US Open 2026 Day 5 Men’s Predictions: Fritz, Musetti, and Rising Stars Chase Week Two in New York

The second round of the 2026 US Open wraps up on Day 5 in New York, with 16 men’s singles matches on the schedule despite a rainy start to the tournament. A wide-open men’s draw has created opportunities for seeded stars, qualifiers, and fast-rising teenagers alike, and our writers are tracking every storyline from Flushing Meadows. Below, three of our editors share their picks for four marquee second-round matchups, including Taylor Fritz’s bid to take another step toward a potential home-soil Grand Slam title.

Why Day 5 Matters at a Wide-Open US Open

Grand Slam second rounds often separate genuine contenders from early-round surprises, and this year’s US Open is no exception. Without a clear-cut favorite following the early exits of several big names, players seeded in the 10-20 range have a realistic path to the second week. Among them, Taylor Fritz has emerged as one of the Americans to watch, buoyed by a strong opening performance and a draw that has not yet tested his firepower.

For lower-ranked opponents, Day 5 represents the biggest stage of their careers. Qualifiers and wild cards often play freely against top seeds, which is exactly the dynamic Fritz will need to manage against Italy’s Mattia Bellucci.

The American Hope in the Men’s Draw

Fritz, currently the top-ranked American man, knows that his best chance at a Grand Slam title likely comes on the fast hard courts of the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. His serve-plus-one game travels well on these surfaces, and a deep run could set up a marquee quarterfinal against one of the established veterans still standing in the bottom half of the bracket.

US Open Day 5 Men’s Predictions

Lorenzo Musetti vs Dane Sweeny

Zain: Once again, injuries have derailed much of Lorenzo Musetti’s season, but he did play one of his better matches to start the US Open. Dane Sweeny’s aggressive style of play can at times cause some trouble for the Italian, but if Musetti implements his baseline game, he is expected to win without much issue.
Prediction: Musetti in 3

Yesh: Musetti looked so good in his opening match. He seems fit and healthy, and if that lasts he’ll have a very deep run here.
Prediction: Musetti in 3

Shane: As the draw opens, No. 13 seed Lorenzo Musetti has to like his chances to advance deep into the second week. Sweeny is never an easy out, but the talent gap here is large.
Prediction: Musetti in 3

Luciano Darderi vs Dalibor Svrcina

Zain: This match will be contested between two players who prefer slower conditions, as they are counterpunchers who like to grind out points when necessary. Dalibor Svrcina has had some success against Luciano Darderi and has done well to reach this round after coming through qualifying. But ultimately, the Italian is the more polished player, and in what should be a baseline battle, he should come out on top.
Prediction: Darderi in 4

Yesh: Both of these players prefer clay courts to hard courts, but Darderi is more comfortable on the faster surfaces. Add that to the fact that he’s the generally better player, and this might not be close.
Prediction: Darderi in 3

Shane: Darderi has been a clay-court ringer over the last two seasons. That said, his hard-court prowess has continued to advance. Svrcina also prefers clay and does not have near the hard-court success of his opponent.
Prediction: Darderi in 4

Alexander Blockx vs Marco Trungelliti

Zain: Marco Trungelliti showed in the US Open first round that he can implement his traditional clay-court game on faster surfaces too. But this is likely where his tournament ends, as Alexander Blockx’s serve and baseline patterns should be too much on a hard court for the Argentine.
Prediction: Blockx in 4

Yesh: Blockx is a rising young star, reaching the finals of last year’s Next Gen Finals, where he lost to Learner Tien. Still, his game is progressing rapidly, and he’s better than Trungelliti on faster surfaces.
Prediction: Blockx in 3

Shane: I love Alexander Blockx’s game. He is one of the most underrated players in the top 50. Trungelliti is always good for a few upsets per season, but he will not catch the Belgian off-guard, especially on a hardcourt. The Belgian is a sneaky week two candidate.
Prediction: Blockx in 3

Taylor Fritz vs Mattia Bellucci

Zain: Taylor Fritz started this tournament with a solid showing, as he now takes on Mattia Bellucci’s baseline game. The Italian plays his best tennis on the slower courts, while on this surface, Fritz has the serve and baseline advantage. With that said, the American should advance in straight sets.
Prediction: Fritz in 3

Yesh: Fritz knows that if he’s going to win a Major, it will probably have to be this one. His body has let him down a bit this year, but he seems more than healthy enough for the early rounds of this US Open, at least.
Prediction: Fritz in 3

Shane: The only way the Italian hangs tough in this one is if he is really whipping his lefty forehand. Other than an otherworldly aggressive performance, this should be straightforward for Fritz, who sets his sights on week two of the US Open.
Prediction: Fritz in 3

What to Watch as Day 5 Plays Out

Beyond the predictions, Day 5 offers several broader storylines worth tracking. Fritz’s performance against Bellucci will indicate whether he is genuinely peaking at the right time or merely surviving early tests. Musetti’s health remains the swing factor for his tournament; if his body holds, the Italian has the variety and touch to reach the second week. Blockx, meanwhile, is part of a wave of teenage and early-twenties players reshaping the ATP’s next generation, and a win over a veteran grinder like Trungelliti would mark another milestone in his rise.

Rain delays could compress the schedule and force players to navigate back-to-back matches, adding a fitness component to an already demanding Grand Slam week. For fans searching for the latest US Open scores, Day 5 schedule updates, and men’s draw predictions, the next 48 hours in Flushing Meadow will be decisive in shaping the men’s championship picture.

Main Photo Credit: Aaron Doster – Imagn Images

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