US Open 2022: Pablo Carreno Busta vs. Alexander Bublik Tennis Pick and Prediction

TennisSection previews the 2022 US Open as Pablo Carreno Busta takes on Alexander Bublik in the first round on Wednesday, August 31st, 2022.

After his rousing win over former champion Dominic Thiem, Pablo Carreno Busta will be in buoyant mood when he faces the energetic Alexander Bublik in a tricky second round match at the US Open. Who will progress?

Dominic Thiem’s return to the US Open was one of the most-talked about stories in the build up to day one of the tournament. However, Thiem’s return was marked by a horror draw, as he faced off against Montreal Masters champion Pablo CarrenoBusta. The Spaniard put up a clean performance and overcamesome early jitters to defeat the Austrian in four sets. Having twice been to the semifinals at this event, Carreno Busta knows this city like the back of his hand. Will he make it to the third round on Wednesday?

Alexander Bublik, meanwhile, was also in top gear. The flamboyant Kazakh served big against the diminutive Frenchman Hugo Gaston. Bublik was well aware of Gaston’s ability to mix things up and nullify his rhythm with some delicate drop shots. But Bublik wouldn’t allow the French lefty to express himself. He suffocated the court with his aggressive ball striking and near-impregnable first serve. The Kazakh is now eyeing a place in the third round – which would equal his best performance at the US Open.

Pablo Carreno Busta leads the head-to-head over Alexander Bublik 3-0. Their last meeting took place this season at the Monte Carlo Masters where the Spaniard came out victorious in three sets via retirement. Bublik has the tools to make life problematic for Carreno Busta, but his biggest obstacle is whether he can sustain his level over five sets at the US Open. Carreno Busta is one of the best counter punchers in the world and his ability to turn defence into attack midway through rallies should hold him in good stead against a player of Bublik’squalities.