Three great matches for the day 3 of the 2025 US Open.
Alexander Zverev vs Alejandro Tabilo
Alexander Zverev, seeded No. 3, has been solid in 2025. He owns one title and was a finalist at the Australian Open, carrying a 43-16 record into the US Open. His game translates well to these courts: heavy serve, strong backhand, and plenty of experience deep in Slams.
Alejandro Tabilo has had a trickier season, with a 10-15 record. He’s shown glimpses of quality on hard courts but is still more at home on clay. Against a player like Zverev, who thrives in the rhythm of best-of-five matches, Tabilo will likely struggle to apply enough scoreboard pressure to make it competitive.
Prediction: Zverev in straight sets.
Tommy Paul vs Elmer Moller
Tommy Paul has quietly become one of the most reliable American performers on tour. His 2025 season has been consistent, and his all-court game suits the US Open courts well. He thrives in front of home crowds and generally handles these early rounds with focus.
Elmer Møller, just 21 years old and making his first US Open main draw appearance, is a big Danish talent. He’s had most of his success on clay so far and doesn’t yet have the firepower or experience to trouble someone like Paul on a hard court.
Prediction: Paul in straight sets.
Alexei Popyrin vs Emil Ruusuvuori
An even first-round battle in general, but the Australian has been more solid lately. Popyrin has one of the bigger serves and forehands outside the top tier, and when he’s firing, he will cause trouble to basically anyone. This season has been a bit up and down, but these kind of hard courts suits him. More on Popyrin’s racquet.
Emil Ruusuvuori has not played for quite a while and it’s nice to see him back on the courts, now with a rank of 752… The Finn has a clean baseline game and one of the most underrated backhands on tour. He has had some struggles with consistency and fitness in past seasons, but on a good day, his return game and court coverage can frustrate big servers.
Ruusuvuori can steal a set here but Popyrin is the more confident at the moment and should progress here.
Prediction: Popyrin in 4 sets.
