The US Open second round brings a packed slate of matches as the tournament’s biggest names continue their march toward the later final. With top seeds like Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, and Novak Djokovic all in action, alongside Grand Slam champion Emma Raducanu and world No. 2 Aryna Sabalenka, fans can expect some dominant displays.
We’ve broken down the standout second-round clashes and found our best US Open predictions and betting tips for each match. The last of the big first-round clashes sees world Number One Jannik Sinner in action. Remember to check back here for more US Open predictions for the later rounds.
Mattia Bellucci vs Carlos Alcaraz Predictions
Match Prediction: Carlos Alcaraz in Straight Sets
World No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz begins his campaign as the overwhelming favourite against Italian qualifier Mattia Bellucci. The Spaniard is priced at 1/50 to win, reflecting the gulf in class between the pair. Alcaraz’s blend of explosive power, court coverage, and creative shot-making makes him one of the most dangerous players in the world. He will look to assert dominance from the very first game, presenting various markets for anyone betting on the US Open.
Bellucci, ranked outside the top 100, has enjoyed a promising run through qualifying and possesses solid baseline consistency. However, he has rarely faced opponents of Alcaraz’s calibre, let alone on this stage. His best chance will be to stay aggressive on return and force long rallies, but sustaining that level against Alcaraz’s relentless pressure looks a near-impossible task.
Alcaraz should control the match with his serve and aggressive forehand, moving Bellucci around the court and exploiting any short balls. While the Italian may show flashes of resistance, particularly early in sets, the expectation is that Alcaraz’s superior quality will overwhelm him. A straight-sets victory feels almost certain, with Bellucci unlikely to keep pace for long.
Mattia Bellucci vs Carlos Alcaraz Betting Tips
Best Bet: Alcaraz -7.5 Games Handicap (4/5)
With Alcaraz such a heavy favourite in the match winner market, value lies in betting on the handicap. The Spaniard has a history of winning early-round matches with authority, often covering large game spreads. At -7.5 games, bettors are essentially backing Alcaraz to win comfortably in three sets without being dragged into long deuce games.
Another angle is the Under 30.5 Total Games, worth 9/10. Given the likelihood of a straight-sets victory, with one or two sets possibly finishing 6-2 or 6-3, the under looks appealing. Still, the standout bet is the Alcaraz -7.5 handicap, which offers strong value from our online sportsbook for a player expected to dominate from start to finish.
Novak Djokovic vs Zachary Svajda Predictions
Match Prediction: Djokovic 3-0 Svajda
Novak Djokovic begins his campaign as a strong 1/14 favourite against American youngster Zachary Svajda, and the Serbian will be expected to get the job done with minimal fuss. He is one of the best tennis players of all time, and to many, he sits at the top of that list. At 37, Djokovic continues to dominate with his exceptional returning ability, tactical awareness, and unrivalled experience at the Slams.
Svajda, meanwhile, is a rising prospect on the ATP Tour. The 21-year-old has impressed on the Challenger circuit and plays with a solid two-handed backhand and plenty of grit. However, he lacks the firepower or variety to trouble Djokovic over five sets. His best hope is to push a set close, but sustaining that level across the match looks unrealistic.
Djokovic should assert himself early, using his superior return game to expose Svajda’s serve and gradually wear him down in baseline exchanges. This is the kind of matchup where Novak typically raises his intensity just enough to advance comfortably without wasting energy. A straight-sets win is overwhelmingly likely.
Novak Djokovic vs Zachary Svajda Betting Tips
Best Bet: Djokovic to win 3-0 (3/4)
The handicap market offers value, but the cleaner play here is a bet on Djokovic to win 3-0 worth 3/4. Djokovic is ruthless in these early-round encounters and has made a habit of advancing without dropping sets against lower-ranked opponents. Svajda may produce some flashes of resistance, but sustaining that over three sets looks beyond him.
Backing Djokovic to win in straight sets avoids the risk of a tight game handicap line and is consistent with his Slam track record. For added value, Djokovic & Under 32.5 games (17/20) also looks appealing, aligning with the expectation of a routine win without excessive drama.
Emma Raducanu vs Janice Tjen Predictions
Match Prediction: Raducanu in Straight Sets
Emma Raducanu comes into this matchup as the clear favourite at 2/7, and she’ll be looking to continue her steady return to form with a dominant performance. The Brit has been finding her rhythm again, striking the ball with confidence and showing the resilience that carried her to a US Open title. Against Janice Tjen, she faces an opponent with solid baseline skills but limited experience at this level, making the gulf in quality difficult to bridge.
Tjen has the tools to compete in short bursts, particularly with her ability to extend rallies. However, our US Open predictions point towards sustained pressure from Raducanu and court coverage should prove too much. Expect Raducanu to control the tempo, dictate the majority of exchanges, and keep Tjen on the back foot throughout. With her superior power and tactical maturity, a straight-sets victory looks the most likely outcome.
Emma Raducanu vs Janice Tjen Betting Tips
Best Bet: Raducanu to win 2-0 (4/5)
Backing Raducanu outright offers little value at such short odds, but the straight-sets market is much more appealing. A 2-0 win at 4/5 reflects the expectation that the Brit will keep things straightforward without allowing the match to drift into unnecessary complications.
Another strong angle is Raducanu & Under 20.5 Games (11/10), which combines a straight-sets win with the likelihood of at least one lopsided set. Given Raducanu’s ability to break serve consistently, this market provides a nice blend of value and probability. Still, the standout play remains Raducanu 2-0, aligning perfectly with her matchup advantage and current momentum.
Aryna Sabalenka vs Polina Kudermetova Predictions
Match Prediction: Sabalenka 2-0 Kudermetova
World No. 2 Aryna Sabalenka enters this match as the overwhelming favourite, priced at just 1/33 to win, and she’ll be expected to make light work of Polina Kudermetova. Sabalenka’s raw power, aggressive baseline play, and relentless serving game make her one of the most formidable players on the WTA Tour. When she is in full flow, she simply overwhelms opponents.
Kudermetova is a talented prospect but lacks the weapons needed to challenge Sabalenka across two sets. While she may hold serve a few times or extend a handful of rallies, sustaining that level against the Belarusian’s intensity is highly unlikely. Sabalenka should control proceedings from the very first return game, breaking regularly and keeping her opponent under constant pressure. A comfortable straight-sets win looks close to certain.
Aryna Sabalenka vs Polina Kudermetova Betting Tips
Best Bet: Aryna Sabalenka & Under 17.5 Games (4/5)
US Open betting has Sabalenka as one of the favourites to win the tournament, and she is a heavy favourite in her opener. With that in mind, pairing her victory with the under 17.5 games total creates the best value. This scenario points towards a routine 6-2, 6-3 type of scoreline, which is highly realistic given Sabalenka’s dominance on serve and return.
An alternative option is Sabalenka 2-0 Correct Score at 1/5, which looks inevitable given the gulf in quality. For bettors seeking slightly more risk, the -6.5 Games Handicap (5/8) also appeals, but the combination of Sabalenka & Under 17.5 provides the strongest balance of value and likelihood.
US Open Round One Predictions and Betting Tips
Top seed Jannik Sinner is in action tonight in the biggest of the round one clashes. He will be defending his US Open title after defeating Taylor Fritz in the final last year. The Italian has a favourable draw in the First Round, and we have chosen our best value bet.
Jannik Sinner vs Vit Kopriva Predictions
Match Prediction: Jannik Sinner in Straight Sets
World No. 1 Jannik Sinner continues his quest for another deep Slam run with a highly favourable matchup against Vit Kopriva. The Italian has been in dominant form all season and lifted his first Wimbledon title this summer. He has consistently dismantled lower-ranked opponents with his trademark power and precision. At odds of 1/100, Sinner is the heaviest favourite of the round. Our tennis predictions indicate it’s hard to see any scenario other than a comfortable win.
Kopriva, ranked outside the top 100, is a hardworking baseline player known for his resilience on clay courts, but facing Sinner on a hard court presents a completely different challenge. His flat groundstrokes and lack of a big serve leave him vulnerable to Sinner’s aggressive return game and relentless depth from both wings.
Sinner should control proceedings from the very start, dictating rallies with his forehand and using his excellent serve to rack up free points. While Kopriva may scrape his way into a few competitive games, he doesn’t possess the weapons to trouble the Italian for long. Expect a routine straight-sets victory for Sinner, underlining why he’s tipped as a title favourite.
Jannik Sinner vs Vit Kopriva Betting Tips
Best Bet: Sinner -11.5 Games (21/20)
With the outright price unplayable, the value lies in the game handicap. Sinner has regularly dispatched opponents at this level with double-break sets, and the -11.5 line (21/20) looks very achievable if he maintains his sharpness.
An alternative angle is Under 25.5 Total Games, worth 4/5 for anyone betting on tennis. If Sinner closes the match in under two hours with his usual efficiency, the total should stay under this number. The standout bet remains Sinner -11.5 games, offering the best blend of value and likelihood in what should be another dominant outing for the world No. 1.
