The US Open barely started and we’ve already seen major upsets with both Stefanos Tsitsipas and Casper Ruud going down. Are there more in store in what’s left of round 2? We’ve analyzed the Thursday matchups to offer three must-make US Open betting picks. Keep reading and you’ll get them right here — for free!
- What: 2023 US Open
- When: Thursday, August 31
- Where: Billie Jean King Tennis Center in New York City
Carlos Alcaraz vs. Lloyd Harris Betting Pick
The reigning US Open champion and No. 1 seed Alcaraz draws Harris in the second round. There’s no point in betting this moneyline since Alcaraz is such a massive favorite to advance. However, there is more betting value on the Alcaraz vs. Harris handicap. As it stands, here’s how the odds shake out at top tennis betting sites:
It seems like we’re on a collision course to another finals matchup between Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic. However, Alcaraz’s path there appears harder. That’s why he get a bit of a gift in his first match of the tourney. Alcaraz only played one set and a half in round 1 before his opponent, Dominik Koepfer, was forced to retire due to injury.
The early retirement probably helped Alcaraz the most in terms of rest. It’s less energy he needed to exert to advance. With a built-up energy reserve here, we fully expect Alcaraz to blow Harris out of the water. We have a tough time imagining Harris winning a single set on Thursday. That’s why betting Alcaraz’s line makes a whole lot of sense to us here.
Andy Murray vs. Grigor Dimitrov Betting Pick
Here is a second-round matchup that is uber close odds-wise. As it stands, Dimitrov is the favorite to win over former US Open winner Murray, but barely. Check out the betting lines both ways:
We’re a bit surprised by this line. That’s because Dimitrov has struggled mightily against Murray on the hardcourt. He’s only 2-8 against him in such cases. So why is he favored? Perhaps because Murray has injury concerns. After all, an abdominal strain forced Murray to withdraw from this year's warm-up tournaments in Toronto and Cincinnati. At 36 years old, injuries seem to linger.
However, Murray looked as good as you’d like in his opening match. He toppled Corentin Moutet 6-2 7-5 6-3 to record his 200th Grand Slam win — only the eighth man to do so in the Open era. On the other side, Dimitrov had to fight for his life to survive, outlasting Alex Molcan in a 6-7 (9), 6-7 (5), 6-1, 7-5, 7-6 (9) thriller. Will coming back from two sets down end up exhausting Dimitrov for this clash? It’s certainly possible (Murray played for 100 minutes less).
We’re inclined to bet on Murray here. The British great is hard to write off in such an early-round matchup— especially when you factor in the one-on-one record and first-round fatigue. We’ll gladly jump on those plus-money moneyline odds.
Ons Jabeur vs. Linda Noskova Betting Pick
Alright, let’s flip our attention to the women’s bracket now. We just had to bet the Jabeur-Noskova moneyline, which is dangerously close. Here’s how oddsmakers have the betting lines set:
A reason why it’s relatively close despite Jabeur being a tournament favorite is, well, she didn’t look all that good in the opening round. She barely managed to beat Camila Osorio 7-5, 7-6 (4). Part of Jabeur’s struggles appear to be health-related too so it might not be a fluke thing. Jabeur was struggling with nasal congestion and looked noticeably gassed out last time out. She gets one day of rest before this matchup with Nosvoka.
Noskova won’t be an easy matchup either. The 18-year-old is the second-highest ranked teenager in the world at No. 41. Not only that, but Nosvoka stunned Jabeur 6-3, 1-6, 6-3 in the Adelaide way back in January — when Jabeur was fully healthy, which doesn’t appear to be the case right now. Remember, Jabeur also required treatment on her foot during her Cincinnati quarterfinal.
This is a tough bet and honestly, we wouldn’t fault anyone for taking Nosvoka in upset fashion. Her betting line is certainly worth it. However, we do believe Jabeur can do enough to get by here. It won’t be easy, but Jabeur has what it takes to survive here.
How To Bet On 2023 US Open
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