It’s no secret that Stefanos Tsitsipas is struggling right now. The world No. 11 has lost three of his last four matches and recently parted ways with his father as his coach. That makes it hard to have much faith in the Greek right now, especially at a tournament in which he has struggled in the past. Tsitsipas has never made it further than the third round at the US Open.
With that in mind, it’s a good idea to play Thanasi Kokkinakis on the game spread in their opening-round match at Flushing Meadows. I also think the Australian is worthy of a little moneyline sprinkle.
Tsitsipas has always had a real weakness on the backhand wing. He hits a one-hander and needs ample time to get himself set for that shot. The US Open’s courts, like those in Cincinnati, will not afford much time to do much but react, and opponents—especially aggressive ones like Kokkinakis—are going to be able to pick on that side of the court. But even beyond that, Tsitsipas’ normally world-class forehand isn’t clicking. He’s generally capable of punishing that shot, but he’s been missing it regularly.
