Despite rainy conditions at the start of the 2026 US Open, the second round is scheduled to wrap up on Day 5 as 16 men’s matches get underway. With the open draw, Taylor Fritz has become one of the favorites to reach the final Sunday in New York. First, he has to get past Mattia Bellucci. Zain Mustafa, Yesh Ginsburg, and Shane Black offer their insights. But who will advance?
US Open Day 5 Men’s Predictions
Lorenzo Musetti vs Dane Sweeny
Zain
Once again, injuries have derailed much of Lorenzo Musetti’s season, but he did play one of his better matches to start the US Open. Dane Sweeny’s aggressive style of play can at times cause some trouble for the Italian, but if Musetti implements his baseline game, he is expected to win without much issue.
Prediction: Musetti in 3
Yesh
Musetti looked so good in his opening match. He seems fit and healthy, and if that lasts he’ll have a very deep run here.
Prediction: Musetti in 3
Shane
As the draw opens, No. 13 seed Lorenzo Musetti has to like his chances to advance deep into the second week. Sweeny is never an easy out, but the talent gap here is large.
Prediction: Musetti in 3
Luciano Darderi vs Dalibor Svrcina
Zain
This match will be contested between two players who prefer slower conditions, as they are counterpunchers who like to grind out points when necessary. Dalibor Svrcina has had some success against Luciano Darderi and has done well to reach this round after coming through qualifying. But ultimately, the Italian is the more polished player, and in what should be a baseline battle, he should come out on top.
Prediction: Darderi in 4
Yesh
Both of these players prefer clay courts to hard courts, but Darderi is more comfortable on the faster surfaces. Add that to the fact that he’s the generally better player, and this might not be close.
Prediction: Darderi in 3
Shane
Darderi has been a clay-court ringer over the last two seasons. That said, his hard-court prowess has continued to advance. Svrcina also prefers clay and does not have near the hard-court success of his opponent.
Prediction: Darderi in 4
Alexander Blockx vs Marco Trungelliti
Zain
Marco Trungelliti showed in the US Open first round that he can implement his traditional clay-court game on faster surfaces too. But this is likely where his tournament ends, as Alexander Blockx’s serve and baseline patterns should be too much on a hard court for the Argentine.
Prediction: Blockx in 4
Yesh
Blockx is a rising young star, reaching the finals of last year’s Next Gen Finals, where he lost to Learner Tien. Still, his game is progressing rapidly, and he’s better than Trungelliti on faster surfaces.
Prediction: Blockx in 3
Shane
I love Alexander Blockx’s game. He is one of the most underrated players in the top 50. Trungelliti is always good for a few upsets per season, but he will not catch the Belgian off-guard, especially on a hardcourt. The Belgian is a sneaky week two candidate.
Prediction: Blockx in 3
Taylor Fritz vs Mattia Bellucci
Zain
Taylor Fritz started this tournament with a solid showing, as he now takes on Mattia Bellucci’s baseline game. The Italian plays his best tennis on the slower courts, while on this surface, Fritz has the serve and baseline advantage. With that said, the American should advance in straight sets.
Prediction: Fritz in 3
Yesh
Fritz knows that if he’s going to win a Major, it will probably have to be this one. His body has let him down a bit this year, but he seems more than healthy enough for the early rounds of this US Open, at least.
Prediction: Fritz in 3
Shane
The only way the Italian hangs tough in this one is if he is really whipping his lefty forehand. Other than an otherworldly aggressive performance, this should be straightforward for Fritz, who sets his sights on week two of the US Open.
Prediction: Fritz in 3
Main Photo Credit: Aaron Doster – Imagn Images
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