US Open Day 1 Predictions Including Novak Djokovic vs Mariano Navone

Day 1 at the 2026 US Open sees the legendary Novak Djokovic take the court, along with rising Japanese player Rei Sakamoto, who ended Kei Nishikori’s run in qualifying. Our panelists offer full previews and predictions for every round 1 matchup in New York City.

US Open Day 1 Predictions

Novak Djokovic vs Mariano Navone

Zain:

Another Slam starts with Novak Djokovic’s quest for a 25th Major title on the line. The Serbian has come close this year but looked like a player a few steps away from winning a Slam in Cincinnati, where he fell to Thiago Tirante. His opponent here is similar to that, as Mariano Navone is typically a clay-court player who likes to grind out matches. While that means Djokovic will likely need to dig in physically at times, he will still likely advance to the next round.

Prediction: Djokovic in 4

Amanda:

For Djokovic, Grand Slam first rounds tend to follow a script: he drops the first or second set, then wins the match in four. Against Navone that pattern could certainly hold. Djokovic lost his only match in Cincinnati, but non-Slam results don’t hold much weight for him anymore, as his consistency at Grand Slams is all that matters.

Prediction: Djokovic in 4

Jaime Faria vs Jenson Brooksby

Zain:

This matchup is interesting stylistically, as Brooksby is more of a defensive counterpuncher, while Faria is the more attacking player. Both these players met in Cincinnati just over two weeks ago, where Faria swept Brooksby away in straight sets. And while I think Brooksby will have a better showing here, Faria’s confidence might carry him through the match if it gets tough.

Prediction: Faria in 5

Amanda:

Faria and Brooksby just played each other in Cincinnati, with Faria winning in two quick and easy sets. It’s hard to imagine the result will be much different here with such little time in between and Faria generally playing better tennis than Brooksby right now.

Prediction: Faria in 3

Aleksandar Vukic vs Rei Sakamoto

Zain:

Serving will be key in this match, as on a slick hard court, both players will rely heavily on their first serves to get free points. Sakamoto reached the main draw by ending Kei Nishikori’s US Open career, and that will give him confidence. But Vukic, despite his poor season so far, is still the overall more solid player of the two. In a long match that might be decided by a few key moments, I expect the Australian to come out on top.

Prediction: Vukic in 5

Amanda:

Vukic has lost in the first round of every Grand Slam this year, but this is certainly his best chance to get a win. Sakamoto had to come through qualifying and this will be just his second-ever Grand Slam main draw. However, as good a chance this is for Vukic, it is also a great opportunity for Sakamoto to get his first Grand Slam win, as he’s played extremely well through qualifying and could take Vukic by surprise.

Prediction: Sakamoto in 4

Main Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

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