Matteo Arnaldi vs James Duckworth Preview & Prediction | 2026 US Open | First Round

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French Open semi-finalist Matteo Arnaldi takes on James Duckworth, whose fitness is currently in some doubt.

Start date/time: 31 August 2026 at 6:00 pm

Venue: USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, New York, USA

Surface: Outdoor hard

How to watch on TV: UK – Sky Sports Tennis / USA – ESPN

How to watch online: UK – Sky Go / USA – ESPN+

Tickets: Visit this link for the latest Matteo Arnaldi vs James Duckworth ticket information

Matteo Arnaldi vs James Duckworth prediction

The hard-court swing has so far not gone to plan for Matteo Arnaldi, who has picked up just one win in the three tournaments he has entered in the run-up to the US Open.

The Italian has fared much better on the clay this year. Indeed, he enjoyed a memorable run to the semi-finals of the French Open in June, with injury preventing him from participating in his last-four matchup with compatriot Flavio Cobolli.

This is James Duckworth's 11th appearance at Flushing Meadows, and on only two occasions has he reached the second round. However, should he prevail here, it would be the first time in his career that he has won a main draw match in each of the four Grand Slams, having reached the second round of the Australian Open, French Open and Wimbledon in 2026.

The Australian's preparation was looking decent having reached the last four of the Winston-Salem Open recently, but he had to pull out of that contest with Arthur Fery in the second set due to injury.

With only two days between that match and this, you have to feel it is unlikely that Duckworth has fully recovered. Arnaldi then, despite his unconvincing form, should be favoured.

Matteo Arnaldi vs James Duckworth tip: Matteo Arnaldi to win