Rafael Jodar vs Thanasi Kokkinakis Prediction U.S. Open - New York · Aug 30, 2026

Analysis

This is a classic US Open first-round clash between a young Spanish prospect and an established ATP-level ball-striker. Thanasi Kokkinakis owns one of the biggest serves and forehands in the men's game, and the fast, high-bouncing hard courts of Flushing Meadows reward exactly that first-strike profile. Rafael Jodar comes from a Spanish development school built on heavy topspin, defence and patient rally construction, traits that translate more naturally to clay than to a quick night session in New York. Without recent form or head-to-head data available for this fixture, the read has to be qualitative: experience in best-of-five, comfort under Grand Slam pressure and free points on serve all point towards the Australian. The main caveat is Kokkinakis's own consistency, which has historically fluctuated, so a dropped set is far from unthinkable. Overall, a straight-sets or four-set win for the more powerful player looks the most likely path.