Rafael Jodar vs Thanasi Kokkinakis Preview & Prediction | 2026 US Open | First Round

Click here for today’s sports betting tips from our expert analysts!

Rafael Jodar takes on Thanasi Kokkinakis in the first round at the 2026 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, New York, USA

Start date/time: 30 August 2026 at 4:00 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 Rafael Jodar vs Thanasi Kokkinakisticket information

Rafael Jodar vs Thanasi Kokkinakis prediction

Whether you like to brand him as a Rafa reboot or the Jodar Juggernaut, it’s clear that the Spanish teenager is on course for big things in the months and years ahead.

The 19-year-old’s sensational 2026 has continued on north American hardcourts with deep runs across Washington, Canada and Cincinnati coming into the US Open.

The world number 13 is now on the verge of cracking the top ten and will be a huge favourite against Thanasi Kokkinakis. The Aussie simply cannot engineer any sort of consistency with just two tour-level wins this season.

This type of challenge may stir something inside the now world number 412, but we don’t see him putting enough together to trouble a youngster playing fearless, spectacular tennis.

Rafael Jodar vs Thanasi Kokkinakis tip: Rafael Jodar to win 3-0