Filip Misolic vs Francisco Cerundolo Prediction U.S. Open - New York · Sep 1, 2026

Analysis

This is a classic first-round Grand Slam mismatch on paper, with Francisco Cerundolo carrying the heavier tour-level pedigree into a best-of-five contest against Filip Misolic. Cerundolo is an established top-tier ATP competitor whose forehand-driven baseline game and heavy topspin have translated well onto hard courts, and the five-set format historically rewards the more physically conditioned, deeper-rostered player. Misolic is a scrapper with a strong clay-court identity and excellent defensive movement, so he is capable of extending rallies and stealing a set if Cerundolo's error count spikes in the New York heat and swirl. The key tactical battle is whether Misolic can absorb the Argentine's forehand and redirect it early enough to shorten points, because from neutral positions Cerundolo dictates. Night-session conditions at Flushing Meadows slow the ball slightly and help returners, which nudges the underdog's chances up marginally without changing the overall picture. Expect Cerundolo to win, most likely in straight sets, with a real chance of dropping one along the way.