US Open Qualifying: Bouchard, Young, Auger-Aliassime seek main draw

WATCH—Best shots of the day from US Open Qualifying:

Donald Young vs. Simone Bolelli
11 AM ET, Tennis Channel

Young has had an up-and-down career. But for all the criticism he receives for not consistently playing his best level of tennis, he is attempting to compete in his 14th consecutive US Open. Young won the Kalamazoo USTA National Championships in 2005 to receive a wild card into his first main draw. Bank on the gifted lefty with good hands to make quick work of the Italian veteran Bolelli.

Thanasi Kokkinakis vs. Yannick Maden
Second on Court 11 (Approx. 1 PM ET), Tennis Channel

This clash of styles features the heavy-hitting Kokkinakis against former Clemson Tiger Maden. Maden turned pro in 2013 and is close to finally cracking the ATP Top 100, a testament to his determination and discipline. In 2013, I competed against Maden, and was dismantled by his consistency and depth of shot; he hardly ever misses his backhand. However, that might not be enough against the talented Australian, who will look to find the German’s forehand and break him down with his power and spin. Look for Kokkinakis to blast his way through the slightly overmatched Maden.

Eugenie Bouchard vs. Ekaterine Gorgodze
Third on Court 11 (Approx. 3 PM ET)

Bouchard dismantled fellow Canadian Carol Zhao in the first round, 6-0, 6-1, and will look to do more of the same against Gorgodze. The Georgian is 26 years old and has earned less than $200,000 in prize money throughout her career. Perhaps this favorable draw is exactly what Bouchard needed to gain some confidence and make a run at the Open. Expect the stands to be packed for the two-time Sports Illustrated swimsuit model as she looks to find her way back in the WTA Top 100—a place she surely belongs.

Nicole Gibbs vs. Tamara Korpatsch
Second on Court 12 (Approx. 1 PM ET)

Southern California native and former Stanford Cardinal national champion Gibbs was dominant in her opening-round match on Tuesday. It is no secret that she prefers hard courts, and the summer hard-court swing is her time to do some damage. She will look to use her movement, consistency—but most of all her fiery-competitive spirit—to dispatch the German Korpatsch and advance to the final round of qualifying. Gibbs has had an exciting year; she got engaged in February and would love nothing more than a birth in the main draw of the US Open.

Felix Auger-Aliassime vs. Christopher Eubanks
Not Before 7 PM ET, Court 11, Tennis Channel

Former Georgia Tech standout Eubanks is the more talented player almost every time he steps onto the court. But not in this matchup. The 18-year-old Canadian sensation already possesses one of the fiercest forehands in the world and is on the fast track to the main draw. Unless the 6'7'' Eubanks serves lights out, he will have his work cut out for him against the insanely gifted Auger-Aliassime.

Mitchell Krueger vs Thai-Son Kwiatkowski
Last on Court 12 (Approx. 7 PM ET), Tennis Channel

Krueger and Kwiatkowski had two very different journeys to the professional ranks. Krueger, a Texas native, opted to forgo full scholarship offers from several Big 12 Conference schools and head straight to the pros. Kwiatkowski, the No. 1 ranked-American recruit in his class, could have turned pro as well, but opted to attend the University of Virginia. There he won two national team titles and an individual national title, finishing his career with a stellar 136-24 record. Look for the six-year ATP vet Krueger and his rock solid two-handed backhand to barely edge out the less experienced Kwiatkowski.

Wake up every morning with Tennis Channel Live at the US Open starting at 8 a.m. ET. For three hours leading up to the start of play, Tennis Channel’s team will break down upcoming matches, review tournament storylines, breaking news and player developments.

Tennis Channel’s encore, all-night match coverage will begin every evening at 11 p.m. ET, with the exception of earlier starts on Saturday and Sunday of championship weekend.