Casper Ruud vs Bu Yunchaokete Prediction: No mercy for the newbie

The US Open first round will pit Casper Ruud, a consistent top-10 player renowned for his great court coverage and deep runs in major tournaments on clay, against Bu Yunchaokete, a young and rising player from China. This encounter is an interesting match of experience and potential, featuring a mature player with many years of experience at the level of a Grand Slam and a young rising star who hopes to make a big impression.

Ruud comes in good form to the US Open, where he reached a couple of recent Masters. Other big highlights are his consistency on tour and his artillery to adjust to all surfaces.

Ruud's games are characterized by the most aggressive rallies possible, with his continuous groundstrokes tiring opponents. Heavy topspin forehand is a weapon of dictation, especially on high-bouncing courts. Multiple Grand Slam finals to his record mean Ruud has experience under pressure big tournaments require.

He will most likely be setting up his controlled forehand with a first serve and bosses the points, getting Yunchaokete to move in all directions. In this direction, he is going to engage him in long and exhausting rallies to test both his consistency and mental strength. He will try to keep the pressure high all through the match and take advantage of Yunchaokete's inexperience.

Ruud will likely try to target Yunchaokete's backhand, which is far less consistent than his forehand, and puts him in rather passive positions.

Yunchaokete has had a mixed season, where upon performing admirably on the Challenger circuit, he has absolutely failed to make any real impression at ATP level. He seems in pretty good shape recently, although he hasn't really been opposed to a top-10 player.

Bu Yunchaokete has a big forehand and likes to put points on his racket by dictating affairs with his powerful shots from the back of the court. Being such a young player, he has the stamina and energy levels needed to stay and compete through lengthening matches, which could make all the difference in a best-of-five set format. He has spent time, worked hard on his serve, and now it is quite secure, helping him secure some free points.

Yunchaokete might try to come out and start slugging, where he tries to immediately become the point's boss with aggressive groundstrokes. He needs to do his best to avoid engaging in the comfort zone of long exchanges that Ruud creates.

Drop shots, slices, and variation in pace could all be used to break up Ruud's rhythm and force the Norwegian out of his comfort zone. Bu can prey on any weak second serves from Ruud with the idea of dictating play with his forehand returns.

Ruud's Grand Slam experience, coupled with his consistent performances at the top level, definitely gives him the edge. He has been going through fine form, with some good performances against top-ranked players in the US Open lead-up. While hard court is not a favorite surface for Ruud, his recent results do indicate that he has adapted well to the slower US Open courts, and this could really neutralize a lot of Yunchaokete's power.

Still, should Yunchaokete get off to a strong start and set something of a busy pace with aggression, there could be an upset here if Ruud was to have a poor serving day. But with how things are going between the two of them, this looks less likely.

• Casper Ruud (-5.5) Games Handicap at 1.9 Odds
• Under 36.5 Games at 1.89 Odds
• Casper Ruud Win 3-0 at 2.62 Odds