Rei Sakamoto vs Frances Tiafoe Preview & Prediction | 2026 US Open | Second Round

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Two-time US Open semi-finalist Frances Tiafoe takes on a player ranked outside the top 150 in Rei Sakamoto.

Start date/time: 3 September 2026 at 12:00 am

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 Rei Sakamoto vs Frances Tiafoe ticket information

Rei Sakamoto vs Frances Tiafoe prediction

Rei Sakamoto has already secured the biggest achievement of his young career so far, winning a men’s singles match in the main draw of a Grand Slam. A five-set triumph over Aleksandar Vukic sending Sakamoto to the second round, where he’ll now face formidable opposition in Frances Tiafoe. The 11th seed was also involved in a five-set encounter last time out, defeating fellow American Martin Damm Jr.

Tiafoe was not at his best in round one and will need to improve this time around. He is comfortably the superior player and although Sakamoto’s big serve poses him a threat, Tiafoe with the home crowd behind him is expected to come out on top, with the value play to back him in straight sets.

Rei Sakamoto vs Frances Tiafoe tip: Frances Tiafoe to win 3-0