US Open 2024: Jannik Sinner vs Christopher O'Connell preview, head-to-head, prediction and pick
Match Details
Fixture: (1) Jannik Sinner vs Christopher O'Connell
Date: TBD
Tournament: US Open 2024
Round: Third Round
Venue: USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, New York, USA
Category: Grand Slam
Surface: Hard
Prize Money: $75,000,000
Live Telecast: USA - ESPN | UK - Sky Sports | Canada - TSN, RDS
Jannik Sinner vs Christopher O'Connell preview
Jannik Sinner will continue his quest for the US Open title with a third-round matchup against Australian player Christopher O'Connell.
The top-seeded Sinner appears to have regained his footing after a shaky beginning to his campaign. The Italian lost his opening set in the first-round match but has subsequently won six sets in a row, defeating Mackenzie McDonald and Alex Michelsen to reach the third round. A 48-5 win-loss record and five titles this season attest to the World No. 1's consistent form, making him a formidable opponent.
O'Connell, for his part, has had a strong showing at this year's US Open, reaching his first third round with victories over 28th seed Nicholas Jarry and Mattia Belluci. The 30-year-old has won both matches in four sets. These wins are particularly impressive considering he entered the tournament with a negative 11-15 win-loss record this season. He has been playing at a different level in New York in recent days.
Jannik Sinner vs Christopher O'Connell head-to-head
Sinner and O'Connell have a 1-1 record in two meetings thus far, with Sinner winning their most recent encounter (in Miami this year) by a score of 6-4, 6-3.
Jannik Sinner vs Christopher O'Connell odds
(Odds will be updated once available)
Jannik Sinner vs Christopher O'Connell prediction
Given the huge gulf in world rankings and level of experience, Jannik Sinner will come into this contest as an overwhelming favorite. However, he will need to be wary of the determined Christopher O'Connell.
The Aussie has his own set of strengths. He combines his powerful serve and excellent defense effectively, as evidenced by his 28 aces and four breaks of serve in his two matches here so far.
Sinner’s serve, meanwhile, has not been particularly potent in terms of aces, but he has won over 75% of points behind his first delivery in both his matches. He is also the more explosive of the two players, which should benefit him on the fast New York courts.
The match will pit Sinner’s big-hitting against O’Connell’s scrambling skills. However, the defensive approach that has served the Aussie well so far is unlikely to be effective against a big hitter like Sinner. O'Connell will become more comfortable with more time on court. Once he finds his rhythm, his groundstrokes could pose a threat to his opponent.
Prediction: Sinner to win in straight sets.