Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the ATP US Open match.
For Mikhail Kukushkin this US Open qualifying campaign is another chance to reach the main draw of a major late in his career, while for Pellegrino it’s an opportunity to test himself on US hard courts for the first time.
Mikhail Kukushkin
The 37-year-old from Kazakhstan is ranked 223rd in the ATP standings. His 2025 record on outdoor hard is modest — nine wins and 11 defeats. Last week he fell short in Cincinnati qualifying, losing in the semi-final round to Emilio Nava (5:7, 2:6). However, Kukushkin has reached the third round of the US Open five times in his career, and this season he has managed to win the opening match at 6 of his 11 hard-court tournaments.
Andrea Pellegrino
World No.139 Pellegrino spends most of his time on clay. In June he lifted a Challenger title in Perugia, the ninth of his career. But hard courts remain his weakest surface, with just 16 wins to 26 losses across his career. In 2025 Andrea has played only once on hard, losing in the first round at Cancun to Coleman Wong (1:6, 4:6).
Mikhail Kukushkin vs Andrea Pellegrino Prediction
Kukushkin is vastly more experienced and has regular match practice on hard, unlike Pellegrino, who has barely featured on the surface this year. The Kazakh should come through comfortably.
