US Open tennis: day six preview, predictions and free tips

Day six
Amazon Prime, from 4pm Saturday

Rafael Nadal tops the card on day six of the US Open with a clash against the resurgent Hyeon Chung, but while the South Korean could potentially cause the three-time Flushing Meadows champion problems it's not long since the outsider returned from a back injury and the match may come too soon for him.

Unsurprisingly then, Nadal is on offer at short odds to post a straight-sets victory over Chung, but the best value on the card lies elsewhere.

John Isner v Marin Cilic

Marin Cilic went all the way in New York City in 2014 to claim his only major title and while the Croat has since gone on to reach the Wimbledon final, he has struggled for focus in the years since his US Open triumph.

The jury is out as to whether Cilic has what it takes to challenge for more Grand Slam tournament titles and while his third-round opponent John Isner has not been at his best this season it's just possible that the big-serving American has saved his seasonal best for his home major.

Isner has seen off Guillermo Garcia-Lopez and Jan-Lennard Struff in straight sets and while it's too early to say with confidence that the American number one is back to his best, there looks to be slightly more purpose and direction coming from his racquet than Cilic's.

Twenty-second seed Cilic needed four sets to dispose of Cedrik-Marcel Stebe and that could give hope to Isner fans.

Recommendation
J Isner
1pt 21-20 Betfair

Matteo Berrettini v Alexei Popyrin

Matteo Berrettini is enjoying an excellent campaign but the Italian could find Alexei Popyrin, the hugely promising Australian youngster, a tough nut to crack.

Popyrin still has much to learn but he has the potential and the commitment needed to become one of the sport's best young players.

Berrettini will hope his greater experience counts, but it could be close.

Recommendation
Over 3.5 sets
1pt 8-13 BoyleSports

Anett Kontaveit v Belinda Bencic

Anett Kontaveit has come in for early support to defeat Belinda Bencic, but the Swiss miss may not be too far from her brilliant best and she looks worth a bet at the available odds.

Bencic needed three sets to account for Alize Cornet in round two, but the form could be useful because the Frenchwoman was playing well.

Kontaveit needed three sets to see off Ajla Tomljanovic in the last 64 and may need to find more in round three.

Recommendation
B Bencic
1pt Evs general

Naomi Osaka v Cori Gauff

There's clearly a chance that US Open defending champ and top seed Naomi Osaka could sweep aside her younger opponent Cori Gauff, but it may be worth backing the pair to produce a closer match.

Gauff can be considered for the upset, but even if she doesn't have enough to see off an opponent who Serena Williams couldn't live with in last year's Flushing Meadows final, the 15-year-old American could give the crowd a boost by helping the clash to go to a deciding set.

Recommendation
C Gauff to win at least a set
1pt 17-20 Betway

Other matches

Pablo Andujar is playing out of his skin this week and the Spaniard, whose name has previously been synonymous with clay courts, has been well backed to carry on the good work with a victory over Alexander Bublik.

Kristie Ahn has also been punted to oust Jelena Ostapenko, but the Latvian could still be a viable title outsider at her best.

Today's top sports betting stories

Follow us on Twitter @racingpostsport

Like us on Facebook RacingPostSport