Before each day’s play at the U.S. Open, Steve Tignor will preview and predict three must-see matches.

Madison Keys vs. Naomi Osaka

Head to head: First meeting

Do you like nuance with your tennis? Variety? How about rallies that last more than five rocket-propelled shots? You’re not going to get a whole lot of any of those things when these two young guns—and big guns—face off in the second match of the day on Ashe. The 21-year-old Keys and the 18-year-old Osaka have never played, and this will be one of the rare occasions when the American goes up against a younger opponent. But neither woman is going to offer the other many surprises; both go for it from both wings as soon as they can. Keys is the favorite: She’s ranked No. 9 to Osaka’s 81, and while Osaka has a strong serve and forehand, Keys’ are stronger. One question may be: Who likes pace more? They’re both going to get plenty of it.

Winner: Keys

Marin Cilic vs. Jack Sock

Head to head: Sock leads 1-0

Sock and Cilic have met once, in Davis Cup two months ago, and the American came back from two sets down to win 6-4 in the fifth set. At the time it looked like that win was the start of a successful weekend for the U.S., but Cilic would come back to beat John Isner that Sunday, while Sock would lose the deciding fifth rubber to Borna Coric. With that confidence boost, Cilic would go onto play some of the best tennis of his career in winning his first Masters title in Cincinnati. When these two face off for the first time in a tour match on Armstrong, Sock will have the crowd, as well as his point-deciding forehand. But it feels like Cilic, the 2014 Open champion, is destined for bigger things again in New York this year.

Winner: Cilic

Angelique Kerber vs. CiCi Bellis

Head to head: First meeting

The 17-year-old Bellis says she loves to play in front of a crowd. She’ll have her chance on Friday, when she closes the night session in Ashe with Kerber. Even if some of the audience files out after the first match, which features Rafael Nadal, it will still be a big stage for the Californian. Does the world No. 158 have any chance in her first meeting with the world No. 2? A win is probably too much to ask, but the crowd will do its best to help. Bellis is a shot-maker, and Kerber, as good as she is, will give her a chance to hit her shots. Then she’ll track them down and make her hit five more.

Winner: Kerber

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