Get our Arnaldi vs Cerundolo tennis pick with expert analysis.
Get our Arnaldi vs Cerundolo tennis pick with expert analysis.
The US Open first round features an exciting clash between Matteo Arnaldi and Francisco Cerúndolo at Flushing Meadows. Both men are dangerous from the baseline, but Cerúndolo enters with the better hard-court pedigree and recent big-match experience.
*Odds referenced from market consensus at time of writing.
Arnaldi comes into New York with a mixed hard-court record. While he’s shown flashes of potential — particularly when his serve is firing — he hasn’t consistently beaten top-tier players on this surface. His game is heavy on topspin and built for clay, which can sometimes leave him vulnerable on the faster US Open hard courts. Still, his athleticism and shot tolerance make him a tricky opponent if Cerúndolo starts slow.
Cerúndolo had an encouraging build-up despite his retirement in Toronto. Before that, he notched solid wins over Etcheverry and Munar, proving his baseline game is translating well to hard courts this summer. The Argentine’s forehand-heavy style, combined with improved movement on hard courts, gives him a clear edge. As long as the Toronto retirement was precautionary and not injury-related, he looks primed to start his US Open campaign strongly.
This will be the first meeting between Arnaldi and Cerúndolo on the ATP Tour. Without a direct H2H record, bettors will need to rely on recent form and surface performance as key indicators.
Pick: Francisco Cerúndolo to Win (-135)
Cerúndolo is the stronger hard-court player and has proven he can hang with — and beat — quality opposition this summer. His Toronto run showed promise, and while the retirement raised minor questions, the balance of evidence suggests he’s ready for New York. Arnaldi can be pesky, but Cerúndolo’s weapons and experience should carry him through.
Arnaldi will make Cerúndolo work, but the Argentine has the superior hard-court form and higher ceiling. This should be a competitive match early, but Cerúndolo’s baseline power and recent confidence edge him into the favorite’s role. The best bet is simply backing Cerúndolo to win.