Rafael Jodar vs Yunchaokete Bu Preview & Prediction | 2026 US Open | First Round

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Lucky Loser Yunchaokete Bu steps in as Thanasi Kokkinakis' replacement to face rising star Rafael Jodar in the first round at the US Open.

Start date/time: 2 September 2026 at 5:30 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 Yunchaokete Bu ticket information

Rafael Jodar vs Yunchaokete Bu prediction

Spanish sensation Rafael Jodar was all set to make his US Open debut against Thanasi Kokkinakis but his opponent withdrew from the event just hours before it was set to take place. In comes Lucky Loser Yunchaokete Bu, who fell at the final hurdle in qualifying.

19-year-old Jodar has been making serious waves on the circuit in 2026, reaching the quarters of the French Open and enjoying some deep runs in the North American hard-court swing prior to Flushing Meadows.

Yunchaokete Bu finds himself somewhat fortunately in the main draw of a Grand Slam for the seventh time in his career, but he is yet to go beyond the first round.

The Chinese representative will surely struggle here against an opponent on the verge of the top ten in the ATP rankings, and we're expecting this to be a routine win for the hugely talented youngster.

Rafael Jodar vs Yunchaokete Bu tip: Rafael Jodar to win 3-0