The US opening began in New York, and at its biggest stages we will be introducing the best players in the world. Janik Thinner, who has been fresh off his victory at Wimbledon, is the men’s defending US open champion. Taft Gant, who nailed all four semi-finals for Wimbledon in July, will break down his best bet for the tournament. More real-time, check out our free picks every day and check out our Inside the Lines blog.
We are opening the best possible way
Ben Shelton reaches the quarter final (+155, fan duel)
Shelton comes at the US Open, which undoubtedly plays the best among American players. Unfortunately, if he wants to be the first US player to win a Grand Slam title since 2003, he will have to face Carlos Alcaraz in the quarter. His only loss at this year’s Grand Slam came either to Alkaraz or the Sinner. Shelton has a 12-2 record since Wimbledon. I like his worth to win his first four matches with plus money.
Taylor Fritz (+320, Fundael) and Francis Tiafoe (+1200, Fundael)
If you remember, these two met in the US Open semifinals last year. Now the Americans share a draw and have the odds at the second and fourth. The only problem? They have to pass Novak Djokovic. However, Djokovic is currently 38 years old so I think either Fritz or Tearfour can beat him and return to the Final Four.
Alex de Minauauur reaches the semi-finals (+440, fan duel)
De Minaur has a game where everyone is considered the most heavy quarter in what I see. Alexander Zverev is the only threat, but the Australian could play a similar game to World No. 3 and tire him out. De Minaur reached the quarterfinals in all four Grand Slams dating back to 2024.
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This is a summary of Taft’s tennis picks since joining the Inside the Lines team.
| Profit | $177 | |
| Wimbledon 2025 | Odds | unit |
| Shelton + Musetti ML | -147 | -1.00 |
| Djokovic reaches the semi-finals | +105 | +1.05 |
| Fritz reaching the semi-finals | +400 | +4.00 |
| Swiatec + Shelton ML | -150 | +0.66 |
| Alcaraz + Norrie O32.5 | -110 | -1.00 |
| Fritz, Jjokovic, Sinner and Alcaraz reach the semi-finals | +1400 | +14.00 |
