A spot in the next round is at stake on Monday, when Adrian Mannarino goes up against Thiago Agustin Tirante in the US Open first round. Thiago Agustin Tirante comes in at 8 wins from the last ten. Adrian Mannarino limps in on a 4-match losing skid, just 3 wins in 10.

On paper it's close: comparable ratings, comparable serve numbers, small margins everywhere. The edge belongs to Tirante — real, but not the kind you take for granted at this level.