Three to See: Day 2

Jeremy Chardy vs. Ernests Gulbis [24] (Court 13, first match)
France turns out a new top-shelf ATP tour talent every few years, and Chardy is the latest off the production line. At 23, he’s already been inside the Top 40; currently, he’s No. 64. But Chardy’s not your typical stylish Frenchman. He opts for power over panache, and has proven his worth against some of the tour’s best this season at big events. Chardy beat Sam Querrey in Miami, and a few weeks ago in Toronto defeated Marcos Baghdatis, Fernando Verdasco and Nikolay Davydenko. Gulbis, Chardy’s first-round opponent, has also shown that he belongs at the Masters level, reaching the semis of Rome after upsetting Roger Federer. Gulbis’ shots—particularly his massive serve—were great on clay this year and should do more damage on fast hard courts.
The Pick: Gulbis in five

Jarmila Groth vs. Maria Sharapova [14] (Arthur Ashe Stadium, third match)
Some might see Groth, who reached the fourth round at Roland Garros and Wimbledon, as an upset threat to Sharapova. I don’t see it that way, though the Russian could certainly be tested early on at Flushing Meadows. How Sharapova plays in her opener should tell plenty about her long-term viability in this tournament. Some see Sharapova as a title contender in this Serena-less women’s draw. I don’t see it that way, either, but a convincing win over a tricky first-rounder would be tough to ignore.
The Pick: Sharapova in three

Radek Stepanek [28] vs. Julien Benneteau (Court 13, first match)
Day 1 saw Robin Soderling and Gael Monfils pushed to five sets by lesser opponents. Stepanek isn’t in the class of Soderling and Monfils, and Benneteau is no pushover, but this one should also go the distance. Benneteau has had a fine season, hovering in the Top 40 with sporadically solid results. Stepanek’s quirky game always keeps him in matches, and he has fundamentally sound shots at the core. This is a four-hour fight waiting to happen.
The Pick: Stepanek in five