2021 US Open First Round – Fabio Fognini vs Vasek Pospisil Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
Where is Fabio Fognini vs Vasek Pospisil taking place? Fabio Fognini vs Vasek Pospisil will take place at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, New York, USA
When is Fabio Fognini vs Vasek Pospisil on and what time does it start? Tuesday 31st August, 2021 – not before 20:30 (UK)
What surface is Fabio Fognini vs Vasek Pospisil being played on? Fabio Fognini vs Vasek Pospisil will take place on an outdoor hard court
Where can I get tickets for Fabio Fognini vs Vasek Pospisil? Visit this link for the latest ticket information for Fabio Fognini vs Vasek Pospisil
What channel is Fabio Fognini vs Vasek Pospisil on in the UK? Amazon have exclusive rights to show the 2021 US Open in the UK so it is worth checking the Amazon Prime Video app on smart TVs for Fabio Fognini vs Vasek Pospisil
Where can I stream Fabio Fognini vs Vasek Pospisil in the UK? Amazon Prime subscribers may be able to stream Fabio Fognini vs Vasek Pospisil live via their platform
THE LOWDOWN
FABIO FOGNINI
Former world number nine Fabio Fognini came second in the ATP Cup with Team Italy at the start of the year but otherwise a round of 16 exit at the Australian Open and a quarter-final exit at the Monte-Carlo Masters have been his only significant runs this year. The Italian is always a threat on his day but those days are becoming fewer and further in between. 34-year-old Fognini was unfortunately forced to withdraw from the quarter-finals of Roland-Garros in 2011 in his best Grand Slam showing to date.
VASEK POSPISIL
Former world number 25 Vasek Pospisil has struggled for consistency this season after missing over two months of the tour with his latest injury. The 31-year-old has reached three ATP finals without yet winning that elusive trophy, with his last coming late last year where he finished runner-up to Jannik Sinner at the Sofia Open. Pospisil is a charismatic player on his day capable of winning crowds over and he did so here last year with a great run to the round of 16. His best Grand Slam finish was a quarter-final exit to Andy Murray at Wimbledon in 2015.
THE PREDICTION
This could be one of the best matches of the first round between Fabio Fognini and Vasek Pospisil, with both payers possessing top 10 qualities on their respective “days” over their long careers. Notably, Pospisil has won both of their previous encounters, beating Fabio Fognini on his best Grand Slam run at Wimbledon in 2015 as well as at the Davis Cup Finals in 2019. With neither player at their best right now or indeed this season, a lot of what happens here will be down to the occasion itself. This could be a candidate for five sets at Flushing Meadows and if enough of a crowd is present it could be thrilling. Take both players to win a set here and leave the winner up to chance.
