By Erik Gudris | Monday, August 25, 2014

 

Roger Federer and Serena Williams shine bright in Tuesday's night session. Several intriguing matchups will keep fans entertained during the day.

Photo Credit: Christopher Levy

Day two at the US Open will feature two of the sport's all time greats in the night session. In the day, several matches could be too close to call.

(1) Serena Williams vs. Taylor Townsend, Ashe Stadium

This first-time meeting at night between the defending champion and the rising young talent is already being talked about in symbolic terms as one between the WTA's current top player and perhaps a future one. Still, Williams' experience playing on the biggest stage in the sport should give her a huge advantage.

Townsend will relish the moment and her lefty all-court game should yield her a few winning moments. Yet the reigining champion should prevail in straights.

Pick: Williams

(2) Roger Federer vs. Marinko Matosevic, Ashe Stadium

New York will come out in force to support crowd favorite Federer in his opening night match. He'll take on the Australian Matosevic nicknamed "Mag Dog" due to his sometimes over-emotional antics on court.

Federer will not underestimate Matosevic though and will aim to keep his first night out a short one to save energy for the rest of the event. But not before Federer gives the normally tough New York crowd plenty to "ooh" and "aah" about.

Pick: Federer

(12) Richard Gasquet vs. Denis Istomin, Court 17

France's Gasquet tossed a few socks and ripped many stylish one-handed backhands on his way to last year's semfinals. He'll start off this year by facing the often underated Istomin who can challenge anyone when his game is on.

Gasquet leads the head to head 3-1, yet Istomin's lone win over the Frenchman came on a hard court. If Gasquet, who's just now rounding into form after a recent injury, doesn't come out playing sharp, this could turn into a five set battle.

Pick: Gasquet

(16) Victoria Azarenka vs. Misaki Doi, Grandstand

Last year's finalist will kick off her US Open campaign after a tough summer again filled with injuries and lack of match play. While Azarenka is expected to win over her Japanese opponent, what most will be watching for is to see how Azarenka moves around on court. If Azarenka looks in good shape, she just might go far again in New York.

Pick: Azarenka

Dustin Brown vs. Bernard Tomic, Court 5

Why this match isn't on a bigger show court is hard to say, but enterprising fans will find a way to grab a set for this intriguing first time meeting. Germany's Brown is a crowd pleaser known for his daredevil serve and volley style backed up with potent backcourt play. Tomic, may not be everybody's favorite personality wise, but the young Australian still remains one of the most natual talents on tour with his easy power and subtle big serve.

Who will win? Probably the one who keeps the right balance of shotmaking and consistency. This could be a real treat.

Pick: Brown

View the complete order of play here.