emma Navarro. The American had a big fall down the rankings over the last 12 months as she failed to back up her US Open semi-final from a couple of years ago. However, this year Navarro is enjoying a renaissance and is back into the seeding positions at Grand Slams. Having endured two three set matches in New York so far, Navarro will need to be at her best if she is to overcome the red-hot Muchova in her bid for the second week.

Muchova will use the slice to create errors from Navarro’s game and will look to unload on the forehand side. Meanwhile, Navarro will need to be aggressive on return and will aim to extend the rallies and make this a physical contest. This will be a decent test for Muchova but in her current form it’s hard to bet against the seventh seed.

Prediction: Muchova in straight sets.

 

 

Jiri Lehecka [18] v Stefanos Tsitsipas H2H & Match FundamentalsJiri Lehecka [18] v Stefanos TsitsipasH2H: Tied at 2-2                                                     US Open 2026   New York, USA  Hard (O)Prize Money: $290,000Fourth on Grandstand (Not before 22:00 BST)Sky/Now TV <- Subscription Required

A deep Grand Slam run is what Jiri Lehecka’s talent and potential deserves. The 18th seed has all the power, variety and tactical awareness to achieve that and will be hoping he can do that in New York. A good start has been made by Lehecka in the opening two round and will now be hoping to carry that form into the latter stages of the tournament as he looks to transfer his results from Masters 1000 events to Grand Slams.

The next test for Lehecka is former Grand Slam finalist Stefanos Tsitsipas who is finding his best form at the right time. The Greek stunned everyone in the opening round as he knocked out tenth seed and Cincinnati champion Arthur Fils. The former top ten player then backed that up with a brutal four set win over Lloyd Harris. Tsitsipas has been serving very well over the tournament so far and will be hoping he can continue to do that in his bid to reach the second week.

Lehecka will mix up his patterns of play on serve and will use the forehand to force errors from Tsitsipas’ game. Meanwhile, Tsitsipas will use the backhand to pin Lehecka behind the baseline and step inside the baseline in order to dictate the rallies. This will be a good match with Lehecka stepping up his game on serve to seal his place in the last 16.

Prediction: Lehecka in four sets.

 

 

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