US Open 2022: Casper Ruud vs. Tommy Paul Tennis Pick and Prediction

TennisSection previews the 2022 US Open as Casper Ruud takes on Tommy Paul in the third round on Friday, September 2nd, 2022.

Casper Ruud is one match away from reaching the second week of the US Open for the first time. But he faces a tough outing on Friday when he takes on the in-form Tommy Paul. Will the American conquer the fifth seed? Let us take a closer look at the match preview in detail.

Casper Ruud was given an almighty scare by Tim van Rijthovenin the previous round, but navigated his way into the third round unscathed. Ruud trailed the Dutchman by a set after dropping the first-set tiebreak, but responded emphatically, beforewinning 6-7 6-4 6-4 6-4. The Norwegian withstood 20 aces from Van Rijthoven’s racket along with 52 winners. He also saved six of seven break points. With the win, Ruud maintained his slim hopes of ending the fortnight as World No. 1.

Tommy Paul, meanwhile, overcame his compatriot Sebastian Korda in a thrilling five setter. Paul had losing record against Korda (0-3), but turned the tables by rebounding strongly in the match. After wrapping up the first set 6-0, Paul’s level dipped massively in the next two sets as Korda began to unleash from his forehand much more consistently. But the fourth and fifth sets were a further demonstration Paul is indeed exhibiting some admirable mental fortitude. He dug himself out of a hole and was clutch in the vital moments of the deciding set.

Casper Ruud leads Tommy Paul 2-1 in their head-to-head. Two of their three meeting were contested at Grand Slam level, with Ruud winning each time. However, since their last showdown at the Australian Open in 2021, Paul has enjoyed a meteoric rise which could culminate with a top 30 breakthrough after the 2022 US Open. Ruud is a heavy hitter and has developed his game to suit all surfaces. That is indeed a plus point, but I think Paul is the natural favorite on this surface. He is 22-11 on hard courts this season and has scored some eye-catching wins. Expect another classic in front of a raucous crowd.