Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the US Open match.
Tristan Schoolkate has already defeated the higher-ranked, world No. 46, Lorenzo Sonego at the US Open. He now faces an even more accomplished opponent in Alexander Bublik.
Alexander Bublik
Alexander Bublik had no issues against Marin Cilic, winning in straight sets (6:4, 6:1, 6:4) in under two hours. The name is, of course, notable, but in truth Marin Cilic has barely competed over the last three seasons, with fewer matches than many manage in half a season. That does not change the fact Bublik was sharp: he landed only 56% of first serves but won 95% of those points. He scarcely needed to come forward (won 4/4 at the net), even though Marin Cilic bettered him there (won 14/18 at the net).
Tristan Schoolkate
Tristan Schoolkate is from a different generation. If Marin Cilic is 36, Tristan is 24. He is also four years younger than Alexander Bublik. For now he has only matched his best Grand Slam result by reaching the second round, and he has done so in the United States for the second year running. It cost him 4 hours 18 minutes and, as last year when Schoolkate beat Taro Daniel, five sets. In 2024 he could have reached the US Open third round, but he lost in a fifth-set tie-break to Jakub Mensik.
Alexander Bublik vs Tristan Schoolkate Prediction
Tristan Schoolkate has only 16 matches at ATP Tour main-draw level by the age of 24. Experience is evidently limited, but we can see he is starting to compete with top-50 players and occasionally beats them. Alexander Bublik should progress, but we are not going to lay an overly big handicap on his side. The angle is Bublik to cover a -5.5 game handicap.
