Number 11 seed Fabio Fognini of Italy will start as a slight underdog in his opening round match of the 2019 US Open against home favorite Reilly Opelka on Monday, August 26. The match will begin not before 2:15 pm local time (5:15 pm BST). You can find the Fabio Fognini v Reilly Opelka live streaming options, preview and predictions here.
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Fabio Fognini v Reilly Opelka Head to Head
Fognini and Opelka will meet for the first time.
Fognini Hoping to Replicate Clay Form
As Fabio Fognini prepares to trot down Court 17 on Day 1 ahead of his difficult opener in the final major of the year, he will take heart from the news he broke on the eve of tournament. The mercurial Italian is set to become a father for the second time with wife Flavia Pennetta whom they have a two-year old son.
Fognini has had a memorable year in 2019. After a tumultuous start in which he suffered a handful of first round defeats, he sensationally clinched the Monte Carlo Masters in April where he beat defending champion Rafael Nadal in the semifinal. He became the first Italian to win a Masters 1000 singles title and the oldest champion in the Principality in the open era.
That result served as a catalyst in Fognini attaining Top 10 status. In June, shortly after his 32nd birthday, he cracked the Top 10 for the first time. Fognini now claims, wife Flavia – who was a former top-10 player on the women’s circuit – no longer has the bragging rights at home. However, the 32-year-old does acknowledge the crowning moment that is missing in his resume is his wife’s biggest success which was the US Open title she won in 2015.
Incidentally, it was also in 2015 when Fognini recorded his best result at Flushing Meadows. The fan from Sanremo knocked out Rafael Nadal in an epic third round meeting when he fought back from two sets down to defeat the Spaniard in five sets.
In his previous three visits, he has never made it past the third round.
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Big Serving Opelka Is A Tough First Round
There is no doubt that as a seeded player, Fognini has been handed one of the most difficult first round matches possible.
Big serving American Reilly Opelka has risen more than 50 spots in the rankings to a career-high World No.42. Opelka is already a victor in New York, having captured his maiden ATP title in February at the New York Open.
The 2015 Wimbledon Boy’s champion will make his main draw debut at the US Open, and he is guaranteed tremendous and vociferous support from the home crowd as he gears up a big upset on Day 1.
Fognini v Opelka Predictions & Tips
Fognini is an underdog here and there is good value in it. Despite his unpredictability and fitness concerns, he is a better player than Opelka in terms of ball striking and athleticism. Fognini is also vastly experienced at this level unlike Opelka who will make his debut at the US Open. The American’s biggest weapon is his serve, and if the Italian can hang around and force tiebreaks, surely it is anyone’s game.
Tip: Fognini to win: 11/10 (888Sport)
The Fognini v Opelka match can be watched live with Unibet here on August 26, 2019. Also, get the latest tennis tips and predictions here.
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