Valentin Vacherot vs Aleksandar Kovacevic Preview & Prediction | 2026 US Open | First Round

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Out-of-form Valentin Vacherot begins his US Open campaign against Aleksandar Kovacevic at Flushing Meadows.

Start date/time: 31 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 Valentin Vacherot vs Aleksandar Kovacevic ticket information

Valentin Vacherot vs Aleksandar Kovacevic prediction

It’s been an excellent year in many ways for Valentin Vacherot, who reached the third round on debut at the Australian Open before reaching the second round at Roland-Garros. However, the 22nd seed, who is featuring at the US Open for the first time, has only won one match since the French Open and there are one or two question marks about his belief right now.

The 27-year-old takes on Aleksandar Kovacevic, who is hoping to win a Grand Slam match for only the second time in his career, and what would be a first at Flushing Meadows.

The American did enjoy a confidence-boosting run to the quarter-finals of the recent Winston-Salem Open, where he lost to eventual finalist Arthur Fery, and he will back himself to challenge Vacherot here.

Despite a significant difference in the ATP rankings, we think this could be a close-run thing with over 3.5 sets expected.

Valentin Vacherot vs Aleksandar Kovacevic tip: Over 3.5 sets